Who Makes the Decisions? Understanding Roles in Wedding Planning

You’re in the midst of all the pre-wedding plans and everyone wants to be a part of each and every detail. Of course, you want to include all of the special people in your life, but too many perspectives may become overwhelming. So exactly who should you bring along to help you make all those decisions? 

REHEARSAL DINNER
Traditionally, the responsibility of planning and hosting a rehearsal dinner falls under the groom’s family. Being the happy couple, you’ll want to offer some help since this is a celebration for you after all!

Always consider what type of rehearsal dinner you want. Is this a formal event, or casual bonding time before the big day? What type of food do you want? Do you have a favorite, or significant, restaurant or venue you want it to be held at?

Giving these helpful tips to the groom’s family will make them feel more confident that they are planning a night you will absolutely love, and you can relax knowing they aren’t making reservations at the local pizza parlor for your rehearsal dinner. Unless that’s what you want, of course!

Now that those details are nailed down, the next step is deciding who to invite. Ultimately, the size of your dinner party is up to you. You’ll want to include your close family members, and traditionally, anyone who is a part of your ceremony. This includes family, the bridal party, and even the officiant. It is also considerate to invite any of their spouses/dates. Other people to consider would be any guests who have traveled from out of town to attend the wedding as it is a kind gesture and great way to say "thank you." 

Remember, do not feel obligated to invite everyone and their mother who suddenly want to be added to the list at the last minute.

TASTINGS
For the menu tasting, always ask your caterer how many people are welcome to attend. Consider who is paying for the food or dessert at the wedding as they should be involved in the tastings if possible. Most couples bring along both sets of parents. Alternatively, some opt to bring along both mothers or sometimes grandparents, as this is a more fun way for them to be involved and feel that their help is needed for your special day.

DRESS SHOPPING
Who you, the bride, want by your side when choosing your dress is completely up to you! Just remember, too many opinions may start to feel overwhelming, so choose wisely. As always, it is respectful to ask the dress shop how many attendees they deem appropriate. Traditionally, dress shopping includes all or some of the following: your mom, mother of the groom, close female relatives, and your maid of honor.

BRIDAL SHOWER
The Bridal Shower is usually planned and hosted by your maid of honor, with the help of the other bridesmaids, and sometimes the mother of the bride. These ladies know you better than anyone and you can be sure they will plan the perfect get-together for your friends and family. This will be the girls day of your dreams!

Typically, those invited to the bridal shower are also guests of your wedding reception. Usually, they are female family members and friends to help celebrate the bride, yet it is becoming more common for couples to throw a “wedding shower” and invite both men and women to celebration both the bride and groom.

VENUE SIGHTINGS
The bride and groom should both attend venue sightings, as you will both want to be a part of the final venue decision. It is also common for both sets of parents to attend, especially if they are pitching in to pay for the wedding venue. Limit those who attend this meeting to close family and key decision makers.

FLORAL APPOINTMENTS
Beautiful floral arrangements are not just randomly pieced together by your florist. You have a lot of say in the type of arrangement you want to create! When it comes to meeting with your florist, make sure you bring along someone from both the bride and groom’s side of the family.

Traditionally, the bride’s family will pay for the ceremony floral, including bridesmaid's bouquets and the flower girl's corsage, as well as floral for the reception. The groom’s family traditionally pays for the bride’s bouquet, the men's boutonnieres, and corsages for mothers and/or grandmothers.

Having someone present from both families is a great way to keep clear communication while dealing with separate budgets and contracts.

Wedding planning can be stressful, but knowing who to take with you to each meeting and who to include in decision making has a way of simplifying the planning process. So next time you sit down to make wedding planning decision, make it a little easier on yourself by following this tips and tricks.

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