Let’s be honest, planning a wedding isn’t a walk in the park. So before you turn into groom/bridezilla, assess how you can utilize your retinue’s talents and abilities to their utmost potential.
It’s an honour to be chosen to be part of a bridal retinue; it symbolises a strong bond of trust and respect between you and the person you choose. Pick someone you can be sure of; someone who you can see still being a part of you and your soon-to-be-spouse’s lives in 10 years.
You should be able to rely on your bridesmaids and groomsmen to reduce your stress by aiding in a wide range of detailed work. This should be a consideration before you “pop the question” — especially for your maid of honour or best man, with whom you may spend a significant amount of time.
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Maid of Honour & Best Man
These two will be the stars of the show; they will be there every step of the way, so choose wisely!
Let them know in advance if you need them to accompany you to your fittings/cake tastings/venue planning trips, etc…
If you’re someone who likes to organize things on your own, let them know the things you would want them to help with, and the things that you’d like to do by yourself, so that everyone’s time which has been allocated to organize the wedding can be utilized effectively.
Let them know if you have a specific Bachelorette/Bachelor party in mind before they start planning.
Everyone needs a little prompting, especially when helping to figure out someone else’s wedding, so don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them what you’d like- after all, it’s your big day and you want everything to be exactly what you’ve always dreamed of!
Each of the boys and girls in your retinue will have different strengths; assess those (covertly) and delegate duties accordingly. For example, if a bridesmaid has a good eye for fashion, get her advice in picking out the bridesmaid’s outfits. If a groomsman is good at picking out decor, ask him to overlook and coordinate the decor.
However, here are some duties that can involve as many of your retinue, (from either side) so that each and every one of them will feel included, and will (hopefully) take a load off your shoulders so it can be smooth sailing right up until your wedding day! E.g. Making those RSVP calls.
Your wedding album and video is something you and your spouse will look back on for years to come. Plan it with your retinue from the get-go to ensure that the shoots are carried out smoothly; you can even practice a few poses to find out what’s best before the day of the shoot!
Tip: Pick a few of them who are comfortable in front of a camera to speak about the wedding-prep and give a few tasteful anecdotes— it’s always good to have a few funny stories to relate to!
Speeches
Speeches are a vital part of any wedding. It’s also probably the best opportunity to pick someone who you couldn’t add to your retinue- but who’s still a big part of your life- to contribute to your wedding.
If you want to add some variety, pick one person to do a funny speech, another to do a serious one and someone to do a slideshow of photos of you and your better-half.
Group dances
Another way to involve more friends who aren’t in your retinue is to plan group dances which can be performed at the wedding or pre-wedding parties!
Wedding favor prep
This is a fun activity which involves the whole retinue. Blast some music and make it a memorable day- whilst getting some good work done. This may be a good opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.
Head over to our ‘Wedding Favors’ article for tips and ideas.
The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
Ask your close circle to plan this one, but invite your friends to join in for an unforgettable night! 😉
Assorted Tasks
Since your retinue will be too busy on the day of the wedding, especially during the ceremony, assign a few close family members or friends to be in charge of wedding gifts, ushering guests to their seats, handing out wedding favors and confetti, etc…
Tissues should be at the ready, especially for the Bride and Groom
Tip: someone needs to be in charge of making sure the kids in your retinue (if you choose to have any) are comfortable, happy, and most importantly- fed!!!
The grown-ups may need to be fed too, so ask someone to have water and snacks on hand to avoid any tantrums on the big day.
Decorating the getaway car
This is an exciting tradition which is a team effort. However, come up with a plan ahead of time so it can be executed secretly and smoothly.
Tip: on the day of the wedding or at the pre-wedding gatherings, the bride and groom may if they wish, give a small token of appreciation to their bridesmaids/groomsmen for all they’ve done and for all their future effort in making your special day that much more special
Lord Tennyson noted, “A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.” (hint, hint)
Disclaimer: the vendors mentioned in this article are simply recommendations. We do not endorse them, nor will we be held liable for any loss or adversity arising from any transaction with them.
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