We do!: A guide for engaged couples and their wedding party

This one is for all the newly engaged couples and the besties standing by their side at the wedding altar!

As you embark on the journey of planning your wedding day, one of the most exciting and meaningful decisions you’ll make is choosing the members of your wedding party. These are the individuals who will stand by your side as you exchange vows and begin your new life together. Selecting the right people for these roles is about more than just picking your closest friends or family members; it’s about choosing those who will truly support and uplift you on your big day.

First and foremost, consider the depth of your relationships with potential wedding party members. Your wedding party should consist of people who have been there for you through thick and thin, who know you and your partner inside and out, and who genuinely want to see you happy. These special persons have played significant roles in your lives, be it your best friends who have seen you through every high and low, siblings who have shared your journey since childhood, or even your own children who symbolize the love that has brought you to this moment.

But being a member of the wedding party isn’t just about showing up on the day of the wedding; it’s about being there for the bride and groom every step of the way. From helping with wedding planning to offering emotional support during moments of stress, your wedding party should be willing to lend a hand when needed to ensure that your special day comes with the least amount of stress.

It’s also important to remember that being asked to be a part of someone’s wedding party is a tremendous honor. It means that you hold a special place in the hearts of the bride and groom, and that they trust you to play a significant role in one of the most important days of their lives. So if you’re lucky enough to be chosen as a member of a wedding party, embrace the role wholeheartedly and be sure to be a warming presence.

Ultimately, your wedding party should be comprised of those who will not only stand by your side on the day of your wedding but who will continue to support and uplift you in the years to come. So as you make your selections, choose wisely and remember that the bonds of friendship and family are what make this day truly special.

And if you’ve recently been asked to stand next to your bestie at the altar, this next part is for you!

To all the wonderful souls recently entrusted with the role of being a wedding party member, congratulations! Your friend or loved one has chosen you to stand by their side on one of the most important days of their lives, and it’s truly an honor. As you accept this special role, you might be wondering what it means to be a supportive wedding party member. Fear not, for I’m here to offer you some guidance on how to fulfill this role with grace and enthusiasm!

First and foremost, communicate openly with the couple from the very beginning and ask them what they expect from you and how you can best support them throughout the wedding planning process. They may have specific tasks they need help with, such as choosing attire, planning pre-wedding events like the bachelor/bachelorette party or wedding shower, or even lending an ear during moments of stress. Every couple has different needs when planning their wedding day, so it’s best to know the plan from day 1!

Traditionally, wedding party members are expected to purchase their attire for the wedding day. This might include a suit or dress, shoes, and accessories. Make sure to coordinate with the couple and other members of the wedding party to ensure everyone’s outfits complement each other and fit the wedding theme. Be on time for your fittings and don’t wait until the last minute for alterations or choosing accessories.

Planning a memorable bachelor or bachelorette party is another important duty of the wedding party. This is your chance to celebrate the bride or groom and create lasting memories together. Take the time to plan something special that reflects their interests and personality, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a fun night out on the town, or a relaxed gathering with close friends and family.

Additionally, you may be asked to give a speech at the wedding reception. Use this opportunity to share heartfelt words of love and support for the newlyweds, and perhaps sprinkle in a few humorous anecdotes or fond memories to lighten the mood. Remember to keep it sincere and respectful, and practice beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.

To ensure you’re prepared for any situation, it’s essential to plan ahead and anticipate potential challenges. Familiarize yourself with the wedding timeline and know your responsibilities, whether it’s assisting with getting ready, coordinating transportation, or helping to keep the energy high on the dance floor. Anticipate the needs of the couple and take initiative to address them before they even arise. Whether it’s fetching a glass of water, fluffing the bride’s dress, or corralling guests for photos, your attentiveness will not go unnoticed.

Pack a wedding day survival kit with essentials like tissues, safety pins, breath mints, and any other items that may come in handy. Being prepared for emergencies, big or small, will help alleviate stress and ensure you’re ready to handle anything that comes your way. And of course- stay calm. Wedding days can be filled with nerves and excitement, so it’s essential to remain calm and composed. Be a calming presence for the bride or groom, offering words of encouragement and reassurance throughout the day.

Above all, remember that your role as a wedding party member is to spread joy and celebrate the love shared between the couple. Keep the energy positive and infectious, and encourage others to join in the celebration with enthusiasm and sincerity.

Now, to the bride and groom: As you bask in the joy and love of your wedding day, don’t forget to show your gratitude and appreciation to your wedding party for all their hard work and support. Consider giving each member of your wedding party a thoughtful and personalized gift as a token of your appreciation. Whether it’s a monogrammed keepsake or a heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude, a personalized gift will show them just how much they mean to you. During your wedding reception, take a moment to publicly acknowledge your wedding party and express your thanks for their dedication and support. A heartfelt toast or a special mention in your speech will make them feel valued and appreciated. Then, after the whirlwind of the wedding day has passed, set aside some time to spend with your wedding party in a more relaxed setting. Whether it’s brunch the morning after the wedding or a post-wedding get-together, cherish this time together and express your gratitude for their friendship and support.

Remember, the wedding day is a celebration of love, and having a supportive wedding party by your side can make it all the more special. So, to all the brides, grooms, and wedding party members out there, here’s to creating beautiful memories together and celebrating the love that brought you all together. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!

Vendors Featured

Venues:
The Olana www.the-olana-hickory-creek @TheOlanaTX

The French Farmhouse thefrenchfarmhousevenue.com @TheFrenchFarmhouseVenue

The Century Hall thecenturyhall.com @Thecenturyhall

34EventsPlano 34events.com @34eventsplano

Bella Cavalli bellacavallievents.com @bellacavallievents

Planners/Coordinators:
Ammie Marie Weddings ammiemarieweddings.com/ @ammiemarieweddings

Social Bee Events www.socialbeedfw.com @socialbeedfw

Southern Bash Events southernbash.com @southernbashevents/


Hair & Makeup Artists:
She Is Art Beauty campsite.bio/sheisartbeauty @sheisartbeauty

Florals:
Lizzie Bees Flower Shoppe msha.ke/lizziebeesflowershoppe @Lizziebeesflowershoppe

T and T Flowers and Gifts @tandtflowersandgifts

Stationary and Decor:
Brown Fox Creative brownfoxcreative.com @brownfoxcreative

Lyon’s Paperie lyonspaperie.com @lyonspaperie

The Styled Affair thestyledaffair.co @thestyledaffair

Videographers:
Four Point Wedding Films linktr.ee/tmaddoux @fourpointweddingfilms

Virtureel Weddings www.virtureelproductions.com @virtuweddings

Cake:
Tilly Mamas Bakery @tillymamasbakery/

Kuluntu Bakery @kuluntubakery