The wedding and who does what......
Many weddings are now funded by the bride and groom who will obviously have the final say in all matters. Right mum! However, as your wedding is special to loved ones too they may consider it an honour to be given particular tasks.
Here are a few guide lines:
THE BRIDE
Chooses wedding date, type of ceremony, the theme of the wedding and her outfit.
Chooses her attendants and their outfits.
Co-ordinates and advises other members of the bridal party on dress code, colours etc.
Throws her bouquet.
Writes thank you notes to helpers and for the gifts.
Buys a wedding present for the groom.
THE GROOM
Works out the budget.
Buys the wedding rings
Arranges the outfits of the male bridal party.
Arranges the honeymoon and /or overnight accommodation.
Buys gifts for the best man, bridesmaids and ushers.
Makes a speech at the reception, on behalf of himself and his new wife
And of course tells his new wife constantly how beautiful she is and how much he adores her!
THE BEST MAN
Helps groom to choose his outfits and those of the male attendants.
Arranges the ‘stag do’.
Meets at the ceremony venue, along with the ushers to discuss seating and parking arrangements.
Attends the wedding rehearsal
Collects hire wear for himself and groom.
Collects cards or messages from those not attending.
Makes sure ushers have button holes and order of service.
Helps the groom to dress on the morning of the wedding and get to the church on time.
On behalf of the groom discreetly pays for the church (if not already done), leaves tips and pays the bell ringers.
Produce the rings when required.
Escort the chief bridesmaid to the signing of the register.(They are both usually witnesses to the signing).
Checks arrangements with the ushers that all guests have transport to the reception.
In the absence of a Toastmaster he announces events e.g. speeches cutting of the cake etc.
Makes a speech and reads out cards.
Decorates the going away car.
Helps transport the wedding gifts.
Returns all hire wear.
CHIEF BRIDESMAID
Helps the bride choose her outfit.
Helps the bride to follow her wedding list.
Organises the ‘hen do’.
Attends the rehearsal
Helps arrange and supervise a timetable for the bride on the day so she is not always watching the clock.
Helps the bride and her attendants get ready on the day.
At the ceremony venue, before the brides entrance, check brides attire and line up attendants.
Holds the brides bouquet during the ceremony.
Escorted by the best man attends the signing of the register (usually as a witness).
Walks with the best man out of the ceremony.
Takes her places in the receiving line.
Places her bouquet, along with the brides by the wedding cake.
Helps serve the cake.
Helps the bride prepare for ‘going away’, takes charge of the wedding attire
Along with the best man, helps transport the wedding gifts from the reception to a safe place.
FLOWER GIRL
Carries a basket of flowers or flower petals.
Joins in the procession with the attendants.
Walks back down the aisle in front of the bride and groom strewing flowers in their path.
USHERS
Before the wedding day, meet with the best man to work out duties.
Plan parking arrangements and get to know where the toilets are
Collect order of service sheets from the bride or best man.
Provide umbrellas in case of rain.
Arrive first at ceremony venue.
Organise parking.
Ensure that the approach is clear for the brides arrival.
Greet guests and distribute buttonholes, order of service and hymn books.(Formal wedding’s have a guest list so family are escorted to the seat at the front of the church).
Make sure all guests switch off mobile phones.
Explain the situation regarding flash photography and confetti.
Escort the brides mother and elderly guests to their seats.
Help photographer/videographer organise groups for shots.
Help best man to organise transport to reception.
To prevent a long queue arrange for a few guests to go along the receiving line at a time.
Make sure all guests are seated for the speeches
Greet evening guests
Get guests to applaud during bride and groom’s first dance and also for them to dance too.
Line up guests when bride and groom are leaving.
BRIDES MOTHER
Arrange press announcements
Compiles the guest list in consultation with the bride and groom plus groom’s family.
Sends out invitations and keeps a note of replies.
Looks after gift list and is responsible for the display of gifts on the big day.
Make a list of the guests for ushers.
If the brides father is absent then she can give the bride away.
Attends the signing of the register
Leaves the church on the arm of the grooms father.
She is first in the receiving line.
Sends cake to those unable to attend the wedding.
BRIDES FATHER
Attends the wedding rehearsal
Travels with daughter to the ceremony
Escorts the bride down the aisle.
Gives the bride away.
Attends the signing of the register.
Escorts the grooms mother from the church.
Stands along side his wife in the receiving line.