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Typical Wedding at Rosewood
(ceremony only 3:00 pm start time)
While our gardens are always maintained we pay special attention to them at least two days prior to the
day of the service. Bushes are trimmed, everything is deadheaded and weeded, lawns are mowed and
trimmed and outdoor furniture is cleaned.
Prior to the wedding day usually if any champagne is to be served it arrives the day before. Also the
wedding dress can arrive the day before.
There is usually a complete rehearsal of the wedding on the day before the wedding (around 4pm). All
bridal party, grooms party, and any guests who are in the wedding party and will be ON the gazebo
during the ceremony are urged to attend this rehearsal. If the bride has special music for the ceremony
(processional, signing of registry, recessional) please bring your CDs and speak to Daniel - he will take
care of all music and in some cases will burn a CD so all music is positioned one track after the other.
On the day of:
8:00 AM - decorating of the Gazebo begins:
- tewel fabric around the gazebo
- small bouquets on each post
- furniture removed, floor swept and appropriate number of chairs set up
- signing table cleaned and lace tablecloths added
- furniture positioned around the perimeter of the centre pond
- two large bouquets prepared in wicker baskets and positioned on gazebo
- outdoor covered deck area cleaned, ashtrays put out
- decorations added to covered deck and fresh bouquets
- fresh bouquets in the house and suites
- entrance hall set up for guests to arrive (guest book, basket for gifts)
During the morning:
- Flowers for wedding party arrive and are stored in our catering area.
- Any champagne can arrive or maybe has arrived the day before.
- Champagne put on ice.
12:00 - 1:00
- Bride and her party arrive and use the master suite on the second floor for dressing
- If the bride is having her hair/nails prepared off site then she should arrive no later than
1:00 for dressing AND photography.
2:00
Daniel double-checks everything, makes sure all music is "cued"
2:15
- Grooms party arrives and moves into the games room.
Parking volunteer to meet with Daniel to help with parking.
If the number of guests is over 50 perhaps two volunteers would be appreciated.
Daniel in white dinner jacket is stationed to receive all guests
Guests are directed into the main entrance to sign the guest book and leave gifts.
Sometimes a member of the family is in the entrance hall to welcome the guests
Pinning of Boutonnières may need a volunteer as well as we don't necessarily know the
entire wedding party.
Parking Volunteers:
The parking volunteers are positioned 1) up on Pine Road at the entrance to Rosewood. That
person is to greet the car and ask the driver to proceed down into Rosewood, stop in the car
port, unload their guests and then proceed out through the circular drive to the street. Parking
is permitted on only ONE side of the street. Cars could be towed if they park on both sides.
The second volunteer is there to open doors, and in some cases motion the driver to park in
Rosewood's lot - these cars are for anyone who is a senior, has trouble walking, or has a
disability, or is in a wheelchair. It would be appreciated if we know how many cars will need
to park in the lot. It can hold approximately 16 cars and three more up at the cottage behind.
Once the guests are out of their cars Daniel will welcome them to Rosewood and direct them to
the entrance where they can sign the guest book.
2:50
There should be some designate (usually the "Master of Ceremonies") who will ask the guests to
being to move down to the Gazebo. Guests can stand around the edges of the pond. In July/August
you might mention in your invitations that sun hats might not be a bad idea as it can get hot. We
have a few white umbrellas is needed.
2:55
Daniel and parking volunteers move into Rosewood to get ready for the ceremony.
Daniel moves the grooms party and all wedding party members (except bridal party) over to the
east lawn and gets them in order. All but grooms men and marriage commissioner can now
proceed down to their seats on the Gazebo.
3:00
Depending if the Bride is ready (and she can take as much time as she wants - its HER DAY!!)
Daniel will be in touch with Susan as to how things are going and once the photography is finished
upstairs the bridal party will move down through the Sunset Suite to the West lawn for lining up
for the processional.
Once the bridal party comes downstairs Daniel will signal the grooms party and marriage
commissioner to move down to the Gazebo. And once Daniel gets the signal from Susan the music
will start and so does the bridal party.
Once the bride is in position on the Gazebo the music will stop. More music can be played during the
signing of the registry (which can take about 3 to 4 minutes), and more at the end. We have a number of
wedding selections you can listen too.
After the service it is recommended that the bride STAY on the gazebo out of the sun and the entire
party can receive the guests who will come up onto the gazebo and exit the other side. The master of
ceremonies should direct guests to come up to meet the "new couple".
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