We’ve all heard how important good communication is for a strong marriage. It’s also important for the perfect wedding, especially with your bridal party. As your closest friends and family, your bridal party members should have your best interests at heart. But during the stress of planning your wedding it may not seem so and misunderstandings can happen. With a little attention to your communications, you can be assured that you and your bridal party will have the time of your lives.
Explain Their Roles
While your friends will be honored to stand with you on your wedding day, it is possible that they do not know the extent of their duties. Here are some of the traditional roles of the bridal party.
Best Man. The Best Man is the groom’s “chief of staff” during the wedding planning process and wedding day. He usually helps plan the bachelor party and keeps the other groomsmen on task. Other duties include keeping the groom on schedule, paying fees and gratuities to the wedding efficient and other vendors, witnessing the marriage license, holding the bride’s ring, and giving a toast at the wedding reception.
Groomsmen. The groomsmen assist the Best Man and often act as ushers for the wedding reception and escorts for the bridesmaids for the day.
Maid/Matron of Honor. Much like her counterpart, the Maid or Matron of Honor acts as the sounding board for the bride as she plans the wedding, often attending meetings or bridal shows with the bride. She will help plan the bachelorette party, mind the wedding day schedule, hold the groom’s ring and give a toast at the reception.
Bridesmaids. The bridesmaids assist the bride and maid of honor when asked and assist the bride as she gets ready on her wedding day and acts as hostesses to guests at the wedding reception.
Involve Them In the Planning
As you plan your wedding, it is likely that you will need some assistance to complete tasks such as making decorations, addressing invitations, creating seating charts and more. Your bridal party should be a great resource in helping with these tasks – if you ask. Remember, this is your wedding and they may not know how to help if you don’t tell them.
Share the Timeline
You will work with your wedding vendors to create a timeline for your wedding day. The successful execution of this schedule is dependent upon the cooperation of your bridal party. Share the timeline with them, and explain its importance.
Thank Them
It is easy to get so caught up in the planning process and the wedding day itself. Be sure to thank your bridal party for the help, friendship and participation in your wedding. Wedding day gifts are often presented to bridal party members at the rehearsal of the morning of the wedding. A heartfelt thanks is also important for all they’ve done for you.