On Arrival

You will be advised of the event start time on your invitation.

Timeliness is important however should you arrive early, you should wait in any main reception areas rather than enter the event room itself to ensure that any briefings are not interrupted. When it is time, you will be invited to enter the event space.

Whilst you should endeavour to be on time, it is recognised that sometimes, events overtake. Should you arrive late, it is polite to discreetly enter and apologise to the host at an appropriate moment later on during the event. Do not enter if you arrive during speeches or toasts. Wait until there is movement to enter. 

Receptions and Receiving Lines

Many formal events begin with a reception and, on some occasions, a receiving line.

If there is a receiving line, you will be guided forward when it is your turn. These introductions are usually brief and courteous, simply to allow everyone to be welcomed before dinner.

You may also be given a short notice before dinner is called. This is a sensible moment to make use of the facilities, as guests are generally expected to remain in their places once the formal part of the evening begins.

During the Dinner

When dinner is announced, guests are asked to move promptly to their places in the dining room (having first checked the seating plan) and stand behind their chairs in readiness to welcome the Master and VIPs, who will process to the top table.  It is traditional to clap as the procession moves to the top table.

Generally, everyone should remain standing until Grace has been given and then once the Master is seated, everyone else may take their seats.  

During the meal itself, guests are asked not to leave the table unless absolutely necessary.

Following dinner, there are usually toasts and speeches. These form part of the ceremony and tradition of the evening. The order is typically set out in the printed menu or programme.

When a toast is proposed, guests should follow the lead of the Master, toastmaster, or those around them. If you are unfamiliar with the custom, do not worry - simply observe others and join in.

If a toast is made to the guests, members of the Company may be asked to rise while guests remain seated.

At the close of the formal proceedings, the Master and Wardens may also process out. Guests should remain standing until they have left the room.

Leaving Early

We appreciate that, on occasion, some may need to leave before the close of the evening owing to travel, family, or other commitments.

If that is necessary, please do so as discreetly as possible and, ideally, not during a speech or formal toast.

Port

It is typical for port to be served at the end of the meal.  Decanters will be placed on the tables and when one arrives with you, pour a small measure into your glass (do not fill to the brim) and pass it to your left (never to your right).   Guests should keep the port circulating until the decanters are empty, bearing in mind it is a tradition that the decanters do not touch the table.

Note that port may  be used for the toasts so ensure you reserve an amount for these.

Mobile Phones and Photography

Mobile phones should be kept on silent throughout the event. 

If you must check your phone or take an urgent call, please do so discreetly and leave the room before answering.

As a general rule, guests are asked not to take photographs during dinner or during the formal parts of the proceedings. There is often an official photographer, and photographs are usually made available afterwards.

Photographs before or after the formal proceedings are, of course, welcomed, but we ask guests to remain mindful of the privacy of others, particularly when sharing images publicly.

Social Media

By attending a Company event, members and their guests give permission for their photographs to be taken by an official photographer, nominated Company unofficial photographer, or the Clerk.

Before posting on social media, members and guests should seek permission from any individual they wish to photograph, video, or mention by name.

Company events are covered by the Chatham House Rule – topics may be disclosed on social media, but not an individual's opinion or comment.

Nothing is to be posted on social media that might bring the Company into disrepute.

Any photographs of events shared on social media should contain the appropriate tag for the Honourable Company.

Above All

The most important thing is that you enjoy the occasion.

These traditions are there to add character and ceremony to the evening, not to make anyone feel uncertain. Officers and Wardens of the Company will be pleased to assist, and guests should feel entirely comfortable asking if they are unsure of anything.

We are delighted to welcome you and hope you have a very enjoyable time.