Wedding Party - A Who's Who of your Wedding Party

Contrary to what you may be thinking, a wedding party is a term referring to the main people who will help and support you on your wedding day. For many couples who should be in their wedding party can represent some difficult decisions, because unless you have a big budget, it can be impossible to find a role for everyone.

Here is the lowdown on the various roles of the wedding party and the people who absolutely have to be included!

Parents - your parents are non-negotiable members of the wedding party! This means both sets and should also include step parents. Difficulties can arise when parents have divorced and have new partners or spouses. In this case it is up to the both of you to decide on who should take precedence.

For the wedding photographs there is no reason why everyone cannot be in shot, however, organizing the top table can be difficult. For more advice on your top table see the following article: Wedding Reception Etiquette.

Bridal Party - as the bride you will be attended to by your chief bridesmaid or maid of honor and your bridesmaids. You may also choose to have flower girls and a page boy.

You need to think carefully about who you choose to be your chief bridesmaid. This person needs to be reliable, supportive and confident enough to give you sound advice when you need it. Likewise you want your bridesmaids to be reliable and able to attend dress fittings, rehearsals and be on time on the day.

Flower girls and page boys are normally chosen from younger members of the family or close friend's children. Flower girls normally precede the bride and many brides have them scatter flower petals down the aisle. Page boys are often charged with carrying the wedding rings on a ring cushion.

Groom's Party - the groom will be supported by his best man, who is often a close family member or close friend. The best man will be charged with organizing the bachelor night and making sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time. He will also be required to make a speech at the reception and make toasts to the bride and groom.

The groom's party may also include the ushers. The ushers will be responsible for seating guests at the wedding ceremony and for walking the groom's mother down the aisle to her seat. They may also be required to show guests to their tables at the wedding reception.