The Etiquette for Relatives for Weddings
There is special etiquette when it comes to weddings, especially regarding the bride and groom's families. The families and the couple should try to fulfill the role set for them and show good manners. By cooperating on wedding etiquette, feelings are less likely to get hurt and the wedding can be a happy occasion for everyone involved.
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Bride's Parents
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Although more and more people are straying from this tradition, it is customary for the parents of the bride to pay for the wedding. This tradition can sometimes cause more harm than good. Some parents believe a majority of the wedding plans should be made by them since it's their money being spent, which can make for a very unhappy bride and groom. It is important that the engaged couple and the bride's parents both make an effort to compromise on the decisions being made during the planning process.
Groom's Parents
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The groom's parents are expected to pay for the rehearsal dinner. Since this is an event that doesn't require as much planning, parents of the groom may begin to feel left out of the wedding process. Traditionally speaking, the role of the groom's parents isn't as big as the bride's parents, but a couple should still make an effort to include them. Just giving the groom's parents updates on what plans are being made is a step toward making them feel involved.
A point of contention between the bride's parents and the groom's parents often is the guest list. Some parents of the groom feel angry that they aren't able to invite all 300 members of their family, even though the budget only allows for 200 guests.The best way to handle this problem is to let the groom's parents make a list of everyone they want to invite, from most important to least important. From there, the bride and groom can choose how many attend from that list.
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Grandparents
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Traditional ceremonies include the grandparents walking down the aisle during the procession. Grandparents usually walk down first, followed by the groom's parents, followed by the mother of the bride, followed by the bride and her father. Grandmothers, along with mothers, are usually given a corsage to identify them as a special guest. Grandfathers, along with the father, are given boutonnieres. If dinner is being served at the reception, and the bride and groom decide to not have assigned seating, then a special table should be reserved for the parents and grandparents on both sides.
Out-of-Town Family
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When family members travel to attend a wedding, the bride and groom should take notice. Having a small welcome basket waiting for them at their hotel is a simple way to thank them for attending. Tradition dictates that these out-of-town family members should also be invited to the rehearsal dinner.
Dealing With Family
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At nearly every wedding, there is a family member who thinks he or she is a special guest when, in reality, they are the bride's second cousin who she hasn't seen in years. This person might call to ask whether he has a special role to play in the wedding. The best way to handle a situation such as this is to say that you have arranged it so that this person can relax and just enjoy himself at the wedding.
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References
- Photo Credit mother and daughter image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
