It
has become traditional for the head bridesmaid and the best
man to arrange the bride and groom's "farewell to single
life" in the form of Kitchen Teas and Bachelor Parties.
Since most women nowadays have left home before getting
married and generally have most things they need, why not
try a variation on the typical kitchen tea, like a linen,
pantry, Tupperware or even a lingerie party. And for the
infamous bachelor party, try introducing a cellar, bar or
workshop party!
The
Best Man - ideally a responsible person, usually
the groom's best friend or brother - organises the bachelor
party, makes arrangements for the ushers, buttonhole flowers
and transport to the reception. He sees to it that the groom
gets to the church on time, is responsible for the rings,
and should give them to the couple at the right time during
the ceremony. He toasts the bridesmaids and the couple at
the reception, ensures that the groom has going away clothes
and has the honeymoon luggage ready in in the car.
The
Chief Bridesmaid should
organise the bridal shower/kitchen tea, help the bride dress,
arrange her veil and train and take her bouquet when necessary
during the ceremony. She should take charge of the bridal
dress after the bride changes.
Ushers
should greet guests at the ceremony, hand out order of service
sheets and show guests to their seats. The bride's family
and friends should sit on the left, and the groom's on the
right. They should also organise the parking at the reception.
The Bride's Father traditionally walks up the aisle with
the bride on his right arm then gives his daughter away
to the groom and may make a speech at the reception.
Courtesy
of Claudia Liebenberg |
