Before the event:

The Clerk’s office will send out a pour memoire card or email, listing:

Start time: e.g. 6:45 pm for 7:15 pm. This means the drinks reception will start at 6:45 pm and the dinner at 7:15 pm. Please arrive at 6:45 pm or shortly thereafter to meet members and guests and avoid being late for dinner.
Finish time: “Carriages”. This is the time the event is expected to finish.
Location: Dinners are held in various Livery Halls in the City of London and at Mansion House.
Dress code: see below.

On arrival:

Seating plan: Named programmes will be laid out on a table near the entrance. The seating plan with your place highlighted will be printed at the back. Make sure you pick up the programme with your name on the front.
Receiving line: You will be announced by the Beadle (toast master) so that the Livery Master can greet you before you go through to the drinks reception. You will then shake hands with the Master and other members of the lineup.
Drinks reception: This is the main opportunity to mingle with Paviors and their guests.
Call to dinner: The Beadle will announce dinner. Leave your glass behind and move as quickly as possible to the place marked on the table plan, where you should stand behind your seat.
Procession: The Master, Wardens, Clerk, Chaplain and principal guests process in and out of dinner, led by the Beadle. A slow hand clap is traditional.
Grace before dinner: Please remain standing while grace is said by the Honorary Chaplain.
During the meal: Please remain in your seat and enjoy the company of those sitting with you. Please refrain from getting up to talk to other people or using the facilities.
Sung grace during the meal: The words of the traditional grace sung at every dinner are printed in the programme.
Toasts: The Master Pavior will propose three formal toasts, all taken standing:
The King – preceded by the National Anthem. Please leave your glass on the table until after the National Anthem, then raise it and repeat “The King”.
Queen Camilla, The Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family. Raise your glass and repeat “The Royal Family”.
The Lord Mayor and the City of London (The Civic Toast).
Speeches and entertainment:  These will be announced by the Beadle. Please remain seated and refrain from speaking.
A senior Liveryman will say a few words of welcome and propose a toast to the guests. All Paviors rise while guests remain seated.
The principal guest will say a few words and propose a toast to the Master Pavior. Everyone except the Master stands.
A recent Liveryman will propose a toast to the Worshipful Company of Paviors. All stand.
The Loving Cup: This is an ancient City custom in which large silver cups are passed around the table(s). Instructions are printed in the programme.
Recession: Please stand at your place until after the Master and principal guest have processed out.

Procedure at Dinners and Banquets

Mobile phones: These must not be used during dinner and should be switched off before you go into dinner.
Photographs: No photographs should be taken during the reception or dinner. There will usually be an official photographer present.
Let the Clerk know if you do not wish to have your picture taken.
Jackets: Gentlemen should keep their jackets on throughout the evening.
Enjoy!