The Roles of Bestman and Chief Bridesmaid

It is a great honour to be chosen to be either the Bestman or Chief Bridesmaid at anyones wedding. More often than not each candidate has been very carefully chosen and  they are probably life-long friends dating back to early childhood or school days, and can probably tell a few hilarious tales about either the Bride or Groom.

For the Bestman, it is his duty to first of all organise a good stag night. This can be anywhere in the world and probably lasts for a whole weekend especially if taken out of this country. On the big day he has many roles to play, mainly overseeing the safety of the wedding rings, organising the ushers with regards to the Order of Service and  who sits where in Church.  Another big task for him is to give a lengthy speech at the reception, one that is filled with short anecdotes and jokes.

The Chief Bridesmaid, on the othe hand, organises the hen night. Likewise to that of the Bestman, the hen night can be just as riotous although there are more brides preferring to spend a weekend at an all inclusive spa retreat for a little pampering. Her responsibilities include assisting with the choice of the dress. On the big day she will assist any other bridesmaids and in particular guide any flowergirls which can bevery endearing to ensure that all times the bride is looking her best.

After the ceremony has taken place, both the Bestman and Chief Bridesmaid will circulate amongst the guests whilst photographs of the Bride and Groom and their respective families are being taken. They will  kick off the celebrations with entertainment whilst many of the guests can have refreshments to toast the happy couple.

Wedding Etiquette (Part 2)

Wedding Etiquette – Times are changing – it has in the past been the job of the brides family to send out the invitations to the wedding, though these days the happy couple like to act as the hosts and normally send out  the invitations approximately ten weeks before the date of the wedding.

Wedding etiquette can sometimes become a dilemma for the Bride and Groom when planning their wedding whether or not to invite small children.  Indeed, sometimes the parents of the children are happy to leave them with a member of their own family or nanny in order for them to enjoy the happy day themselves.  Alternatively, consider a compromise and hire a childrens entertainer to distract them or even designate a ‘special childrens party area’ for them with lots of goodies.

The gift list is normally sent out with the invitations, although many modern couples are already living together and may have most things. Consider giving a donation of money that the happy couple may wish to put towards their honeymoon, or even if there is a group party from the Brides or Grooms workplace that can make a donation towards one of their favourite photographs to be blown up and wrapped up in canvas for their favourite wall in their home. This is quite a favourite and unusual gift and one that Phil McDermott Photography can arrange for the happy couple. Alongside the RSVP card it would be a good idea for the guest to be  able to inform the Bride and Groom of any dietry needs that they may have.

Wedding Etiquette (part 1)

Wedding etiquette is important as couples give a great deal of thought to organising and planning their wedding day in order not to stand upon anyone’s toes or upset friends or family members.

Weddings are steeped in tradition, although these days lots of new twists are being introduced by happy couples to reflect their lifestyle, aspirations and needs. For the family it is also a momentous and joyous occasion and it is gracious for the wedding couple to include friends and family in the arrangements especially as they may have offered to pay for certain things. So it is therefore vital to sit down at the offset to agree who will do what.

Delegate tasks to parents, let them organise things such as the cars or the gift lists. These days a lot of the finances are funded by the wedding couple and it is no longer considered solely the role of the Brides parents to pay. Any contributions would always be graciously received. Budget between £8,000 to £20,000.

Remember brothers and sisters when planning your wedding. A wedding takes a long time to plan and for them life goes on. Should there be anything exciting happening in their lives, embrace it and don’t think they are trying to steal your thunder.

Nowadays the Groom often play a very active part in the wedding plans and this can be as much a stressful time for him as it is for anyone else. When organising your wedding plans, always try to agree on the basic elements of the day.

Finally, remember to keep everything in perspective and remind yourselves just why you want to marry and spend the rest of your days together.

Crossing the Threshold – Wedding Tradition

Crossing the threshold was considered dangerous and the newly married couple were very susceptible to many evil spirits around the doorway of their new home. So in order to prevent any spirits traveling through the soles of the brides feet the groom would lift and carry his new wife over the threshold in order to protect her.

Sometimes the groom would walk around the fireplace to introduce the bride to the new family. If, however, there was a fall, then there would be bad luck placed upon the marriage.

Throwing Confetti – Wedding Tradition

The tradition of throwing confetti started in ancient times and normally consisted of having rice thrown over the happy couple in order to promote good luck, richness and fertility.

Most confetti sold today is bio-degradable but sadly these days a lot of churches and public buildings are against the throwing of confetti because it is considered to be litter, unsightly and therefore a nuisance. An alternative to this occasionally rose petals are thrown or even bubbles blown.

Bagpipes – Wedding Tradition

Bagpipes add grandeur and atmosphere to any wedding. The piper traditionally plays in full Scottish dress at the door of the wedding venue as the many guests arrive.  After the wedding ceremony, he then leads the couple from the venue back to the wedding car. Sometimes the whole wedding party will walk through the streets from the venue to the reception with the piper in the lead.

At the reception, after the initial celebrations, the piper will play whilst the Bride and Groom receives their guests for their meal. The piper will then pipe them both up to the top table to take their seats as Man and Wife.

The Highland Wedding is a very popular tune played at most Scottish weddings.

You may kiss the Bride – Wedding Tradition

‘You may kiss the Bride’ is more than a sign of affection after the vows have been taken at a wedding.

It is a token of bonding with the exclusion of evil spirits as each partner sends a part of themselves into the new spouses soul to be there within forever.

Something old Something new – Wedding Tradition

Something old, something new – The origins to this verse is believed to be taken from the Victorian Era and relates to Good Luck.

Something Old – The symbol here has a link with the Brides family and is sometimes linked with a gift from the Mother representing Wisdom.

Something New – Possibly the Brides wedding attire and new beginnings to look forward to.

Something Borrowed - A gift from friends of the bride that she may count on. Perhaps a small piece of jewellery.

Something Blue – These days this is normally a blue garter. Back in Biblical times it was always common to marry in this colour, and in some EU countries the Bride still  has a blue band upon her dress. It signifies Love, Sincerity and Purity.

Finally, the Bride  has a silver sixpence tucked within her shoe which represented her future financial security.

The Mans Buttonhole – Wedding Tradition

The mans buttonhole flower, it has since Medieval times been customary for the Groom to wear a flower that coincides with the brides bouquet as a sign of his declaration of his love for her.

Each flower has its own significant meaning, one of the most popular in Scotland being the White Heather, although from our experience both the Pink Heather and Sea Holly are  becoming increasingly popular.

The Wedding Veil – Wedding Tradition

The wedding veil has traditionally been worn by brides who were considered to be vulnerable to evil spirits and so the wearing of the veil is to disguise the bride and as a result outwit the spirits.

In this country it is considered to associate chastity and modesty.