Attendants Part Two

Keeping Everyone up to Speed

One of the most important responsibilities for the bride and groom is to keep all your attendants informed. Communication is key (I always love that saying) to a well planned wedding and all the members of your wedding party need updates, especially about any changes that will affect them. Don't overload family and friends with details, but do maintain regular contact and be particularly attentive to wedding-party members who live elsewhere. Write, phone, email or establish a wedding web site. Keeping you attendants informed helps everyone stay organized. It also allows members of the wedding party to become informally acquainted. Important information such as:

*A list of names, addresses and phone numbers of the wedding party

*The dates and times of parties and showers attendants will be invited to

*The rehearsal time and place

*Rehearsal Dinner arrangements

*Where they will stay

*The dress code for different wedding events

*Reminders to bridesmaids and ushers to break in their shoes

*Any plans for breakfast, lunch, or tea before or after the wedding

*Where they will dress

*The time and place for any pre-wedding photos

*Transportation arrangements to the ceremony and reception

Attendants Duties and Responsibilities

Although attendants' duties will vary based on the size and style of the wedding, there are tasks common to most weddings. The list below details the basic responsibilities of all adult attendants. It is followed by specifics for each type of attendant, including children.

*Pay for their wedding attire and accessories (excluding flowers)

*Arrange and pay for their own transportation, unless provided by the wedding couple

*Attend prenuptial events

*Give an individual gift to the couple or contribute to a group gift from the attendants

*Understand specific duties and follow instructions

*Arrive at specified times for all wedding related events

*Assist the bride and groom

*Be attentive to other guests at the wedding and reception

Maid or Matron of Honor

*Helps the bride select the bridesmaid's attire

* Helps address invitations and place cards

*Organizes the bridesmaids' gift to the bride and often organizes the bridesmaids' luncheon if there is one

*Holds the groom's wedding ring and the bride's bouquet during the ceremony

*Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate

*Helps the bride during the reception (gathering guests for cake cutting, dancing, etc.)

*Helps the bride change into her going-away clothes and takes care of the bride's wedding dress and accessories after the reception

Best Man

*Organizes the bachelor party for the groom if there is one

*Coordinates the groomsmen and usher's gift to the bride and groom or gives an individual gift to the couple

*Makes sure that the groom's wedding-related payments are prepared; delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants, and musicians and singers at the ceremony

*Sees that the groomsmen and ushers arrive on time and are properly attired

*Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests (If there is no head usher)

*Keeps the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony

*Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate

*Drives the bride and groom to the reception if there's no hired driver; has the car ready for the couple to leave after the reception and may drive them to their next destination

*Offers the first toast to the couple at the reception

*Gathers and takes care of the groom's wedding clothes (returning rental items on the next business day)

Enjoy and I certainly hope this is useful, learned a few things myself with this one.