A look at the people most likely to participate on the day, and what is expected of them.
Most people when in the early stages of planning just think of the most obvious people involved in the Bridal Party, i.e. Bridesmaids and the Bestman. In this article we go through the other people most likely to participate on the day, and what is expected of them. Keep in mind that most roles nowadays can be filled by both genders.
Groom The main man of course, and he is expected to assist his Bride to be in the wedding planning process. Some of the preparation usually taken on by the Groom includes finding a suitable band, coordinating wedding cars and the most fun duty being booking the honeymoon. He will also choose suitable friends/family to take the role of Best man, Groomsman, Usher, and pageboy. So when all the preparation is done, all he has to do is show up on the day!
Bride She is on par with the producer on a film set, deciding what goes, and what doesn't. She ultimately plans from start to finish, and preferably consults with the groom from time to time. From churches to cutlery, she plans impeccably to make the day perfect.
Best Man This guy from the moment of being asked to take the role becomes PA to the groom. Throughout the stages of planning, he reveals his inner most secretive skills; the fashion consultant (suit fittings), Party event organizer (The stag night), Debater (Speeches), financial controller (paying the vendors). Finally he gets to relax once the bride and groom jet off on the honeymoon.
Bridesmaids This team usually consists of friends, sisters, or cousins. They are there to support the bride. Possible duties include addressing invites, attending wedding fairs, and helping to chose the bridal gown with the bride. In some cases they have been known to go out and get sloshed with the bride in the instance that something may have gone wrong in the planning process, i.e. her favourite lippy has gone out of manufacture. The wedding day is also very busy for these girls, from ensuring the brides gown isn't tucked in her nicks when she is making her grand descent down the stairs, to ending the night snogging one of the groomsmen (single ones only, of course).
Maid of Honour/Chief Bridesmaid This girl is the brides personal slave, oops I mean assistant for the duration. She supports the bride in everything. She is the brides second pair of eyes. The hen party organization is one of many of her tasks. Along with the Bestman on the day she will sign as a witness on your marriage registrar.
Groomsman This fella can sometimes fall into two roles, Groomsman and Usher. He will be part of the Best mans team and make organise a prank or two for the stag. Similar to the bridesmaids, he may be asked to carry out some preparation duties.
Ushers This person will be in charge of showing the guests to their seats. He or she could also distribute mass booklets, bubbles, or buttonholes to the guests.
Pageboy This little guy dresses up all fancy. He accompanies the flowergirl up the aisle. He could also serve as the ring-bearer.
Flower Girl This young lady walks up the aisle ahead of you, and the bridesmaids. She will be only too happy to walk up the aisle ahead of you, so she gets the chance to show off her fancy dress.
Mother of the Bride This lady is the major support line for the bride. From initial engagement, she has visions of the dress, the guest list done up in her head. In fact she could probably do the lot, the planning, organising, and final touches, but really it is down to the bride at the end of the day on how much involvement she actually has.
Father of the Bride This gentleman on a traditional wedding might be the financer of a lot of the wedding. He might also be expected to dress in the Grooms party attire, so he can be distinguished from other guests, and of course make him feel more VIP. On the day itself, he will say a few words, or maybe opt for a three-hour long speech, and toast the bride and Groom.
Mother of the Groom This lady could take on any of the mother of the bride roles, if it was needed. She could also along with mother of the bride take part in the offertory procession in a church wedding.
Father of the Groom This man also like the Father of the Bride could be required to wear the wedding attire. Some fathers of the groom also like to say a few words during the speeches to welcome the bride into the family.
Readers If you are having a church wedding, it is always best to ask people to do a reading well in advance. Sometimes this is forgotten and only realized at the rehearsal and leads to lots of unnecessary panic. Depending on your ceremony the average amount of readers is usually four.
Officiator This is the person that will conduct your ceremony, whether it will be in a church, or registry office.
Vendors This gang is incredibly important when it comes down to the actual day. Your choice of vendors will in turn make your wedding what it is.
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Fiona Fagan
Fiona Fagan Editor of RealWeddings.ie Ireland's Number One Wedding Website www.RealWeddings.ie
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