Top Knots and Curly Locks

Monday, May 18, 2015

Manners Monday: Wedding Etiquette -- Bridal Party


With wedding season rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a good time to introduce a new column: Manners Monday.  And what better way to kick off the new series than with wedding etiquette?  I'm going to break this down into two posts: the bridal party and wedding guests.  This week we are looking into the  specific duties of the bridal party.  Who is responsible for what?  When I decided to do this, I quickly turned to Emily Post and Lauren Conrad to start my research.  Along with The Knot, here's what they had to say:

The Bride and Family:
  • Pay for the venue of the ceremony
  • Pay for floral arrangement of venue, bridesmaid bouquets and flower girl flowers
  • Pay for photos and videos
  • Pay for all invitations, announcements and wedding programs
  • Host the reception
The Groom and Family:
  • Pay for officiant and marriage license
  • Pay for bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
  • Pay for honeymoon
  • Hosts the rehearsal dinner
Maid/Matron of Honor:
  • Helps the bride with wedding shopping including bridesmaid dresses and accessories
  • Helps with party favors and addressing invitations
  • Oversees bridesmaids and make sure they have proper attire
  • Pays for her dress and accessories
  • Carries an "emergency kit" throughout the day
  • Arranges veil and train after bride 
  • Holds the groom's ring and bride's bouquet during ceremony
  • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate
  • Gives speech during reception
  • Helps during and after the reception: dancing, bouquet toss, gathering guests for cake cutting, collects cake topper
  • Helps bride change into going away clothes and takes care of the wedding dress and accessories after the reception
  • Plans and hosts bridal shower and bachelorette party
  • Keeps a record of gifts received
  • Responsible for a shower and wedding gift
  • Be there to help out however, whenever and wherever she can
Bridesmaids:
  • Assist MOH with bridal shower
  • Help MOH however possible
  • Greets guests and encourages mingling at the reception
  • Supervise the flower girl and ring bearer
  • Pay for their dress and accessories
Best Man
  • Organizes the bachelor party
  • Helps groom however possible
  • Seats mother of the bride at the ceremony
  • Holds the bride's ring during ceremony
  • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate
  • Gives a speech at the reception
  • Encourages dancing at reception
  • Helps arrange getaway car for the bride and groom
  • Oversees groomsmen and makes sure they are on time 
  • Delivers wedding presents to the newlywed's house
  • Pays for own attire and transportation
Groomsmen
  • Help best man in whatever ways possible
  • Escorts guests to their seats
  • Helps decorate the getaway car
  • Pays for own attire and transportation
Ushers
  • Help set up ceremony and light candles
  • Greet and help seat guests
  • Hand out programs

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