ROLES OF THE RETINUE
- An excerpt from Ring Bound Weddings
(Photograph courtesy of Michelle Loukidis)
MAID/ MATRON OF HONOUR you may choose to have a Maid and Matron of honour (the difference being the Matron is married and the Maid not). This can be a sister, best friend, or even your Mother.
They/she should:
Above all, be the shoulder to cry on and the stress reliever for the bride through the
entire wedding process from start to finish!!!
Assist with all wedding planning
Assist the bride in selecting her wedding gown
Arrange the bridesmaids dresses shopping spree or fittings
Plan and host the pamper party for the bride
Make the list of all gifts received at the pamper party
Arrive early on the wedding day or even the night before to help the bride get ready
Help the bride with her dress and fasten her veil
Ensure her honeymoon case is taken to the venue or put into the relevant car
Arrange the brides dress and veil just before walking down the aisle
Stand next to the bride during the ceremony, holding her bouquet during the vows
She may act as a witness for the signing of the register
Attend to the brides needs during the reception (even carrying lipstick and perfume is important)
Possibly make a speech during the reception
Help the bride get ready for her honeymoon if she is leaving after the reception
Liaise with hiring companies after the reception and suppliers such as the photographer if there are decisions to be made whilst the couple are away on honeymoon.
BRIDESMAIDS You can select a many as you like or you may opt to not have bridemaids at all. The role of the bridesmaids is:
Offer to help the bride and groom with all pre wedding planning
Participate in selecting bridesmaids dresses (and not uncommon for them to pay for their own)
Help with the pamper party arrangements
Attend the pre wedding beauty trips to salons, hairdressers etc.
Stand in line as part of the wedding party
Help with any needs of the bride and groom during the reception
Assist with any items that must be removed after the reception and assist with returns to hiring companies
THE BEST MAN Again, there can be two! He or they should:
(Photograph courtesy of Eyescape Studios)
Attend all pre wedding parties
Offer to help the groom with any wedding planning tasks
Help the groom select his attire and collect it for him before the day
Coordinate the fittings for all the groomsmen
Plan and host the bachelor party
Assist with any travel arrangements for out of town guests
Arrive on time on the day and help the groom to stay cool, calm and collected!
Keep the rings and dont lose them!
Hand over the rings when the time comes
May act as a witness for the signing of the register
Pay the Minister/Marriage Officer after the ceremony
Make a speech during the reception
May be in charge of the bar and all queries in this regard so as not to bother the groom on the night
Help with cleanup, transporting or arranging the gifts to go into the bridal car and drive the bridal couple to their hotel/honeymoon suite where necessary
Return grooms attire and his own to hiring company
USHERS AND GROOMSMEN There may be as many or as few as you deem necessary. Their responsibilities include:
Attend all pre wedding parties
Go for tuxedo fittings and arrange collection and return of their garments
Help plan and host the bachelor party
Possibly join the Best Man and Groom for breakfast on the morning of the wedding
Escort guests to their seats at the ceremony
Hand out order of service
Walk down the aisle with the bridesmaid you are escorting
Stand in line with the wedding party to receive guests
Decorate the couples car (this is a bone of contention and one that should be discussed with the couple beforehand. Many couples choose to hide their cars to avoid embarrassment though some still see the fun in it we do!!!!)
Help with the clean up and return of items after the reception
Return tuxedos and any other hired accessories
