Dinner Protocol
If you are hosting a formal dinner that includes government dignitaries or high-ranking officials, this information may be helpful to you.
For further information or to contact us, e-mail to Protocol-Visits. To help us respond to your inquiry, please include your name and postal address.
Dinner Plan A
Reception. (Usually approximately 1/2 hour in length)
Guests proceed to dining room.
Guests are seated according to your seating plan.
The Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) identifies himself.
Guests are asked to stand for entrance of Head Table guests.
Note:
Head Table guests should proceed to the Head Table in the order in which they are to be seated at the table. The Protocol Office will assist you with the seating plan for the Head Table should you require assistance.
Optional
Head Table guests can be piped in if you so wish.
Optional
Guests are asked to join in the singing of the National Anthem. 
This is appropriate if you have musical accompaniment.
If you use a piper for the Head Table guests, a round of applause would be appropriate for the appreciation, at this point in the program.
M.C. invites ____________________________ to say grace.
If there is a member of the clergy present, privilege of saying the grace should be given to him/her.
After grace is said, M.C. invites guests to be seated.
Introduction of Head Table guests.
Note:
Protocol office will assist you with the order of introduction if you should require assistance.
The M.C. will invite the guest speakers to bring remarks.
Note:
Protocol office will assist you with speaking order if you should require assistance.
Speeches are given.
Loyal Toast (Toast to Her Majesty The Queen)
M.C. asks ______________________ to give the Loyal Toast.
If you are having a Guest Speaker and a memento is to be given to the Guest Speaker or flowers to his spouse, this should be done now.
Dinner.
M.C. or a designated person should thank the Guest Speaker and also thank the guests for participating and the dinner adjourns.
If you have a Guest Speaker only, then either one of the following scenarios can be used:
Number One
M.C. should thank everyone for participating and dinner adjourns.
or
Number Two
M.C. or a designated person should thank the Guest Speaker and also thank the guests for participating and the dinner adjourns.
NO COLOR GUARD AT DINNERS — FLAGS SHOULD BE IN PLACE BEHIND THE HEAD TABLE PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
Entry of Head Table Guests
National Anthem
Grace
Introduction of
Head Table Guests
Remarks
Loyal Toast
If you are having a Guest Speaker and a memento is to be given to the Guest Speaker or flowers to his spouse, this should be done now.
Dinner
Adjournment
The Nomads
Mr. George Smith
Note:
You may wish to have the Loyal Toast given after the main course rather than after the dessert.
Dinner Plan B
Reception. (Usually approximately 1/2 hour in length)
Guests proceed to dining room.
Guests are seated according to your seating plan.
The Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) identifies himself.
Guests are asked to stand for entrance of Head Table guests.
Note:
Head Table guests should proceed to the Head Table in the order in which they are to be seated at the table. The Protocol Office will assist you with the seating plan for the Head Table should you require assistance.
Optional
Head Table guests can be piped in if you so wish.
Optional
Guests are asked to join in the singing of the National Anthem.
This is appropriate if you have musical accompaniment.
If you use a piper for the Head Table guests, a round of applause would be appropriate for the appreciation, at this point in the program.
M.C. invites ____________________________ to say grace.
If there is a member of the clergy present, privilege of saying the grace should be given to him/her.
After grace is said, M.C. invites guests to be seated.
Introduction of Head Table guests.
Note:
No speeches are given at this time, introductions only.
Protocol office will assist you with the order of introduction if you should require assistance.
Dinner.
After dessert, Loyal Toast (Toast to Her Majesty The Queen).
M.C. asks ______________________ to give the Loyal Toast.
After coffee is served the M.C. will invite the guest speakers to speak.
Note:
Protocol office will assist you with speaking order if you should require assistance.
Speeches are given.
M.C. or a designated person should now thank the speakers and also thank the guests for participating and the dinner adjourns.
If you have a Guest Speaker only, then either one of the following scenarios can be used:
Number One
If you are having a Guest Speaker and a memento is to be given to the Guest Speaker or flowers to his spouse, this should be done now, and
Host should thank the Guest Speaker and make the presentation.
M.C. should thank everyone for participating and dinner adjourns.
or
Number Two
If no memento or flowers are to be given, then
M.C. or a designated person should thank the Guest Speaker and also thank the guests for participating and the dinner adjourns.
NO COLOR GUARD AT DINNERS — FLAGS SHOULD BE IN PLACE BEHIND THE HEAD TABLE PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
Entry of Head Table Guests
National Anthem
Grace
Introduction of
Head Table Guests
Dinner
Loyal Toast
Address or remarks by
Guest of Honour
Adjournment
The Nomads
Mr. George Smith
Note:
You may wish to have the Loyal Toast given after the main course rather than after the dessert.
