HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-02-14, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDENSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1990.
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Bridal party members have responsibilities
Whether they’re immediate fam
ily or close friends, those who are
chosen to be members of the bridal
party can feel justifiably honoured.
Their very presence alongside the
bride and groom implies a special
bond or significance of relationship
between themselves and the happy
couple.
But with the honour comes
responsibilities.
Moral support on the big day is
a major party of the attendants’
roles, but it doesn’t just start on the
day. In the weeks prior to the
nuptials, each member of the bridal
party is required to devote time,
energy and some expense toward
making the wedding celebrations
as memorable as possible for the
newlyweds.
The maid of honour is a key
player, and her efforts are worthy
of the title. As a rule, her duties
include throwing a shower herself
for the bride, attending as many
other showers as possible, and
offering a shower gift at least once.
Her presence is always required
at the wedding rehearsal, and
usually at a dinner afterwards as
well.
Then, she bears the cost of her
own dress for the ceremony, often
upwards of $200 (which may re
quire her to attend several fittings),
as well as any special shoes or
accessories necessary to co-ordin
ate her with other female atten
dants.
Similarly, the best man is a busy
man, with the groom relying on
him for a great deal of help with
details and arrangements before,
during and after the wedding. In
addition to assisting in functions
leading up to the day of the
ceremony, the best man accompan
ies the groom to the church, waits
with him in the vestry, and takes
Bridesmaids are encouraged to attend as many pre-wedding
activities as possible tofulfill their responsibilities as being members
of the bridal party.
care of the bride’s ring until it’s
surrendered to the groom during
the service.
Immediately after the ceremony,
he will often be asked to sign the
marriage certificate as a witness,
and might also be responsible for
ensuring that the clergyman re
ceives the envelope containing his
fee.
It’s traditional at the reception
for the best man to propose the first
toast to the newlyweds, and his
work isn’t done until near the end
of the evening, when he informs
the parents that the bride and
groom are ready to depart, so they
can go to the dressing room for a
private farewell.
Bridesmaids are mainly decora
tive and provide an even balance to
the male members of the party, but
they are encouraged to attend as
many pre-wedding activites as
possible. And, like the maid of
honor, they are usually expected to
pay for their own gowns and
accessories.
Ushers have specific duties to be
performed immediately before the
ceremony. In a large wedding
party, the best man might want to
appoint a head usher to keep
everyone organized. This usher
would be responsible for briefing
the others on the protocol that
applies to seating guests'- such as
asking guests whether they are
associated with the bride’s or
groom’s side of the family, and
offering an arm to women guests to
accompany them to the pews on the
appropriate side of the church.
Ushers are expected to take part
in pre-wedding activities, and to
lay the runner for the bride and
groom if one is being used at the
church.
The best man and ushers also
handle the expense [of tux rentals
themselves.
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