Wedding Tips

The Best Man

Provides a supporting role to the groom. A position of huge responsibility that should not be undertaken or indeed offered lightly. His duties include:

The arrangement of the Stag Party (this should not be the night before the wedding)
Ensuring a punctual and sober arrival of the groom at the wedding venue.
Issuing of Buttonholes.
Issuing of Orders of Service.
Organising the seating with the wedding venue.
Responsibility for the bringing of rings to the wedding venue.
Presenting rings to the clergyman when required.
Witnessing the signing of the register.
Organisation of the Ushers.
Payment of Church fees on behalf of the groom.
Escorting the chief bridesmaid down the aisle.
Organising the transport from the ceremony to the reception.
'Best man' speech at the reception.
Reading out any telegrams and messages.
Delivery of the going away outfits to the bride and groom at the reception.
Organising somewhere for the bride and groom to change prior to going away.
Ensuring the bride and groom's luggage leaves with them on their honeymoon.
Organising the collection of wedding presents.
Having first dance with the chief bridesmaid.
Ensuring guests' transport arrangements are organised.
'Breaking down barriers' among the guests to ensure the party moves into full swing.

The Bridesmaids

In much the same way as the best man's role to the groom, the Chief Bridesmaid (usually the bride's sister or best friend) has a supporting role to the bride - but one that will not involve making a speech. Her duties are assisting the bride in getting dressed before and after the ceremony. She holds the bridal bouquet during the ceremony and is responsible for the organisation of the other bridesmaids. She will be escorted from the church by the best man.

Responsibilities of the Chief Bridesmaid:

Assisting the bride in recording accepted and declined invitations.
Organising the Hen Night.
Helping the bride with her choice of wedding dress.
Meeting the bride at the entrance to the wedding venue.
Confirming final checks with florist, photographer, reception etc.
Witnessing the signing of the register.
Re-arranging the bridal dress, veil and train at the wedding venue when necessary.
Being on hand to assist with the requirements of the bride as and when they arise.
Making sure the bride is ready on the day.
Accompanying the bride to the hairdresser on the wedding day.
Ensuring the brides transport is on schedule.
Checking that the bride has packed everything for the honeymoon.
Organising the flowergirls and bridesmaids.
Carrying the brides bouquet to the alter.
Lifting the brides veil at the alter.
Assisting the best man introduce people to each other at the reception.
Keeping the remainder of the wedding cake until the couple return from their honeymoon.
Returning any hired clothing.

Responsibilities of Bridesmaid:

·Assist Chief Bridesmaid with her preparations.
· Follow the bride into the church.

The Ushers

The ushers main duties are:

Showing people to their seats at the ceremony.
Distributing orders of service.
Distributing buttonholes.
Distributing hymn books.
Assisting the best man in organising the photographs.
Assisting the best man with organisation of transport.
Generally looking after the guests.
Escorting the bride's mother to her seat.
Introducing guests to each other.

The Brides Parents

Traditionally, the bride's parents had the 'privilege' of paying for the majority of the wedding expenses. Although today the costs are likely to be distributed among both sets of parents and the couple themselves, there are still responsibilities the bride's parents maintain.

Discussing and agreeing the wedding planning with the groom's parents.
Hosting the engagement party
Assisting the bride with the guest list.
Assisting the bride in sending out the invitations.
Witnessing the signing of the register.
Acting as host and hostess at the reception.
Greeting the guests as they arrive at the reception.
Mixing with the guests.

Bride's Father:

Travels to church with his daughter.
Escorts his daughter down the aisle.
Gives his daughter away during the ceremony.
Witnesses the signing of the register.
Escorts the Groom's Mother from the ceremony.
Makes the first speech at the reception.
Raises a toast to the bride and groom.
Bids farewell to departing guests.
He is traditionally the last person to leave the reception.

The bride's mother has a vital role in supporting her daughter with all her preparations. She should listen and respect the brides wishes at every stage, even if these wishes do not match her own.

The Grooms Parents

There are no traditional roles for the groom's parents to carry out. In the past it was an accepted obligation of the brides parents to to meet all wedding expenses. Today however, it is not unusual for the groom's parents to make a considerable financial contribution. Therefore, it is good manners to consult the groom's parents and include them in as much of the planning as possible.

Congratulate the bride's parents on news of the engagement.
Welcome the future daughter-in-law into the family.
Organise a meeting where both sets of parents can discuss arrangements.
Agree the wedding plan with the bride's parents.
Inform the bride's mother of the number of guests from the groom's family.
Welcome the guests to the wedding.
Mingle with the guests.

The Pageboys & Flowergirls

Attend pre-wedding rehearsals.
Accompany each other down the aisle - following the bridesmaids.
Distribute rose petals or confetti to guests after ceremony.
Appear in wedding photos.

Flowergirls may walk in front of the bride scattering flower petals or confetti down the aisle. They may also carry posies which they give to guests as they during the procession.

Pageboys traditionally help carry the long bridal train. They may also carry the rings, on a cushion, to the altar.

The Guests

There is no doubt that the guests have the best deal when it comes to organising a wedding. They have no planning worries. However, they do have a number of simple responsibilities. They include: