Kevin & Glenys Johnston
P.O Box 13
Upper Moutere
Nelson, 7144
New Zealand

Phone/Fax:(03) 543 2113
Email: info@themudcastle.co.nz

WEDDING RECEPTION

Amanda Davy and Brett Charlett
22/10/06
Photographer: Melinda Baigent

Fiona Mulvay and Chris McGlinchey
27/10/07
Photographers: Alicja and Jacub Mazlowski

Lyndelle Tuffnell and Jonah Neho
11/09/05
Photographer: Melinda Baigent

For the celebration that flows on from the ceremony, food and beverage menus are designed specifically for each wedding, tailored to your budget and individual requirements.

Speeches, the cake cutting ceremony, musical items, the first dance etc. are included as required and an individual timeline of events is produced. A sample timeframe is included below which may be of assistance to you in setting times that allow everything to fit.

A key role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly is played by your Master of Ceremonies (MC). We have written a checklist for those who may not have performed this service before and will happily guide and assist them through their duties.

SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMEFRAME FOR A 3.30pm CEREMONY HELD AT THE MUDCASTLE OVER SPRING/SUMMER/AUTUMN WITH THE BRIDE GETTING READY OFF SITE.

9.30am - 2.30pm

Hair, nails (if not already done) and makeup

Bridal bouquets etc. are collected

Lunch

The bride and her attendants get dressed

The photographer may arrive for some "getting ready" shots

The bridal transport arrives
2.30/2.45pm

The groom's arrives together with his attendants

The ushers (if appropriate) arrive

3.00pm - 3.30pm

The guests arrive gradually (unless bus transport used)

The groom's parents arrive

The bride's mother arrives with the bridesmaids
3.30pm+

The bride and bride's father's arrive

3.30pm+ - 4.00pm

Wedding Ceremony
4.00pm - 4.30pm

Group and family photos
4.30pm - 5.30pm

The bar opens for drinks and nibbles for guests while the bridal party photos are taken in the grounds and offsite.

A hamper of nibbles or a sampling of the fingerfood the guests are enjoying can be arranged with the caterer for the bridal party (optional)
The MC makes an announcement re the whereabouts of bathrooms, toasting policy for this wedding etc.

The guests put their presents on the present table, find their table numbers on the seating plan, sign the wedding book or card (optional) and overnight guests check in to their rooms.

5.30pm - 5.45pm

The bride and groom mingle with guests until leading through to dinner. This is also a buffer zone if the photo shoot goes over time.
5.45pm

The candles are lit for reception (if applicable)
6.00pm - 6.30pm

Sit down

Entrée /Orders are taken for main course (if a plated menu with choices)

The toasts and speeches may be heard here (optional)
6.30pm - 8.30pm

Main course

Cake cutting ceremony (if cake is a dessert cake)

The toasts and speeches may be heard here (optional)
Dessert

Cake cutting ceremony (if cake is a fruitcake to be served with coffee)
8.30pm-

Tea and coffee available from the coffee buffet
Dance

SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMEFRAME FOR A 3.30pm CEREMONY HELD AT THE MUDCASTLE OVER SPRING/SUMMER/AUTUMN WITH THE BRIDE ALSO GETTING READY AT THE MUDCASTLE. .

9.30am - 12.30pm

Hair, nails (if not already done) and makeup is done off site

Bridal bouquets etc. are collected

1.00pm

The bride arrives at The Mudcastle with her bridal party attendants to get ready and relax

The chief bridesmaid may organise a hamper of goodies for a late lunch

The photographer may arrive for some "getting ready" shots
2.30/2.45pm
The groom's arrives together with his attendants

The ushers (if appropriate) arrive

3.00pm - 3.30pm

The guests arrive gradually (unless bus transport used)

The groom's parents arrive

The bride's parents arrive and often both join the bride

When the bride is ready, the bride's mother takes her seat and the ceremony begins

3.30pm+ - 4.00pm

Wedding Ceremony
4.00pm - 4.30pm

Group and family photos
4.30pm - 5.30pm

The bar opens for drinks and nibbles for guests while the bridal party photos are taken in the grounds and offsite.

A hamper of nibbles or a sampling of the fingerfood the guests are enjoying can be arranged with the caterer for the bridal party (optional)
The MC makes an announcement re the whereabouts of bathrooms, toasting policy for this wedding etc.

The guests put their presents on the present table, find their table numbers on the seating plan, sign the wedding book or card (optional) and overnight guests check in to their rooms.

5.30pm - 5.45pm

The bride and groom mingle with guests until leading through to dinner. This is also a buffer zone if the photo shoot goes over time.
5.45pm

The candles are lit for reception (if applicable)
6.00pm - 6.30pm

Sit down

Entrée /Orders are taken for main course (if a plated menu with choices)

The toasts and speeches may be heard here (optional)
6.30pm - 8.30pm

Main course

Cake cutting ceremony (if cake is a dessert cake)

The toasts and speeches may be heard here (optional)
Dessert

Cake cutting ceremony (if cake is a fruitcake to be served with coffee)
8.30pm-

Tea and coffee available from the coffee buffet

Dance

Brenda Looney and John Beeby
16/12 /00
Photographer: Unknown

Leah Godfrey and Mark Caldwell
01/03/03
Photographer: Unknown