|
Author: Jean Bachcroft Article source: http://keywestweddings4u.com/. Used with author's permission.
Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good men—often his
brothers, college buddies, and best friends—to carry out all of the
responsibilities traditionally assigned to the guys. Once your fiancé has
picked his team, he'll have to give them a few pointers on just what their
roles and responsibilities are, so here's the lowdown.
A Friend in Deed
Let's start with the best man (the head groomsman) since his role is so
crucial. The best man is an all-purpose kind of guy—friend, organizer,
coach, confidant—with a lot of responsibilities.
In general, he must make sure that the wedding goes off without a hitch.
When the groom feels stressed, he is ready with encouragement and a
good sense of humor.
Traditionally, it is the best man who is in charge of organizing the
bachelor party and making all travel arrangements for the bride and
groom. He makes sure the groom and other groomsmen get fitted for
and pick up their formalwear. He is also expected to supervise the other
groomsmen and ushers, serve as an official witness to the vows,
safeguards the ring and marriage license just before the wedding, and
pay the clergyman's fee (which the groom quietly slips to him before the
ceremony).
After the ceremony, he makes sure the wedding party lines up properly
for the "wedding parade" through town, if one is planned. At the
reception, he serves as the master of ceremonies, proposes the first
toast, and remains on hand to ensure that all subsequent speeches are
both short and sweet. His final duty is to return all the rented tuxes.
INCIDENTAL—In case it should happen that several notable
people would like to offer a toast, here is the order of the speakers: best
man, groom's dad, bride's dad, groom, bride, maid of honor, groom's
mom, bride's mom, other friends and relatives.
And a Few Good Men
Of course, the other groomsmen or ushers are also important members
of the wedding party. The are, in effect, the couples hospitality
committee. Although groomsmen often do double-duty—serving as
ushers before and after the ceremony—in may cases, at large weddings,
for example, there are two sets of men: groomsmen and ushers. (The
general rule is one usher for every 50 guests.) In these instances, it is
the ushers who seat the guests, and it is they who make the first
impression on guests as they arrive.
Ushers greet the guests and escort them on the proper side of the
church. As tradition would have it, when a female guest arrives (whether
she is alone or not), one of the ushers should step forward, extend his
right arm, and escort her to her seat, followed by her spouse or date. (I
am in favor of the more modern sentiment which suggests that this
approach is incompatible with the whole concept of marriage and that
the husband should not be relegated to trailing behind this temporary
pair.)
Before walking toward the pews, the usher should ask which side of the
church she would like to be seated on, the bride's or groom's. Generally,
the right side of the church is reserved for the guests of the groom. Her
relatives and friends are usually escorted to the right.
In a Jewish ceremony, this seating arrangement is reversed. And if one
side appears to be filling up and the other side has noticeably few
occupants, then this rule should be abandoned for the sake of
appearances.
Incidentally, in keeping with the spirit of the occasion, ushers should not
escort guests to their seats in total silence, as if this were a solemn affair.
This is a time for a few casual and friendly, yet dignified and quiet
remarks.
Pews are filled from front to back, leaving the first several reserved for
family members and close friends of the bride and groom. Just minutes
before the ceremony is scheduled to begin, two of the ushers should
escort the groom's mother and then the bride's mother to their seats.
After the ceremony, they escort these ladies down the aisle.
It is the groomsmen who should be available to assist the bride's mother
with any last minute details. Just before the bride makes her entrance,
they should unroll the aisle runner. Another important duty of these men
of chivalry is to arrange for transportation of the bridesmaids to the
wedding site.
After the ceremony, as everyone heads off to the reception, it is their
responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. And, because they are
largely responsible for making sure that a good time is had by all, they
are expected to introduce guests to each other.
Modern day armor
What the groomsmen wear is largely determined by the formality or
informality of the ceremony, and to a lesser extent by considerations
such as location and time of day.
These days, most grooms, groomsmen and ushers rent their formalwear.
The groom and his men should order their tuxes at least three months
before the wedding. If possible, they should select a local shop, just in
case last minute alterations are needed.
The groom and his men usually wear the same attire. To set himself
apart, the groom may select a different colored tie, vest, pocket square,
or boutonniere.
