WEDDING BLOG

As a woman there are oh-so-many things that Im positive I dont know about the male mind, but one thing I am sure of is that a grooms choice of the best man at his wedding means a lot, in so many different ways. Whether its your best friend, brother, cousin or even father, anyone who you love, trust and are proud to have by your side can be your chosen guy. Because being the best man is a great honor as well as a big responsibility, do look for someone whos reliable and energetic, with time to commit to helping you throughout the wedding planning process. When you ask your best buddy to take on the job, be direct about the tasks and activities youre hoping hell participate in, and show your gratitude for his help all along the way.

(Toasting groomsmen image by Sean Flanigan Photography)

The traditional responsibilities of your best man usually include the following. Use this list as a reference point and add and subtract duties specific to your wedding and personal style:

• Your best man will help coordinate with the other groomsmen so everyones on the same page. Hell attend formal wear fittings and be sure each of your guys has all the information they need for the bachelor party, rehearsal dinner, and other events.

• Hell plan and host your bachelor party. Be sure to tell him in advance what kind of party youre hoping to have, and if there are activities that you or other attendees are not excited about. (Bachelor parties can range from mild to wild, so straightforward communication can be a big help in avoiding uncomfortable situations!)

• His traditional expenses are his wedding day attire, your bachelor party, and a wedding gift. If youre having a destination wedding or bachelor party, or want him to purchase his clothing instead of renting it, let him know well in advance to be sure this is something he can swing financially.

• On the big day hell make sure the groomsmen show up on-time and on-task, stand by your side and hold your brides ring during the ceremony, sign your marriage license, give a toast at the reception, dance with your new wife, and assist and socialize with guests to keep the party flowing.

• Hell be your businessman, getting things done. Delegate duties to your best man like delivering payments to vendors on the day of the wedding, collecting wedding gifts and making sure they get transported to your home, returning rental tuxes, and driving you to your hotel after the reception, or to the airport for your honeymoon.

(Best man and groomsmen images by Sean Flanigan Photography, Laurel McConnell Photography, Alyssa Nicol Photography, GH Kim Photography, John and Joseph Photography, Laurel McConnell Photography, Yvette Roman Photography)

For much more groom related information including proposal stories, creative wedding planning ideas, honeymoon travel destinations, simple advice and men’s fashion inspiration, don’t miss our Groombug section!

Great girlfriends are irreplaceable, indispensable and intricate parts of our lives. (I know I certainly could never live without mine!) Your maid of honor is a wonderfully important person in your wedding, and who you choose can have a big impact on your whole wedding planning experience. Whether shes your big sister, your best friend, or someone else entirely, be sure to choose someone who you love and trust, who makes you feel fantastic when youre around her, and who has the time, energy and enthusiasm to really stand by your side from beginning to end. When you ask her, be very clear about the role you would like her to play, and give her time to think it over to be sure she feels up to the job.

(Image by Ira Lippke Studios)

The traditional responsibilities of your maid of honor usually include the following. Use this list as a reference point and add and subtract duties that are specific to your wedding and to your personal style:

• Your maid of honor will help you pick out your wedding dress and the look for the whole bridal party. Shell help coordinate fittings, and help ensure everyone in the wedding party arrives at your wedding with all the items they should have with them.

• She will throw you a bridal shower and bachelorette party, buy her bridesmaids dress and give you a wedding gift. A Maid of Honors expenses can really add up, so keep her resources in mind and be aware if you are expecting her to reach outside her financial comfort zone. Consider contributing funds yourself if the items or events that are important to you come with a big price tag.

• She will tactfully let people know where youre registered for bridal shower and wedding gifts.

• Shell be the go-to gal for all kinds of information when youre not available- where the rehearsal dinner is, what time to arrive at the ceremony, where to get parking validated, and whos responsible for which delegated duties. Be sure you let her know any important information that you think people may be asking her.

• On the big day shell help you get dressed and ready, walk down the aisle in front of you, straighten your veil after you arrive at the altar, hold your flowers and his ring during the ceremony, sign your marriage license, bustle your dress before your reception, and run interference- acting as backup hostess when appropriate so you can stay calm and relaxed throughout your day.

Your Maid of Honor is there to lend her support to you, but dont forget to support her as well. Be considerate and grateful for all she’s doing to bring your wedding to life, and your friendship will continue to grow long after your wedding day!

(Images by Cheri Pearl Photography, Jasmine Star Photography, Sarah Yates Photography, John and Joseph Photography, Natalie Moser Photography, Elizabeth Messina Photography, and Cheri Pearl Photography)