• Assists the bride with pre-wedding tasks including smiling while making tiny favors out of birdseed, because that’s what she really wanted.
• Assists bride in setting a date to have bridesmaid’s dresses fitted and coordinates other bridesmaids to ensure they get to the proper location on time. 
• Attends all pre-wedding parties and hosts a bridal shower with other bridesmaids.
• Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the grand walk down the aisle
• Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ring exchange.
• Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony.
• Stands next to the groom in the receiving line and sits to his left at the head table.
• Signs the marriage certificate as a witness.
• May dance with the best man during the first dance.
• Helps the bride bustle her train, remove her headpiece and change into going-away outfit.
• Attends to the bride throughout the day such as running errands and tying up loose ends, calming nerves and otherwise ensuring the success of the wedding celebration.
• May assume responsibility for transporting the bride’s gown home or to the cleaners.
• May assist the best man with transporting gifts to the bride and groom’s home.

Consider their ages. Young children are adorable, but their behavior can be unpredictable. Imagine a three-year-old tugging on your dress during the ceremony and asking in a loud, clear voice, “Are we done yet?” Does this fill you with dread, or make you warm and fuzzy? Do what feels most comfortable to YOU! And don’t forget about nap time!

Ask in person. For older children, ask them in person to be a part of your wedding (after running it by their parents first.) This makes them feel involved, important and honored.

Spend time with them. Try to include them in pre-wedding events and activities, and just generally spending time with them before the wedding so that they feel connected and involved.

Rehearse! Be sure to include them in the rehearsal so they feel more comfortable with what is going to happen.

A special gift. Consider making or purchasing a special gift for them to honor their participation to remember this event and their involvement.

Keep parents close. For younger children, keep parents seated up front. It’s ideal if young children can walk down the aisle with someone they know and sit down immediately with their parents in front. It’s way too much to expect a young child to stand quietly up front during the whole ceremony!

Oh goody, goody bags. Goody bags at the reception (or even during the ceremony if they’re filled with non-messy, quiet items) for kids are a great way to keep them entertained for awhile. Babysitters, special kids’ meals, art supplies on a table in the corner, and videos playing in a corner or adjoining room are all good ideas if children will be participating in your Big Day.

So, you want to include your pets in your big day but you aren’t sure how? Here are some ideas to incorporate your fur baby in your big day.

At the Ceremony – The location is key. An intimate backyard wedding is probably the perfect setting to include your dog front and center at the wedding party. At home in their own back yard, it’s most comfortable for them, even with a large group of guests. A county or state park that rents space may also a good choice, you know your pet and you are the best judge of how they will interact and react to a busy day with lots of strangers who are all going to want to pet them!

At the Reception in Spirit – There are plenty of ideas to include Fido in your wedding reception! Here are a few fun places to sneak your pup-star into your reception:

• On top of the wedding cake: There are so many cute options out there online and in party stores. From personalized silhouettes to custom dog figurines that stand on top or peek out under a ruffle of frosting.
• Signage: Include your pet on the bar menu, table numbers, welcome signs as an illustration or image.
• Other Ideas: Doggy bag favors, set up a donation table to your favorite animal rescue, large cutout of fido’s face to include as a photo booth prop.

Photos say it All – Whether you include them in your engagement photo, your save the date announcement, table numbers or your wedding portraits, all are great opportunities to capture your beloved friend in your wedding celebration memories.

When planning your wedding, it’s important to consider the needs of your out-of-town guests, many of whom will be traveling great distances to share in your joyous occasion. You’ll want to make certain their visit is an enjoyable one.

Most hotels provide a discounted rate when you reserve a block of rooms. The number of rooms required to qualify for a group rate will vary by hotel. Some hotels offer additional services such as a hospitality suite for your guests to gather for breakfast or cocktails and, if needed, special check-out considerations.

It’s a good idea to consider the different economic situations of your out-of-town guests. Provide two or three options to create a comfortable price range to choose from.  While some of your guests may be on a limited budget, others will be combining their vacation with your wedding.

Recommendations for accommodations can be provided by any parent or the couple themselves. It is not their responsibility, however, to pay for them. Include printed information in the wedding invitation such as numbers for each hotel, the name under which the reservation is held and hotel shuttle information so your guests can call the hotel directly to make their reservations.

It is appropriate for the couple to arrange transportation to and from the ceremony and reception locations for all out-of-town guests. It is perfectly acceptable to arrange for family and friends to provide the transportation.