Choosing your wedding party is a pretty big deal, but it should not be overwhelming. Each role in the wedding party has a certain amount of responsibility. For this reason, you should choose important people that are able to handle the responsibilities involved. Before you build your wedding party, become familiar with the roles and responsibilities.
The Maid of Honor in the Wedding Party
The maid of honor probably has the most important role as an assistant to the bride during the entire planning process and on the wedding day. The maid of honor serves as the bride’s right hand and is a critical piece of the support system. She will plan and host a bridal shower and unforgettable bachelorette party with the help of the bridal party. On the wedding day, she will be there to offer emotional support, help the bride get dressed, hold the bouquet and bustle the gown. The maid of honor is responsible for purchasing her own dress, shoes, airfare and hotel.
The Best Man
The best man is the right hand man to the groom and takes an important role in the wedding party for the groom. He will not only stand beside the groom on the wedding day, but will also offer support during the days leading up to the event. He will be responsible for giving the best man speech, pulling off a bachelor party and getting the groom to the wedding on time. He assists the groom with getting ready. He usually holds the rings until the ring ceremony. The best man is responsible for paying for his own attire, airfare and hotel.
Bridesmaids
This group takes a supportive role during wedding planning. They are expected to help the maid of honor plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and split the cost of the events. On the wedding day, the bridesmaids walk down the aisle ahead of the bride. Bridesmaids often take on other important responsibilities during the wedding.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen take on a similar role for the groom as the bridesmaids do for the bride. They are involved in planning the bachelor party, and split the cost of the event. The groomsmen have a supportive role during wedding planning and on the big day. They may welcome guests upon arrival and show them to their seats, if ushers are unavailable. Groomsmen stand beside the groom during the ceremony to offer support. They are responsible for purchasing their own attire, airfare and hotel.
Mother of the Bride in the Wedding Party
We do not always think of the mother of the bride as being in the wedding party. However, she plays an integral role in the wedding as the hostess of the entire event, as an assistant to her daughter on her wedding day and throughout the entire wedding planning process. She usually spends the entire wedding day helping the bride dress and prepare. She may also deliver a special speech during the wedding reception.
The Father of the Bride
According to tradition, the father of the bride pays for the wedding. However, the trends have changed over the years, and most couples are splitting the cost of their own wedding. If the parents of the bride are paying for the entire wedding, they usually cover the cost of the entire event, excluding the rehearsal dinner, groom's transportation and groom's cake. Sometimes, the groom's parents split the cost of the alcohol and bar. The father of the bride usually escorts the bride down the aisle and gives the bride away at the wedding arch. He also gives a special speech at the reception, and dances a very special dance with his daughter.
The Parents of the Groom
The parents of the groom have an important role. They offer support to their son and may assist with planning parts of the wedding. Traditionally, they are responsible for planning and paying for the rehearsal dinner and the groom's cake. They both give important speeches during the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes, they share the cost of the alcohol.
Children in the Wedding Party
Having flower girls and page boys creates a place for children in the wedding party. Flower girls walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids, dropping rose petals along the way. They are usually dressed to match the bride. Page boys are the male counterpart to flower girls. They usually walk with flower girls down the aisle. The ring bearer carries the rings down the aisle on a pillow. Some couples assign this duty to a young boy. The best man holds the rings when a ring bearer is not available.
Crystal Ballroom Clearwater
Create an unforgettable ceremony and reception at Crystal Ballroom Clearwater. This picturesque wedding venue creates an absolute fairy tale. Meet with professional wedding designers and planners to customize every detail of your ceremony and reception. Bring imagination to this elegant ballroom, and experience a dream wedding come true. Schedule a complimentary VIP tour and customization consultation to begin planning.
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