RSVP!

We have all had moments in our life that have not gone as planned.  The question is how do we handle these looming and sometimes complicated issues with grace?  One such problem that arises often is what to do when you have not received a reply from an invited guest.  Here is the answer according to Emily Post.

“The first important obligation a guest has upon receiving a wedding invitation is to respond immediately.  If your invited friends and family do not have the courtesy to complete this simple task, you’ll have no choice but to get on the telephone (or to solicit the help of your soon to be mother-in-law) and politely ask the slackers if they plan to attend your nuptials.”

 Harsh words from Ms. Post, but in reality it really is all you can do.  After all, while it may be more work than you should have to do, having invited guests arrive after not replying with a requested RSVP can lead to many disasters you just do not need the head ache of.

Attendants Duties

Here is an easy guide to help your attendants know their roles for your wedding day. Remember, not everything is necessary - this is just an idea of what your and your grooms attendants can help out with.

Maid/Matron of Honor

• Help to arrange bridal shower and act as host
• Keep a record of shower and wedding gifts for the bride
• Assist with decorating reception site if needed
• Attend the rehearsal
• Rearrange train before the processional, during the ceremony, and before the recessional
• Hold the brides bouquet during the ceremony
• Take care of the bride's things at the ceremony and reception
• Act as official witness
• Give a toast at the reception to the bride and groom
• Assist the bride when changing from her wedding gown to her going-away apparel (if needed)
• Attend as member of the receiving line and head table
• Assist bride with bustle of her dress after the ceremony

Bridesmaids

• Assist with bridal shower planning
• Help put together reception favors
• Assist with decorating reception site if needed
• Attend the rehearsal
• Attend as member of the receiving line and head table

Best Man

• Assist with decorating reception site if needed
• Attend the rehearsal
• Keep rings, license, and honeymoon tickets in a safe place
• Plan for reception exit transportation
• Pay the officiant and other vendors for their services
• Attend as member of the receiving line and head table
• Give a toast at the reception to the bride and groom

Groomsmen

• Assist with decorating reception site if needed
• Assist Best Man with any of his duties
• Attend the rehearsal
• Attend as member of the receiving line and head table

Ushers

• Attend the rehearsal
• Greet all guests at the ceremony, ask which family they represent and seat them accordingly. The Bride's family and friends are seated to the left of the aisle and the Grooms family and friends are seated to the right of the aisle
• Two of the Ushers will unroll the aisle runner after the Mother of the Bride is seated
• Ushers may be used to dismiss guests from the ceremony one row at a time

Flower Girl

• Usually a young girl under the age of seven
• Attend the rehearsal
• Proceeds the bride and sometimes walks with the Ring Bearer down the aisle while tossing flower petals from a basket if desired

Ring Bearer

• Usually a young boy under the age of seven
• Attend the rehearsal
• Walk down the aisle either before or with the Flower Girl while carrying a satin pillow with either the wedding rings or a substitute.

Stress Free!

As you are probably finding out, weddings can be a little on the stressful side.  Making your wedding day a reflection of you and your grooms tastes and personalities requires a lot of energy and time.  Brides generally make all the important decisions such as where to have the ceremony and reception, which catering service to use, who to hire to create the cake of your dreams and who will capture every special moment via photography.  What generally is not thought of is who will be there on your wedding day to make sure your gown, bridesmaids, flower girl and mothers’ dresses are perfectly pressed and steamed so everyone looks their best coming down the aisle.  Another important detail that is often overlooked is having a consultant to make sure the entry of your bridal party is well timed and your grand entrance is perfect.  The Finishing Touch not only specializes in pressing and steaming all types of fabric and dressing you and your bridal party to perfection, we also coordinate the wedding procession for you.