Wedding Cast & Responsibilities (Part I)

THE WEDDING

A wedding is all about people. We start with the Bride and Groom. Their union is the entire reason for all these festivities. They are two individuals who have grown to know, like, and love one another enough to choose to spend their lives together. A wedding is also about their parents. These four (and sometimes more) people are the ones who have borne and raised the young adults who stand before us now. They have invested far more than money in this process. They have invested of themselves. As they see their children about to wed, they are reminded of their own courtship's and weddings. The approaching rite of passage will also trigger many thoughts of the past, the growing up years. There will be lots of reminiscing during the betrothal period.

A wedding is also about all the other family members. It is about siblings and grandparents; about aunts. Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; about children, and Godparents. They too will be filled with memories and suffused with good wishes for the future of the couple.

A wedding is also about friends. It includes friends who are so close they are selected to be part of the wedding party. Of course some of the wedding party are relatives, but the very reason they are chosen to be included in the wedding party is because of the friendship they share with the Bride and the Groom. These friends share a very special place with the Bride and Groom on the festive day. They provide the official witnesses for the ceremony and also lend support and guidance throughout the betrothal period. There are, of course, other friends as well. These are all the guests who have been selected to witness the ceremony and join the merry making afterward. These people are friends of the family, the wedding party and most importantly, the Bride and Groom themselves.

THE BRIDE

You're the star today and all eyes will be focused on you. No matter how modern or liberated, when the average woman marries, there is a bit of "Cinderella" about her. you will probably be no exception. You will wear your fancy gown to go the magical ball. And there will be your Prince Charming! It happens just as in your dreams. A multitude of customs, traditions and superstitions attend all the fairy tale magic

about getting married. You may not even know where some of these traditions originated even though it is likely that you will be reenacting them yourself. You will be reading about them in another later in this section. But a wedding is not all magic. There is a lot of behind the scenes work to ensure that the wedding day actually happens as planned. No matter how much wedding planning and preparation you are able to enlist others to do, the wedding remains a ceremony and party planned and coordinated primarily by the Bride. Allow yourself enough time.

Start out by being organized and stay that way. Call on reliable family and friends to help and delegate as much as you can. Hiring professionals whenever possible will help provide you with competent support people for your plans. It's easy for us to say and not so easy for you to do, but do all you can to avoid becoming "frazzled." If you remain happy, serene and confident that mood will transfer itself to the people you are dealing with who will then be pleasant and cooperative. This will ensure a smooth running and perfect wedding day.

THE GROOM

How does the Groom fit into all this wedding business? In the past, the Groom had little to do with the planning and organizing of his wedding. Some Grooms later felt that they were little more than a "prop" in the affair. But things have changed. Most often, the Bride is working or in school - making her just as busy as the Groom. She needs his help to accomplish all the details. Many couples are already living

together. It is not surprising, therefore, that they should wish to consult each other about the details and share the work for many of the tasks.

In addition, men today see their wedding as an important day for THEM. They want to ensure that the ceremony and reception satisfy their wishes as well as those of the Bride. They assertively participate in the process throughout. During the last few weeks of bachelorhood, you may secretly have "cold feet" about the commitment you will make during your wedding. Relax, every Groom (and Bride, too) has the same emotions - it shows you are taking this step seriously, in full recognition of the responsibilities it entails, but also eager to share a lifetime with your chosen love.

Once the wedding ceremony is complete, you will probably feel quite relieved and ready to enjoy the rest of the day. Late partying and the consumption of alcohol the night before your wedding are wisely avoided. You have a long busy day ahead of you on your wedding day you will not want to begin your day tired. Review your attendants duties with them, check documents, t he ring, the honeymoon plans, and then retire, satisfied that yours will be a wonderful wedding day. Eat properly during the day. Keep any appointments - shoe shine, manicure, etc. — exactly on time and then arrive at the church on schedule. You will always remember your wedding day as a unique, perfect occasion.

Cher!

PS Keep an Eye out For Next Week Part 2