| New Brides |
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WEDDING PARTY ETIQUETTE Maid of Honor Although she has no prewedding responsibilities, she is expected to assist the bride whenever she can. She lends moral support and plays a big role in making sure the other bridesmaids are dressed to perfection and they all make it to the church on time. She is responsible for her own wedding outfit and pays for everything except the flowers. She also attends all prewedding parties and may even give one herself. The maid of honor is usually one of the witnesses required by law to sign the marriage certificate. Walking down the aisle, she precedes you and your father, arranges your train and veil, carries the groom’s ring if there is no ringbearer, and holds your bouquet during the ceremony. She also stands next to the groom in the receiving line and sits on his left at the head table. Best Man His duties are many and varied and carry a lot of responsibility to ensure the wedding runs smoothly. The best man serves as the personal aide and advisor to the groom, supervises the ushers, carries the bride’s ring and the marriage certificate, which he also signs, tips the altar boys in a Catholic ceremony, and acts as a right-hand man to the groom on his special day. The best man sits at the right of the bride and, as official toastmaster of the reception, proposes the first toast to the new couple, usually wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. His final duties are to ensure the new couple takes off for the honeymoon without a hitch and that all the ushers return their rented formal wear on time. Bridesmaids Although they don’t have any prewedding responsibilities either, they often will volunteer to help with any errands or duties that need to be accomplished. They are invited to all prewedding parties and may also give one if they wish. Traditionally they purchase their own attire. Groomsmen/Ushers Their responsibility is to seat guests at the wedding ceremony and act as escorts for the bridesmaids. To avoid seating delays, there should be at least one usher for every 50 guests. They also attend all prewedding parties the groom goes to and are required to provide their own wedding clothes, renting the proper formal attire if they do not own it. As guests arrive, each usher should offer his right arm to each woman and escort her to her seat on the left or right of the aisle, depending on whether she is a friend of the bride or groom. The Bride’s Mother Your mother usually helps compile the guest list and helps with any other details you desire assistance with as well. It is her responsibility to keep the bride’s father and future in-laws informed about wedding plans. She should also inform the groom’s mother of her wedding attire so that their dresses are similar in length and style. The mother of the bride is privileged to sit in the very first pew on the bride’s side. She is the last to be seated and the first to be escorted out of the church after the ceremony. She can also greet all guests in the receiving line and sits in a place of honor at the bride’s parents’ table at the reception. Don’t Forget Thank-You Notes! You and your groom must send personal, handwritten notes of appreciation thanking everyone who gave you and your new husband a gift. It is suggested you begin sending thank-you notes immediately upon receiving your gifts. Try to acknowledge each gift within two weeks of its arrival.
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