Here is a quick checklist to help answer some questions about what to expect when planning a traditional wedding, and why there are so many people involved!
Bridesmaids- The bridesmaids pay for their own gowns, and throw the bridal shower.
Flower Girl-Sprinkles flower petals down the aisle.
Best Man- He stands next to the groom during the ceremony. He holds the bride’s ring from the ring bearer until time for the groom to put it on the brides finger and he typically is the one to sign the marriage certificate as one of two legal witnesses. At the reception, he makes the first toast.
Groomsmen-These friends or relatives of the groom, they pay for their own tux rental and are only used typically in very large weddings.
Maid/Matron Of Honor-Usually the brides best friend and when it comes to the wedding, she really gets to show it by helping with pretty much everything. On the big day, the maid or matron of honor helps the bride get ready, adjusts her train during the ceremony, holds the groom’s ring and the bride’s bouquet during the kiss, and signs the marriage certificate as the other witness.
Ring Bearer- He carries the ring pillow down the aisle. He can walk with the flower girl or after her. (These are typically the smallest children in the family and it’s really cute to send them down together.)
Ushers-These friends of both families lead all the guests to their seats and unroll the aisle runner before the processional. There should be one usher for every 50 guests.
Disc Jockey-You can start interviewing D.J.s as soon as you know the date of your wedding. This will help make sure you can secure the best as some D.J.s is booked up to one year in advance. It is a good idea to make sure the D.J. you hire is a professional. Once you have selected the D.J. he should sit down with you and go over the whole evening’s events so that he will know exactly what to play and when. A good DJ can make or break the reception.
Ceremony-A wedding ceremony can be held anywhere from your local church to a park, lake or backyard. You can invite as many guests as you wish as cost is not determined by head count. You can make your wedding as elegant or as simple as you like. Remember its your special day for you and your intended, so don’t let anyone talk you into or out of anything.
Rehearsal Dinner-The groom’s Parents traditionally host the rehearsal dinner.
Flowers -You will purchase more flowers for your wedding than most any other occasion in your life. In addition to the bridal bouquet, you will need the following:
* Boutonniere for groom
* Boutonniere for ushers and fathers
* Corsages for mothers
* Flowers to decorate the church
* Centerpieces for reception
* Bouquet and flower petals for flower girl
* Additional floral decorations for buffet tables & cake