Who Can Give Me Away At My Wedding?

The role of a bridesmaid is often given to a close friend or relative of the bride, and it is considered an honour to be asked to take on this role. However, it is not unheard of for bridesmaids to be asked to step down from their role, or for brides to be asked to remove a bridesmaid from their wedding party. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including the bridesmaid's behaviour, or a disagreement over the wedding plans. In some cases, the bride may ask the bridesmaid to step down because she feels that the bridesmaid is not supportive enough of her wedding plans, or because the bridesmaid has a conflicting relationship with another member of the wedding party. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include a bridesmaid in the wedding party is up to the bride, and it is important to respect her wishes.

Choosing a venue

Determine Your Budget

Before you start your venue search, it's crucial to establish a clear budget. Knowing how much you can afford will help narrow down your options and prevent any financial surprises. Remember to consider all costs, including the venue hire, catering, décor, and any additional services.

Decide on Your Wedding Style

Your wedding style will greatly influence the type of venue you choose. Whether you envision a classic, elegant affair or a modern, minimalist celebration, your venue should reflect your personal style.

Consider the Location

The location of your wedding venue is key for both you and your guests. Think about the convenience of travel, the availability of accommodations, and nearby attractions. A central location will offer easy access and plenty of accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

Check the Capacity

The size of your venue should comfortably accommodate your guest list. A venue that is too small will feel cramped, while a space that is too large may feel empty. Make a rough guest list to help you narrow down your venue options.

Visit the Venue in Person

Photos and online reviews can be helpful, but nothing compares to visiting a venue in person. Schedule a tour to see the space, meet the staff, and envision your wedding day. Pay attention to the layout, lighting, and overall ambiance.

Check the Venue's Services

Different venues offer different levels of service. Some provide full-service packages, including catering, décor, and coordination, while others may only offer the space. Determine what services are important to you and check what each venue provides.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from other couples can provide valuable insights into a venue's strengths and weaknesses. Look for feedback on the staff's professionalism, the quality of services, and the overall experience.

Consider the Venue's Flexibility

Weddings often come with unexpected changes, so it's important to choose a venue that offers flexibility. Check the venue's policies on date changes, cancellations, and rescheduling.

Secure Your Date

Popular wedding venues can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Once you've found the perfect venue, secure your date as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Paying for the wedding

Traditionally, the bride's family would pay for most of the wedding costs, including the wedding dress, wedding planner, invitations, and venue. The groom's family would pay for the marriage license, officiant, and alcohol. However, these days, the couple usually pays for the wedding themselves, with contributions from family members if they are willing and able to.

If you are planning a wedding, the first step is to discuss your priorities and be realistic about what you can afford. The average cost of a wedding is $35,000, so it is important to set a budget and stick to it. If you want your family to contribute, it is best to have an open and honest conversation with them early on and confirm their expectations. It is also important to agree on who will have input on wedding decisions—if your family pays, do they get a say?

Some specific costs that the bride's family traditionally pays for include:

• Wedding dress and accessories
• Wedding planner or coordinator
• Invitations, stationery, and programs
• Photography and videography
• Transportation and accommodation for bridesmaids
• Morning-after brunch

Some specific costs that the groom's family traditionally pays for include:

• Marriage license and officiant fee
• Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages
• Transportation and accommodation for groomsmen
• Alcohol for the reception
• Rehearsal dinner
• Honeymoon

However, these days, it is more common for the couple to pay for most of these costs themselves, especially if they are older or more financially established. It is also common for both families to contribute, or for the couple to pay for everything themselves. The most important thing is to have honest and transparent conversations with your families about what everyone is comfortable contributing, and to set clear expectations.

