Etiquette at Livery Functions
The following points about etiquette apply to all formal Livery functions and should be observed by Liverymen and guests.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are to be switched off on entering the venue of the dinner or event and should not be used at any time during the course of a function.
It is encouraged to take photos after the event has concluded, of yourself and your guests, but please preserve the absolute privacy of other people attending when you’re taking those photos.
Addressing the Master
At all times, the Master should be referred to as “Master” and not by name. It’s easy to overlook this, especially when you have a friendship that extends beyond Livery functions, but it’s these small courtesies that make our events unique and timeless.
Formal Events
Reception
Members and their guests should present their menu card to the Toastmaster or Beadle and wait to be announced by the Toastmaster or Beadle before approaching the Receiving Line to be greeted by the Master and Wardens.
A comfort break is not always provided during dinner. Consequently, you and your guests should make yourselves comfortable before the reception concludes.
In order to prevent the proceedings being delayed, it is most important that everyone takes their places at table immediately the Toastmaster announces dinner or luncheon.
Dining
No-one should leave the dining table during a function, other than when invited to do so by the Master, or in the case of an emergency.
At formal dinners it is customary to clap the Master, Wardens and principal guests, as they process into and out of the dining hall.
Grace is said before sitting down to eat. At formal dinners Grace may also be sung following completion of the dessert course.
No-one should commence eating until the Master has started to do so.
Toasts
Port decanters should always be passed to the left and never across the table, other than at the end of a sprig.
The Rosewater Bowl and the Loving Cup, if used, are circulated before coffee is served.
At formal dinners, when a pianist is present, the first verse of the National Anthem is sung by everyone after the Master has proposed the Loyal Toast and before that toast is drunk. The opening bars of the National Anthem are played after the Master has proposed the toast to “The other Members of The Royal Family”.
Dress
Members and their guests should always adopt the dress code stated in the invitation letter/email or pour memoire card. Details of the various dress codes are set out below:
Lounge Suit
Gentlemen
Dark suit and Company tie or other dark, simple tie.
Ladies
Day dress, cocktail dress or suit.
Livery Medals and Badges
Livery medals and badges should be worn, as directed. They should not be worn when visiting other Companies, unless one is invited to do so by the host Master.
Morning Dress
‘Morning Dress’ is the formal daytime equivalent of evening ‘White Tie’ for a day event. It consists of a ‘Morning Coat’, a single-button black or grey knee-length tailcoat; trousers of grey or ‘salt & pepper’ colour stripes or pattern; a white coloured shirt with a ‘turn-down’ collar; a black waistcoat for formal occasions and a coloured example for jolly occasions e.g. weddings; the Company tie or a coloured silk tie pertinent to the occasion and finished off with fully polished black shoes. A black or grey top hat may be carried with similar colour gloves.
Black Tie
Gentlemen
Black dinner jacket, black bow tie and white shirt. A cummerbund or waistcoat, if worn, should also be black. Decorations and medals are only worn when stated on the invitation.
(NB coloured bow ties, shirts, waistcoats and cummerbunds are never worn).
Ladies
Long or medium length dresses.
White Tie
Gentlemen
Tailcoat, with white waistcoat and white bow tie, decorations and miniature medals.
Ladies
Long gowns with shoulders covered.
Men's Shoes
For white tie and black tie events, men typically wear black patent leather shoes.
The style should be a classic, polished oxford or a dress shoe that complements the elegance of a dinner suit.
It's essential that the shoes are highly polished to match the formal nature of the attire.
Dress Examples
Lounge suit and Day Dress
Morning Dress
Black Tie
White Tie
