Bridal Party Gifts
Question:
Because I am not having a bridal party, I
wanted to do something special for my best
friends who are coming from afar to attend my
wedding. I am planning to treat them to a day at a
local spa the day before the wedding. My question
is this: I know that a couple of them will insist on
paying for the day themselves -- I want to be able
to head this off as graciously as I can.
Answer:
I love this idea! And the answer to your
question is easy -- just tell 'em! Explain it to them
exactly the way you explained it to me. You could
send them a little note before they come in for the
wedding to tell 'em about it too, if you wanted. And
have a great time!
Best Man's Duties
The Best Man is usually the groom's brother, best fried or his father. One of his important duties is to coordinate arrangements for the bachelor dinner, held at least two days before the wedding date. He also makes certain the groom is on time to all functions. He picks up formalwear and accessories, verifies the honeymoon departure plans and confirms reservations. On the wedding day he is in charge of the bride's wedding band, the marriage license, the groom's wallet for the honeymoon, and the clergy fee. At the reception, the Best Man gives the first toast and has the fourth dance with the bride. He assists the bride and groom in getting away after discouraging any activities that will damage the car or jeopardize safety. It's an honor to be Best Man and also a responsibility!
Bridesmaids
Here at Poffie Girls, we often hear brides fretting about what their attendants should wear. We suggest that the dresses should compliment the style and formality of the bride's gown. Further, we suggest that the bride does some preliminary looking, choosing a few styles, fabrics and colors, then bring her maid of honor along to help make the final decision. If body types vary greatly, go the mix and match route. Choose several styles in one color and let each attendant pick her own. End result? More flattering and less complaining. Tie the scene together by having the flowers, jewelry, and shoes identical. If one of the bride's attendants is a male, he should dress like the groomsmen. Above all, the bride should keep the attendants informed of all plans and should not dictate hairstyles or accessories and make anyone uncomfortable. If a bride demands that her attendants cater to her every whim, she will be remembered as a slave driver rather than a friend.
Duties of Groom's Attendants
We are often asked about the duties of attendants and who pays for what. Let's take a look at the groom's attendants. Some weddings have both ushers and groomsmen. The ushers seat the guests and the groomsmen stand at the altar as attendants to the groom. Other couples elect to have their attendants usher as well as stand at the altar. In both cases, the men pay for their own clothes while boutonnieres are paid for by the groom. An usher offers his right arm to each female guest. Bride's guests are seated to the left and the groom's to the right. This order is reversed in Jewish services. Male attendants do not stand in the receiving line, but mingle among the guests, helping to see that all guests are comfortable. One other point - the groom may choose to have a " best" woman attendant or a female usher/groomsmen. We do live in a land of equal opportunity.
