Helping her shine
Engaged couples tend to ask their closest family members and friends to be in their bridal parties. Such requests are an honor and bridal party members tend to be excited to play such a significant role on a couple’ s wedding day. But bridal party members also do much to help engaged couples before the big day.
Couples can choose to delegate as many tasks as they desire to bridal party members. Before delegating, couples can look to tradition to guide them in regard to asking their bridal parties to lend a hand.
Best man: The best man toast at a wedding reception tends to be a jovial part of the festivities that couples and guests look forward to, so asking a best man to give such a speech is customary. Best man responsibilities also may include organizing a bachelor party or a similar type of get-together with fellow groomsmen and other guests prior to the wedding. A best man also may coordinate a gift for the groom if the groomsmen want to give the groom an item that requires pooling resources.
Maid / matron of honor: A maid / matron of honor typically delivers a toast at the reception prior to the best man’ s speech. A maid / matron of honor also may coordinate a bachelorette party and bridal shower in the weeks or months before the wedding. A maid / matron of honor may handle any problems that arise in the hours before the ceremony so the bride can relax. For example, a maid / matron of honor may work to ensure the bride is shielded from issues affecting hair and makeup, the venue, last-minute gown concerns, and other unforeseen problems that can arise. A maid / matron of honor may need to do some delegating of her own prior to the ceremony, asking fellow bridesmaids to help coordinate party plans.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids can help a bride when she’ s choosing her gown as well as the dresses bridesmaids themselves will wear. Bridesmaids also help the maid / matron of honor coordinate the bachelorette party and pitch in to help address any issues that arise on the day of the ceremony.
Groomsmen:
Groomsmen can be tasked with helping the best man coordinate a bachelor party. Groomsmen also can be asked to schedule their tuxedo fittings to afford enough time for alterations and orders to be completed in time for the big day.
Parents:
Parents’ roles have changed considerably in recent years. While the parents of the bride traditionally paid for the wedding and grooms’ parents were tasked with bankrolling the rehearsal dinner, many modern couples now foot some, if not all, of those bills themselves. Parents can still be asked to lend some financial assistance.
7 WAYS TO INCLUDE FAMILY
• Processional Couples can let more than just parents and the wedding party strut their stuff down the aisle. Allow other family members to shine, such as grandparents or someone who has been a very close and supportive person in the couple’ s life.
• Readings / Speeches Family members can give readings during religious ceremonies, lead prayers or make certain speeches. It’ s also possible to ask a family member to officiate the wedding entirely or lead certain unity rituals like candle-lighting or sand-combining ceremonies that signal the blending of lives.
• Play music Musical family members can play an instrument during the ceremony or reception, or even sing if they have the vocal chops. Another idea is to include songs during the wedding that are meaningful to a particular relative.
• Family traditions Incorporate family traditions into the reception, including cultural dances, special foods, traditional songs, or anything that is unique to the family.
• Wear special clothing A couple wear clothing that is meaningful to a loved one, like a grandmother’ s wedding gown or a tie that was passed down through the generations. If a family member is a tailor or seamstress, that person might also help tailor a wardrobe for the wedding.
• Coordinate dances The bride, groom, mother, and father typically enjoy the spotlight dances during a wedding reception, but couples can expand special dances to honor and include additional family members. A large group dance that invites several family members onto the dance floor is a great way to get everyone involved.
• Photo display A couple can set aside a table to showcase special people in their lives with a brief description of why these people are so meaningful to them. This also is a place to honor any deceased relatives who are in couples’ hearts.
SOUTH � FEBRUARY’ 26 � 9