Don't Forget the Groomsmen!

Before I really got into the research aspect, I used to believe that the groomsmen just stood up at the church and looked handsome for everyone... little did I know they actually have a few expectations...So for those of you out there like me who may not have known, heres a list of their traditional "expectations."

•  Lighting the aisle candelabra 15 minutes before the ceremony
• Seating guests
• Taking down pew ribbons as the pews are needed
• Putting the aisle runner in position and removing it after the ceremony
• Participating in the processional and recessional
• Escorting the bride’s and groom’s parents out, then dismissing one aisle at a time after the ceremony
• Dancing with the bride and bridesmaids

Bridesmaids Beware!

As a wedding planner, I have heard of (and seen) my fair share of bridesmaid horror stories.  Whether they're complaining about the dress, making the show "about them" or just not offering help at all...heres a list of general "tasks" that traditionally bridesmaids have been responsible for.

Pre-Wedding Tasks

• •       Attend dress fittings and ensure their alterations are completed on time.
• •       Attend the wedding shower the bachelorette party and assist in planning these events if needed.
• •       Spread the word about the shower, the bachelorette party, and about where the couple has set up a gift registry
• •       Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• •       Helps address invitations for the wedding and the shower, if needed.

Day-of Tasks – Before the Ceremony

• •       Attend the pre-wedding breakfast, if there is one planned
• •       Run any last-minute errands the bride needs help with
• •       Help decorate the reception hall, if needed
• •       Attend hair and makeup appointments
• •       Get dressed on time, and help the bride get ready if the maid of honor needs assistance
• •       Participate in any pre-ceremony photograph sessions that have been scheduled

Day-of Tasks – After the Ceremony and During the Reception

• •       Pose for photographs with the rest of the wedding party. Also help round up relatives and other members of the wedding party to pose for photos.
• •       Stand in the receiving ling, or mingle and introduce guests to each other while the bride and groom finish taking photographs.
• •       Get the bride water, food, or anything else she needs throughout the reception, since she’ll probably be too busy to think of these things herself.
• •       Troubleshoot any problems that happen, such as picking up flower arrangements that fallen over, or preventing a fight between to great aunts who don’t like where they’ve been seated.
• •       Take photos during the reception, if asked.
• •       Help get the guests dancing, and mingle to keep people happy

Post-Reception Tasks

• •       Help clean up after the reception, if needed.

Five Ways to Save

Save a significant amount of money with just these five tips!

1. Cut the Guest list (can save up to $200 per person!)

2. Cut out Liquor - instead go for one signature drink plus beer and wine

3. Skip Flower girls bouquets - use alternatives (see an upcoming post for more ideas)

4. Order a 2 tiered cake - then cut up a sheet cake in the back

5. Used digital printing for stationary (saves about $1000!)

For more tips like this visit www.theknot.com

Help me out - get a FREE goodie bag!

Help me meet my goal, to have 5 customers registered on my eBoutique (no purchase required)! Each person will get a magalog in the mail along with a free goody bag! Register now at: www.mymarkstore.com/akahler