The love of your life just got down on his knee and asked you to marry him and you said yes! Now thoughts are probably flooding your mind of “Where do I go from here to get started planning?” You’re thinking, “When will this happen? Were will we say our vows? What will my dress look like? How will my hair look? Oh my gosh! Who will my bridal party be?” Well let’s dive into that first because the only way you are going to get through this is with the support of your closest friends and confidants at your side.
History of the Bridal Party: Did you know that the tradition of the bridal party is biblical? In the book of Genesis, when Jacob married Leah and Rachel, each brought their own “maid” – but in this case they were personal servants for the brides rather than your 21st century bridesmaids that hold bouquets and participate in the festivities. In some traditions the groomsmen were called “Bride Knights” because they were to protect the bride and her virginity, as well as assisting in kidnapping the bride from her family on the wedding day. Aren’t you glad these traditions have evolved over the years? The bride was also accompanied down the aisle by a child. This is where the term “flower girl” and “ring bearer” came into the bridal party which symbolized a fruitful union of the lovely couple. Flower petals tossed in the aisle represented the couple’s way to a beautiful life together.
Selecting the right ones: Including your closest friends and family as your bridal party is so rewarding as they are so happy to experience this moment with you, front and center. One thing to take into consideration as you select your bridesmaids and groomsmen is to keep in mind the cost and full support you will expect of each bridal party member. It is best to select your bridal party up front and to communicate your expectations of them in the beginning so that every person has plenty of time to plan for the big day!
Tips for every bridesmaid: First things first; Be a team player with a good attitude! There is nothing worse than being that one bridesmaid who is trying to run the show. The best way to be the best bridesmaid you can be is to get along with the bridal party and fully support the bride in every way you can. On the big day, don’t forget to have a beauty kit for all your touch up needs and tissues available for the ceremony in that emotional moment of the vows. If the wedding or photographs are taken outdoors and by chance you will be in the grass or dirt, don’t forget high heel protectors. There are some really great ones sold by SoleMates (pictured below):
Tips for your groomsman: Some would say that the groomsman has the easiest job at the wedding; Just show up, take pictures, and escort their fellow bridesmaid down the aisle to the ceremony, and that’s it. Well, that’s almost accurate. A groomsman also has the task of making sure the groom has eaten and drinks plenty of water through the day, to make sure the groom gets to the ceremony location on time, and to ensure not to lose the rings. (Whatever you do, don’t lose the rings!!) Things that a groomsman should remember to bring are many of the basic essentials that sometimes can be forgotten: The suit/tuxedo, socks, a belt, mouthwash or breath spray!
Tips for writing the speech: Everyone loves to be a best man or maid/matron of honor but the one thing that some stress about is writing the perfect speech or making the decision to just wing it? Some great tips for preparing the perfect speech is to introduce yourself to the guests, mention how you met the groom using a joke of some sort (laughs always lighten the pressure) and sharing what you remember about their love story, following up with offering advice for their future and close it out with a nice farewell. Now that’s classy!
This day is special for everyone involved and the best thing to bring is a great attitude, full of smiles to make this day as beautiful as the bride and groom have dreamed and anticipated.
