Who's Who in the Wedding Party? Part One of Five
Who knew planning a wedding would be akin to staging a major Broadway production? To help out with your co-directorial debut, I have prepared a cross-section of the wedding day cast of characters. (Keep in mind that most roles can be played by either gender, and by as many people as you want.)
This is actually a really long post in five parts. So enjoy . . .
Best Man/Attendant
This guy (and rarely gals) acts as groom's valet (personal aide and advisor) through all stages of wedding planning. He's a fashion consultant, bachelor-party master of ceremonies, and commander-in-chief of the groomsmen brigade. His duties include (but aren't limited to): getting the groom to the ceremony on time; giving the officiant his/her fee after the ceremony; signing the couple's marriage license as a witness; and holding the bride's ring at the altar. He also is famous for his toasting skills at the reception.
Maid/Matron/Man of Honor
Whether she's been down the aisle herself (matron) or not (maid) -- she (or sometimes he) is there to supply a second pair of eyes and provide emotional support as needed. She/he should be someone who is dear to your heart. In general, the maid of honor heads up the bridal shower and handles numerous wedding day details, which might include toasting the bride and groom, signing the marriage license, adjusting the bride's train at the altar, holding her bouquet during vows, and collecting gift envelopes at the reception. She also should help the bride get dressed, taking care to frequently remind her that she looks beautiful. She is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride, holding the groom's ring on her thumb.
Bridesmaids
Trustworthy gal pals and female family members who form the bride's entourage (and ostensibly work well together). They are a support team, helping with pre-wedding tasks when asked (addressing invites, making shower favors, planning the bachelorette party, and more). Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor running and play surrogate hostesses to guests. They can also help throw a bridal shower, and are key guests at all pre-wedding parties.
Groomsmen
A posse of male family and friends who assist the groom in planning and preparing for the big day. Their chief responsibility is to help the best man plan, pay for the bachelor party and to support the groom. It's also common to have groomsmen do double duty as ushers, leaving their posts in time to process with the rest of the bridal party. They also get to decorate the getaway car, dance with dateless ladies at the reception, and act as a resource for confused guests.
Ushers
Males (or females) who escort guests to their seats before the ceremony. Ushers are often employed in addition to groomsmen -- this way you can involve other important guys in the big day, including pre-teen relatives who may not have been up for planning a lascivious bachelor party.
CLICK HERE for Part Two . . .
This is actually a really long post in five parts. So enjoy . . .
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| The Best Man |
This guy (and rarely gals) acts as groom's valet (personal aide and advisor) through all stages of wedding planning. He's a fashion consultant, bachelor-party master of ceremonies, and commander-in-chief of the groomsmen brigade. His duties include (but aren't limited to): getting the groom to the ceremony on time; giving the officiant his/her fee after the ceremony; signing the couple's marriage license as a witness; and holding the bride's ring at the altar. He also is famous for his toasting skills at the reception.
Whether she's been down the aisle herself (matron) or not (maid) -- she (or sometimes he) is there to supply a second pair of eyes and provide emotional support as needed. She/he should be someone who is dear to your heart. In general, the maid of honor heads up the bridal shower and handles numerous wedding day details, which might include toasting the bride and groom, signing the marriage license, adjusting the bride's train at the altar, holding her bouquet during vows, and collecting gift envelopes at the reception. She also should help the bride get dressed, taking care to frequently remind her that she looks beautiful. She is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride, holding the groom's ring on her thumb.
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| Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids |
Trustworthy gal pals and female family members who form the bride's entourage (and ostensibly work well together). They are a support team, helping with pre-wedding tasks when asked (addressing invites, making shower favors, planning the bachelorette party, and more). Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor running and play surrogate hostesses to guests. They can also help throw a bridal shower, and are key guests at all pre-wedding parties.
A posse of male family and friends who assist the groom in planning and preparing for the big day. Their chief responsibility is to help the best man plan, pay for the bachelor party and to support the groom. It's also common to have groomsmen do double duty as ushers, leaving their posts in time to process with the rest of the bridal party. They also get to decorate the getaway car, dance with dateless ladies at the reception, and act as a resource for confused guests.
Males (or females) who escort guests to their seats before the ceremony. Ushers are often employed in addition to groomsmen -- this way you can involve other important guys in the big day, including pre-teen relatives who may not have been up for planning a lascivious bachelor party.
CLICK HERE for Part Two . . .
