You've chosen each other, now it's time to pick
your best man and maid of honor. Will you choose
your brother, sister, best friend since
kindergarten or college room-mate? The roles of
best man and maid of honor are special. And...a
big responsibility.
Once
you've selected your attendants, be sure to ask
these individuals if they wish to participate!
They'll be involved in many aspects of your
wedding. Are they aware of the time and expense
their positions require?
You
already know that the best man pays for his tuxedo
and the maid of honor pays for her gown. The maid
of honor and best man are each also responsible
for arranging for a gift from the other
attendants. Each one contacts the bridesmaids or
groomsmen and arranges for a special, joint
wedding gift from that group. It is the duty of
the best man and maid of honor to collect the
money from the attendants and choose a gift they
know their friends will love.
You've explained this to your friends. They're
delighted to accept! "What else can we do?", they
ask. Well, the maid of honor helps the bride pick
out the perfect bridesmaids' dresses, while the
best man assists the groom in choosing the
appropriate tuxedos.
Parties! The maid of honor will have a full
calendar; she attends all pre-wedding showers and
parties given for the bride. Couples' showers are
very popular, and both the best man and maid of
honor are expected to attend. They also plan and
are financially responsible for any bachelor or
bachelorette parties. The maid of honor will also
be busy helping to address invitations and make
favors.
The
big day has arrived. Your attendants are there to
"get you to the church on time!" They help you get
dressed and ready for the ceremony. The best man
is in charge of arranging transportation to and
from the church, and to the wedding night
location. He may even drive the couple, himself.
The best man and maid of honor have the privilege
of acting as witnesses to your marriage. By
signing the license they verify that they heard
the spoken vows and witnessed the ceremony.
If
there is no ring bearer the maid of honor wears
the groom's ring on her finger and the best man
carries the bride's ring in his pocket. The best
man also presents the checks to the clergy and
organist at the church. He doesn't assume the
financial responsibility, just delivers the
envelopes!
The
ceremony is over and guests have gathered at the
reception. If the wedding has a larger receiving
line, your attendants will be standing there with
you and your parents. Your best man and maid of
honor act as host and hostess at the reception.
They cordially greet guests, dance and mingle.
Both the best man and the maid of honor toast the
happy couple.
Is
there a money dance? The best man starts it by
dancing with the bride while the maid of honor
dances with the groom. The best man can also take
the role of master of ceremonies.
It's
time to leave for the honeymoon. Did the best man
and maid of honor remember to decorate the car?
That's part of the fun! The maid of honor assists
the bride in changing from her bridal gown into
her going-away clothes. The best man must remember
to take the tuxedos back to the store the next
day. The maid of honor does a final sweep of
changing or dressing areas, too, to check for any
forgotten items. The wedding is over and your
friends helped to make your wedding a cherished
and special memory. That's what friends are for.
$0.99 - $1.95
$34.95 - $11.95
$
$7.95
