You’ve Been Asked To Be in a Wedding

You’ve Been Asked To Be in a Wedding

When a close friend or family member decides to get married, there’s a good chance you may be asked to be in their wedding as a bridesmaid or a groomsman. If it’s a best friend or a close sibling getting hitched, you may be asked to stand next to them as a maid of honor or a best man. In either situation, this is an important responsibility. Members of a bridal or wedding party are expected to contribute time, treasure and talents to the nuptials of a happy couple, and there are some things you should know before committing.

Opting Out Of A Wedding

Before going further, you should understand that being in a wedding party will likely put significant demands on your time and funds, especially as the big day rolls around. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes. However, you should know that you can always say no, and you should do so if you have any doubts about being able to fulfill the role, especially as a maid of honor or best man. If you need time to consider and more details about what is expected of you, it’s best to say something now and not later.

Planning Events

As a bridesmaid or groomsman, you’re expected to be part of a support system for the couple to be wed. This can mean everything from helping to plan events such as a bachelor or bachelorette party to coordinating actual details of the big day. As a part of the bridal party, you’re there to attend to the couple’s needs, which can include helping them stay calm and collected. One classic Canadian event that you may be expected to help organize and plan is a stag and doe party, which serves as a fundraiser to pay for costs associated with the new couple’s life together, including expenses from the ceremony and honeymoon.

Spending Money

Members of a wedding party are often expected to contribute personal funds to help cover various costs. Perhaps the most common expenses arise from wedding fashions. Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their dresses according to the bride’s preferences. Similarly, groomsmen are usually responsible for renting a tuxedo or purchasing clothes and accessories for the big day. There are a number of expenses that you should take into account if you commit to participating in the ceremony:

  • Attire, including accessories and shoes
  • Gifts for the couple at various events
  • Costs for bachelor/bachelorette events, stag and doe parties, engagement gatherings, bridal showers, etc.
  • Travel expenses or fees for a destination or remote celebration

You shouldn’t go into debt or experience financial strain from being in the wedding party, so it’s important to ask questions up front before committing.

Helping the Couple Look Their Best

A bride or a groom will look to members of the bridal party to help them get suited and booted for the ceremony. This may include something as simple as helping someone fasten buttons or zippers that are hard to reach or helping tie a bow tie. Get familiar with that YouTube tutorial as soon as possible! Do you know your way around a makeup palette or a set of clippers? The happy couple may have need of special skills that you possess when it comes to putting the finishing touches on their appearance. Again, expectations and requests should be made known well in advance.

Many people consider it an honor to be asked to serve in a wedding, especially as a member of the bridal party. Recognize that you have an important role to fulfill, and if you’re not prepared to make the commitment required, say something right away. The last thing you want to do is leave a loved one hanging and add to the stress of the special day.

You’ve Been Asked To Be in a Wedding

When a close friend or family member decides to get married, there’s a good chance you may be asked to be in their wedding as a bridesmaid or a groomsman. If it’s a best friend or a close sibling getting hitched, you may be asked to stand next to them as a maid of honor or a best man. In either situation, this is an important responsibility. Members of a bridal or wedding party are expected to contribute time, treasure and talents to the nuptials of a happy couple, and there are some things you should know before committing.

Opting Out Of A Wedding

Before going further, you should understand that being in a wedding party will likely put significant demands on your time and funds, especially as the big day rolls around. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes. However, you should know that you can always say no, and you should do so if you have any doubts about being able to fulfill the role, especially as a maid of honor or best man. If you need time to consider and more details about what is expected of you, it’s best to say something now and not later.

Planning Events

As a bridesmaid or groomsman, you’re expected to be part of a support system for the couple to be wed. This can mean everything from helping to plan events such as a bachelor or bachelorette party to coordinating actual details of the big day. As a part of the bridal party, you’re there to attend to the couple’s needs, which can include helping them stay calm and collected. One classic Canadian event that you may be expected to help organize and plan is a stag and doe party, which serves as a fundraiser to pay for costs associated with the new couple’s life together, including expenses from the ceremony and honeymoon.

Spending Money

Members of a wedding party are often expected to contribute personal funds to help cover various costs. Perhaps the most common expenses arise from wedding fashions. Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their dresses according to the bride’s preferences. Similarly, groomsmen are usually responsible for renting a tuxedo or purchasing clothes and accessories for the big day. There are a number of expenses that you should take into account if you commit to participating in the ceremony:

  • Attire, including accessories and shoes
  • Gifts for the couple at various events
  • Costs for bachelor/bachelorette events, stag and doe parties, engagement gatherings, bridal showers, etc.
  • Travel expenses or fees for a destination or remote celebration

You shouldn’t go into debt or experience financial strain from being in the wedding party, so it’s important to ask questions up front before committing.

Helping the Couple Look Their Best

A bride or a groom will look to members of the bridal party to help them get suited and booted for the ceremony. This may include something as simple as helping someone fasten buttons or zippers that are hard to reach or helping tie a bow tie. Get familiar with that YouTube tutorial as soon as possible! Do you know your way around a makeup palette or a set of clippers? The happy couple may have need of special skills that you possess when it comes to putting the finishing touches on their appearance. Again, expectations and requests should be made known well in advance.

Many people consider it an honor to be asked to serve in a wedding, especially as a member of the bridal party. Recognize that you have an important role to fulfill, and if you’re not prepared to make the commitment required, say something right away. The last thing you want to do is leave a loved one hanging and add to the stress of the special day.

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