Sometimes the groom will present a memorable gift, such as cufflinks,
studs or, if he can afford to splurge, monogrammed shirts, to be worn by
these men of honor at the wedding. Given all that they are expected to
do, the groom should indeed go out of his way to show his appreciation,
even in advance, for a job well done. About the Author
Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, founder of Bachcroft
and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Town and
Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer wedding, holiday,
and year-round mailing and return address
labels, visit Bachcroft
Mailing and Return Address Labels and
Aloha Return Address
Labels
For
bargains and
bargain shopping articles, visit Town and Country Shopping
Bargains.
Army Recruiting Dilemma Discussed
Currently the US Army is having trouble recruiting. These problems stem from the distrust of parents who lived thru the Vietnam War, as they remember the number...
How to Save Thousands on Your Marketing
Marketing can be expensive. It doesn't have to be, but sometimes you will spend more than you should. Usually you'll realise this after you've done it. But here...
Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas
Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that is warm, inviting and the perfect place to live. Country style decorating ideas can help you capture t...
Walking - The Perfect Stress Reducer
You may be surprised at how quickly walking as exercise can make you feel better, reduce stress and become a habit you enjoy.
Fireplace Screens - A Practical and Beautiful Addition To Your Home
There once was a time when the fireplace was the primary source of heat in most American homes. For those that could not afford a word-burning stove, the firep...
Why You Should Use Fruits for Constipation
Learn why fruits are a powerful way to relieve or clear your constipation. Find out which fruits are the best ones to use and how to use them.
Is Low-Carb Weight Loss Really Just Water Loss?
Any weight loss or diet plan, including low-carb plans like the induction phase of the Atkins Diet will result in water loss during the first week or two. How...
Self-Confidence Sliding Downward!
There are times in all of our lives where our self-confidence wanes!! This past week was one of those weeks for me. I questioned the work ....
Tips To Take Control Of Debt Collection
Yes, debt collection tips can help. You may think you have no power when the debt collector comes calling, but think again! Find out what you need to know now ....
Strategies for Success
Lack of personal control over finances, both business and personal, can really get you down. This story gives reasons why it's important to manage your financia...
Golf Elbow Or Tennis Elbow – The Tell Tale Signs
Many athletes suffer from pain in their elbow that is generally attributed to repetitive stress. Golfers and tennis players are susceptible to conditions that a...
Teaching Your Dog to Heel
Teaching your dog or puppy to heel is an essential dog training command. This article provides clear, easy steps to help you start training your dog or puppy t...
How to Choose the Right Bank Account for Your Needs
Opening a new bank account is a major step in your life, and as such it should not be taken lightly.
Music Software 101
Want to find out how to listen to all your favorite songs whenever you want? If so, you'll want to learn more about music software and how you can install some ...
Real Estate Problem Solver
Article about solving problems in Real Estate: There are many areas one can invest in. Since I was 15 years old I have looked for the fastest, most effective w...
The Mind of the Real Estate Investor
Bruce crawls into the mind of real estate investors and mines six mentals keys that successful real estate investors possess...and gift wraps powerful mental co...
Criteria in Determining the Best Affiliate Program
The article suggests some best ways to determine which affiliate program to choose and how? It also suggests some ways of finding the best affiliate program by ...
Getting Started In Investing
There is so much to know about investing and the truth is it will take a lot of training and guidance in order to get the hang of it. With our fast paced and ev...
Web Blogs, Defined, Explained and Understood
What are Blogs? Having heard the term previously but not having paid much attention most are just to afraid to show their ignorance and ask the question, what ...
About Creating a New Life
How do you create a new life? Where do you begin? This article will answer that for you. Enjoy Your New Life Ahead!
A Commonsense Guide to Exorcism
Enlightenment shines its spotlight in all the dark nooks and crannies of religious dogma gone wrong. As long as there have been humans and religious authorities...
Mindfulness: Youre Soaking In It!
Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life? Relax. You're soaking in it! Perhaps you remember Madge the Manicurist, a television commercial characte...
Spiritual Intelligence: How It Benefits A Person
Different authors attempted to define SI in a general perspective so as not to offend the sensibilities of different cultures. But this is what SI is not, relig...
Objects in the Mirror are Further Than They Appear
The Key to Running a Successful Virtual Company or Department...
|
Print this page