38 The Courier SUN • bridal • SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com s bridal Wedding VIPs By Tresa Erickson Weddings have many very important players from the bride and groom to the bridesmaids and groomsmen to the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom. You’re probably familiar with the traditional VIPs, but if you have a rather large family or circle of friends, you might wish there were more roles to play. There can be with a little thinking outside of the box. Rather than have a dozen bridesmaids and groomsmen standing at your side, you might want to consider assigning some of these roles. Officiant You can’t get married without someone to perform the ceremony, and that person does not have to be a minister or a judge. It can be a family member or friend who is willing to go online and get ordained. Junior Bridesmaids, Groomsmen & Ushers Yeah, yeah, you may already have more bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers than you can count, but if you don’t and you have younger people in your midst, you can assign them these roles. They will have many of the same duties as the adults, minus attending the bachelor and bachelorette parties. They may also have formalwear more suited to their ages, 9 to 16. Candle Lighters These individuals are responsible for lighting the candles at the altar just before the mother of the bride is seated. They may dress like the wedding party or wear something different entirely. Tradition Bearers Have a family heirloom or symbol that has been carried down through the generations? Incorporate it into your wedding. Have a family member or friend act as a tradition bearer and carry the family Bible or crest down the aisle. Pages If you have an extra-long train on your wedding dress, you will definitely want to appoint some young girls and boys to carry it. That way, you won’t have to worry about it getting caught on something and tripping you up. Musicians Know some friends or family members who are talented musicians? Ask them to perform at your ceremony. They could sing, play or perhaps even write a special song for the ceremony. Readers Do you have some favorite passages or quotes pertaining to marriage? Make copies and designate special friends or family members to read them at your ceremony. Writers Got some writers in the family? Have them pen something special for your ceremony and read it to everyone. Gift Table Attendants The more guests you invite, the more likely you are to receive gifts at your reception and need a couple of people to attend to the gift table. They can set up the table, direct guests to it and keep the gifts organized until the reception is over. Then they can load up the gifts and take them to the bride and groom’s home. Party Guides Even with all the right professionals on hand, receptions can get busy. You can ensure things run more smoothly by appointing a few friends or family members to act as party guides. They can move around the room, making sure guests get where they need to and have everything required for whatever activity may be taking place. Etiquette Expert This person must be well-versed in wedding etiquette and be able to answer all questions pertaining to what should and should not be done at your wedding. They should be the go-to source for all lastminute questions, such as whether is it ok for divorced grandparents to sit next to each other. Witnesses Their responsibilities may be few, but witnesses are important nonetheless. They witness the signing of the marriage certificate and sign on the dotted lines. Their signatures will forever be part of the history of the bride and groom. These are just a few of the roles you could bestow on the special people in your life. As with all of the members of your wedding party, take your time in choosing. Make sure you select the best person for the job and make sure they are willing to participate. Just because you think your cousin would make an excellent party guide doesn’t mean they will want to do it. They may feel more comfortable acting as a witness, escorting your great-grandmother into the ceremony or looking after the small children at your reception.
SC09222016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above