Wedding Bells

Church. White gown. Flowers. Candles. Rings. Doves. Bridal car. Cake. Buffet.

These and more are present in a traditional wedding. I've been a bridesmaid four times and a maid of honor once. The wedding I attended almost a month ago was that of my uncle. Being a maid of honor is different. Your role brings more responsibilities compared to that of a bridesmaid.

Here's a handy guide for the maid of honor (with some notes of my actual experiences):

•     Coordinate with the bridesmaids. This could include keeping them informed about fittings, pre-wedding parties, or anything else they need to know.

Get to know the bridesmaids and make them feel at ease.

•     Host a shower with the help of the bridesmaids. This includes planning, setting up, and splitting the costs.

•     Host, plan, and set up the bachelorette party with the help of the bridesmaids.

•     Pay for your wedding day attire. This includes your dress, jewelry, and shoes. The bridal party is responsible for purchasing their own attire; occasionally a very generous and thoughtful bride will purchase these items for you, but don’t bet the farm on it.

Here in the Philippines, entourage attires are either rented or made-to-give. 

•     Help the bride shop for wedding dresses, or at least offer.

•     Keep the groom’s ring during the wedding ceremony.

•     Arrange the bride’s train at appropriate point in ceremony, if needed.

It looks nicer when the wedding gown train is well-arranged.

•     Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony vows. (Be sure to give it back before she trots back up the aisle!)

•     Arrange the receiving line after the ceremony, if applicable.

•     Sign the marriage license if needed.

I had the sponsors sign the marriage certificate instead.

•     Toast the bride and groom if given an opportunity - this could be at the rehearsal dinner or at the   wedding reception.

•     Help where needed at reception; make sure bride has a chance to eat and drink something.

•     Dance in the wedding party dance if applicable.

As bridesmaid, I had to dance at a friend's wedding. Surprise! You better be game.

Reference: http://www.themaidofhonorguide.com/

That, plus you get a closer look at the wedding vows. So that's why the chosen maid of honor is usually a sibling, best friend or someone close to the bride or best man for the groom.

For a beautiful wedding, planning is a crucial thing. It takes months of preparations. Not only does it make sure your special day is organized, it also stretches the budgeting for expenses.

Wedding is a sweet thing. It's a union as well as reunion among relatives, close friends, classmates, officemates and whoever are invited to witness the event. Cheers to all newlyweds out there and those who are taking to heart and keeping the promises they've made to each other!