The Sunday Mail
Table set with charger plates
ONE day to go to the big day and already a festive atmosphere punctuated by excitement engulfs both the bride and groom’s camps, with friends and foe alike falling over each other to be seen to be doing their best.
Tendai Mbirimi – Bridal Writer
The soon-to-be Mr and Mrs have reached the deepest depth of their financial limit and have borrowed to make sure their day is truly flawless, unique and memorable.
On the big day, the groom — clad in a designer suit — makes his grand entrance; both ecstatic and nervous amid cheers and ululations. But the day belongs to bride. Confetti and rose petals guide her path. A bevy of exquisitely-garmented bridesmaids complement the beautifully choreographed venue and the plush garden adds bliss to delight.
When it comes to modern wedding decor, Zimbabwe is not lagging behind. The trend in Zimbabwean weddings these days is a show of sumptuousness and affluence.
Recently, I attended a weeding whose ambience from the venue entrance up to the high table left me stumped.
An appreciation of table setting etiquette is important to avoid embarrassing yourself through breaking or misuse of paraphernalia you decorate your table with.
Generally, the setup of a table tells you what you are likely to come across. The arrangement and number of forks, knifes and spoons tell you the type of starter, dessert or main course likely to come.
Prisca Chishiri, events co-ordinator at Decor Den Events, points out that hotel table-setting is different from that of weddings.
“In hotel table-setting, you may not find some of the utensils you find at a wedding table simply because most of the items found at a wedding set-up will be purely decor so as to impress the guests,” she says.
Show plates
Mostly referred to as charger plates, these are for decorative purposes. Due to lake of knowledge some people end up using them as side plates. Some may put their meals on top of the show plates.
“This is the reason why when you leave your table for the buffet, waitrons may quickly remove charger plates from the table. Some guest may decide to take some of the utensils as a souvenir; this is wrong,” notes Prisca.
Most, if not all of the things, on the table are not for guests to take home.
Centre pieces
At times these are difficult to manage. Guests should not move them willy-nilly because they want a better view of the hig table or dance floor.
It is advisable to seek assistance from ushers in such situations.
Flower centrepieces are nothing new, but more and more brides are coming up with fresh takes on floral focal points.
We love the trend of fresh flowers in decorated jam jars and bottles — it’s perfect for weddings and won’t break the bank. But don’t take them as souvenirs; they are just for a wow impression.
Napkins
It is not acceptable etiquette to use the napkin to wipe cutlery; if the silverware is unacceptable, it is best to ask the waiter or hostess for another set.
Napkins should not be used to get the attention of a host or waiter; a slight hand gesture or eye contact is sufficient. Guests should also refrain from using napkins to wipe the nose or face — this should be done away from the table.
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