Ideally the Bride and Groom work together on all decisions, they share the workload and make sure both are happy with the plans. But in additions to their joint responsibilities, the Bride and groom each traditionally handle certain details on their own.
Including making sure his or her family compiles a guest list, for culling at a later date!
A small List of Basics to start...Like a living entity, it will grow larger!
• Set budget - very much a joint task.
• Choose date, style and site for wedding & reception.
• Meet with Celebrant/ priest to discuss detail or ceremony.
• coordinate invites, flowers, photography, etc.
• Write wedding vows/speeches.
• Choose rings.
Bride:
The Bride chooses her Maid of Honour and brides maids, Chooses their attire, she gives her attendants thank you gifts and may even buys a gift for the groom.
Groom:
The Groom chooses his best man, and groomsmen and picks their attire (with consultation from the bride) buys thank you gifts for his attendants. He traditionally arranges and pays for the wedding license and the celebrant /Priest fees, and of course he usually organises the Honeymoon, now this was once supposed to be a surprise for the Bride, but for the sake of married bliss, I would suggest you do discuss this with her - she may not be overly excited by a break with the footy team!!!
Parents of the Bride:
In the past the bride's parents have had the dubious privilege of footing the bill for the majority of the wedding expenses. Today, costs are usually distributed among the parents of the Bride and groom and the couple themselves. But there are still certain responsibilities the Bride's Parents hold.
The bride's Parents traditionally host the engagement party, they help with the guest list offer assistance and guidance (and moral support).
The brides father has an important role to play - usually he escorts the bride down the aisle sometimes he is joined by the brides mother. He has a special speech to make, is days gone by it was usually a warning to the groom to behave and treat his daughter well ...or else! Not quite so scary these days...
He is usually the last to leave the reception having said farewell to all the guests.
Parents of the Groom:
Customarily they contact the brides parents after the engagement party, or they may even host the engagement party themselves,. They provide a list of guests for the couple.They consult with the Bride's parents on attire, and they may contribute to some of the wedding expenses.
Next week... Heres where it really begins...