Wedding Planning : In More Detail

Chief Bridesmaid : Matron of Honour (if married).

Her main job is to look after the Bride to be. A personal attendant, message taker, advisor and supporter throughout.

Including, if asked, helping the bride find her perfect wedding dress and accessories. Attends dress fittings if required and gives support in any of the arrangements that she is asked to do. Normally the Bride pays for the Bridesmaids dresses. Accessories are bought by the Bridesmaids.

During the run up to the Wedding the Chief Bridesmaid, continues to be a support and assistant to the Bride. Addresses invitations, checking prices, venues etc.,

Arranges the Hen night, in accordance with the Brides wishes.
Makes sure the Bride is home safe.

On the Wedding day, the Chief Bridesmaid is responsible for helping the Bride to dress and calm her nerves. Taking messages to the groom if necessary. Helping to distribute bouquets and wedding flowers. Arrives at the ceremony before the Bride and makes sure all is going according to schedule.

Stands to the side of the Bride during the ceremony. Carries the groom's wedding ring and hands it to the bride during the ceremony at the correct moment. Signs the marriage certificate. Accompanies the Best Man down the aisle behind the Bride and Groom.

Acts as stand in host for the Bride and Groom, if necessary at the reception along with the Best Man. Dances the first dance with Best Man. Possibly a short speech, optional.

Overall, the role of the Chief Bridesmaid is to smooth over any problems that may occur during the actual Wedding and Reception. Helping to organise the Wedding is only at the express wishes of the Bride to be.

Best Man

The role of Best Man is to support the groom with preparations in the run up to the wedding. However, this does depend on the amount of advice wanted or needed by the groom.

It may be a good idea to check out the venues and ensure you know the route. Organises the ushers well before the day. Makes sure all the transport is arranged for the wedding and reception.

One of the duties of the Best Man is to organise the Bachelor or Stag Night, keeping the grooms wishes firmly in mind. Ensuring the groom is home safely afterwards.

On the day of the Wedding, the Best Man makes sure the Groom is dressed correctly, steadies his nerves. Makes sure the rings are remembered. Most importantly of all, get's the groom to the church on time.

During the ceremony, the Best Man is entrusted with holding the wedding ring, and in giving it to the groom at the correct moment. Witnesses the marriage by signing the marriage certificate. Also takes care of any payments that need paying straight after the ceremony to organist, clergy, altar boys etc.,

After the ceremony, the Best Man escorts the Chief Bridesmaid down the aisle behind the Bride and Groom. At the reception, if a dance is required, the first dance is with the Chief Bridesmaid.

Throughout the reception the Best Man acts as host, along with the Chief Bridesmaid, greeting guests on behalf of the bride and groom, when they are not present.

Traditionally, the Best Man, is is also required to toast the happy couple and make a speech in their honour.

After the reception, the Best Man makes sure the groom has his going away clothes. Also, along with the ushers decorates the car for the Bride and Groom. Then possibly drives the couple to their destination.

Once the reception has ended, the Best Man makes sure the any gifts are transported to the newly weds house.

Wedding Costs

We all know that Weddings can be expensive. First, try and get quotes for florist, caterers, designers etc., without using the word 'Wedding'

Once you have a quote safely tucked away in writing, its too late for them to change their minds. If possible obtain 3 quotes for each. Always budget for a little more than the quotes/estimates, just in case.

Take out Wedding Insurance. It may save you a small fortune if anything goes wrong.

Modern weddings can be paid for by the couple. With help towards expenses by each family.