Choosing the groomsmen

If your groom-to-be is having trouble deciding who he wants by his side on your big day or he just doesn't want to deal with the task, here are some tips that can help:

When it comes to the best man, most grooms choose the man he is closest to and someone he can depend on no matter what-- and that's his best bet. Many grooms end up choosing a brother, and some even choose their fathers. But if he feels the wedding just wouldn't be right without a particular best man, think about having two. This is a great idea, especially if it's difficult for him to choose between two brothers or two best friends.

For the groomsmen, his brothers are a great place to begin. And if you, the bride, have brothers, it's smart for him to include them as well. Next, he'll probably choose between his closest friends; this selection might come down to which guys he's known longest. One other suggestion (from Emily Post): Flip a coin with all the guys present so they can actually see how he came to his decision.

What do groomsmen typically do?

* Arrive at the rehearsal on time.
* Show up at the wedding prior to other guests.
* Wear the requested attire.
* Escort guests to their seats (if necesssary).
* They may escort a bridesmaid down the aisle before and after the ceremony.
* Dance with a bridesmaid at the reception.
* Have some fun and stay relatively sober.

A couple of other things:

• If your groom has a friend that may not have the finances to participate as a groomsman, he can ask the friend to be an usher. This is also a good way reduce the wedding party numbers if necessary. You can also ask other friends to be readers or to light candles.
• There is no such thing as a "right" number of attendants to have. You don't even have to have an equal number of groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Need more help? Check out our source: Selecting Groomsmen 101.

Photo from: weddingbee.com

Tips for happy bridesmaids

Choosing who will be in your wedding party is one the most important decisions you'll have to make. And it can be one of the most difficult. Hopefully these tips will help you and your attendants have the best and happiest time:

Select friends who understand you. Kate Chynoweth, author of "The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties and Being Fabulous," says think about the roles you want your bridesmaids to play including supportive listener and party planner. Think about those friends who you talk to regularly, who live near you and whom you've known to be reliable. And don't hesitate to ask one of your best guy friends.

More doesn't necessarily mean merrier. Chynoweth suggests having no more than six bridesmaids unless you plan to invite 300+ guests. Trim your list of potential 'maids before you begin inviting people; do this so you don't lose track or end up with a bigger group than you anticipated. And although it's appropriate to include your future sisters-in-law, it's up to you to invite other in-laws and additional family members. Also, don't feel required to "repay" friends who asked you to participate in their weddings if the relationship has since died down.

Remember that timing is everything. According to wedding planner and designer Michelle Rago, you should spend two to four weeks without asking anyone to be a bridesmaid. "It's lovely to be engaged and focused on this huge life change." Try to select them within the first three to five months (they should at least have six months' notice), and ask them around the same time so no one feels last.

For four more tips, check out our source: Have Happy Bridesmaids.

Photo from: davieandchiyo.com