LIVERY TRADITIONS

POSSIBLE CEREMONIES AT FORMAL EVENTS
At formal events, a number of traditional ceremonies may be part of the festivities.  This could include Sung Grace, The Loving Cup Ceremony, Rose Water Ceremony and Toasts.  You may also wish to know how you will be Processing In and Out, or how you will be involved in photographing – either in the receiving line or formal line-ups with special guests, before the procession in begins. 
 
Sung Grace:  The lyrics for Sung Grace are generally provided on the menu card and it is acceptable to follow along reading the card.  Many Consorts prepare by memorising the words to be able to “lead” the room in the song.  ​
​
Please download the Music at Banquets information file by clicking on the button below:
​
​The Loving Cup Ceremony:  There is a degree of uncertainty about the origin of the ceremony surrounding the Loving or Grace Cup.  The custom is said to have originated as a protective precaution to keep the right, or 'dagger' hand, employed. This way the person who drinks may be protected and avoid a treachery, like that of Elfrida (step-mother to King Edward the Martyr) who arranged for the unsuspecting King to be slain while drinking  at Corfe Castle in Dorset on 18 March 978 AD.
 
In today’s ceremony, there is no treachery, just a bit of fun.  

​Please download the Loving Cup Ceremony information file by clicking on the button below:

​Rose Water Ceremony:  In medieval times the Rose Water Ceremony was a necessary part of dining without cutlery.  This ceremony is not peculiar to Livery Company dinners and uses a bowl of scented rose water.  The Apothecaries’ Society suggests that the perfumed water is patted behind the ears using a corner of one’s table napkin, thus soothing the digestive organs which were felt to be connected to this area of the body (on a similar principle to acupuncture). 
 
Toasts:  A series of toasts are made on these occasions and will always begin with a toast to The Queen.  Typically followed by The Royal Family, and then The Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation.  Other toasts are likely to include Principal Guests, Guests and The Company.  Each toast is generally taken in turn by standing, calling out the toast and then sitting down again. 
 
It is considered a break in protocol to leave the dining room before the toast to The Queen. 
 
Processing In & Out:  Where the Master and you are special guests, you may be asked to form the Procession.  Often the entire procession is “clapped in and out”.  Notice that this is not always true. It is helpful to be aware of where your seat actually is, so that you do not walk past it during the procession. 
 
Where the event is for your own Livery Company, your Clerk, Beadle or Master will keep you informed of the plan for the Processing In & Out.  If you are a novice, simply ask, as it is very easy to reduce your anxiety before it all begins. 
 
Photographs:  You and The Master may be asked for your photograph either in the receiving line or perhaps in a formal line-up with special guests before the procession begins.  With support from the Clerk or the Beadle, the photographer generally tells you where to stand and where to look.  You have no role other than to smile at the camera. ​