The guest list

• Family Dynamics: It is essential to consider the dynamics within the family when creating the guest list. If there is tension or conflict between siblings, it may be best to limit the guest list to close family members only. This can help avoid potential drama or discomfort during the wedding celebrations.
• Sibling Relationships: The relationship between the siblings getting married and their brothers or sisters should be taken into account. If the siblings are close and have a good relationship, it is natural to want them to be a part of the wedding party. However, if there is tension or conflict between them, it may be wise to reconsider their involvement.
• Size of the Wedding: The size of the wedding can also play a role in deciding whether to include siblings. If the wedding is small and intimate, the couple may choose to only invite their parents and closest friends. In this case, siblings may be excluded from the guest list.
• Financial Constraints: Weddings can be expensive, and the couple may have to make tough decisions about the guest list to stay within their budget. If the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, they may choose to prioritise their closest friends and family members, which could mean that some siblings are not invited.
• Sibling Behaviour: The behaviour and attitude of siblings should also be considered when creating the guest list. If a sibling has a history of causing drama, ruining special events, or creating tension, the couple may decide to exclude them from the wedding to avoid potential issues.
• Pre-existing Guest Lists: If the couple is having a small wedding or has a limited guest list, they may need to be selective about which siblings to invite. In this case, it is essential to consider the relationships and dynamics between the siblings and choose those who are closest to the couple.
• Location of the Wedding: The location of the wedding can also impact the guest list. If the wedding is taking place in a remote location or requires travel, the couple may choose to only invite their immediate family and closest friends. In this case, some siblings may not make the guest list.
• Sibling's Plus Ones: When creating the guest list, the couple should consider whether they will allow siblings to bring plus ones. If a sibling has a long-term partner or spouse, it is generally considered polite to invite them as well. However, if the sibling is single or in a new relationship, the couple may choose to only invite the sibling without a plus one to keep the guest list manageable.

The bridal party

Choosing the Bridal Party

The couple may choose their bridal party based on a variety of factors, including the size of the wedding, their relationship with the potential bridal party members, and their vision for the wedding. It is common for the bridal party to include the bride's sister, especially if they are close. However, it is ultimately the couple's decision and there is no obligation for the bride's sister to be included.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Attending pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
• Helping the couple with wedding planning and preparations.
• Providing emotional support and guidance to the couple.
• Participating in wedding traditions such as the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding ceremony.
• Standing with the couple during the wedding ceremony.
• Assisting the couple on their wedding day, such as helping the bride with her dress or carrying the bride's train.

The Sister's Role

The bride's sister may have a special role in the bridal party, depending on the couple's preferences and the sister's relationship with the couple. Some common roles for the bride's sister include:

• Maid of Honour: The bride's sister may be chosen as the maid of honour, who is the bride's closest female attendant and has additional responsibilities such as planning the bachelorette party and supporting the bride on her wedding day.
• Bridesmaid: If the bride has multiple sisters or close friends, they may all be included as bridesmaids, who typically help the maid of honour and provide support to the bride.
• Flower Girl: If the bride's sister is young, she may be chosen as the flower girl, who scatters petals down the aisle before the bride's entrance.
• Reader: The bride's sister may be asked to do a reading during the wedding ceremony, such as a poem or a passage from a book.
• Witness: In some cases, the bride's sister may be asked to sign the marriage certificate as a witness to the wedding.

Working Together

It is important for the bridal party to work together and support each other leading up to and during the wedding. This includes the bride's sister, who should respect the couple's wishes and work collaboratively with the other bridal party members. Communication and flexibility are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The dress

For this reason, it is important to choose a dress that reflects your personality and style. Do you want a traditional gown or something more modern? Are you looking for a sleek and sophisticated look or something more whimsical and fun?

When choosing a dress, it is also essential to consider the venue and theme of your wedding. If you are getting married on a beach, for example, you may want a lighter and more flowy dress. If you are having a winter wedding, you may want to choose a dress with long sleeves and a train.

It is also important to think about your budget. Wedding dresses can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you do not fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range.

Once you have an idea of the style and budget for your dress, it is time to start shopping! You can find wedding dresses at bridal salons, department stores, and even online. It is a good idea to try on a variety of styles to see what looks best on you.

When you find the perfect dress, be sure to order it well in advance of your wedding date to allow for alterations and final fittings.

On the big day, you will feel like a princess in your dream dress as you walk down the aisle to marry the love of your life.

Frequently asked questions