When planning a wedding, couples can sometimes put more focus on things like the church, reception venue, the honeymoon, the rings, and, of course, the dress. While those things do need ample attention, one shouldn’t lose track of the people who will attend the wedding, most notably your entourage. While there are numerous guides that define the roles of your entourage, we’re giving you 5 tips to make sure the special people in your life get special attention, too.
Check with The Church
In a wedding, there’s a traditional order to the entrance of the entourage. However, there are no set rules on customization: if you want the flower girls to cutely lead the procession, that’s a great idea! While most churches won’t have an issue with it, better to check than be sorry at the last minute since some churches may be more traditional than others.
Entourages can vary in size. While the technical limitations of having primary sponsors is that you need 2 adults who are at least 18 years of age, you can choose to have more than one pair but you need to check with your church on how many are allowed.
It’s also important to ask the church on their policy on proxying; some churches might not allow a proxy to stand in for your primary sponsors who’ll also be signatory to your wedding. Which leads us to our next tip—
Inform Your Entourage Ahead of Time
Even before you send out invitations, it’s OK—recommended, even!— to inform your entourage that they will play an important role in your wedding. This helps them prepare for what they need to do, or what they need to wear. It’s also an opportunity for them to let you know if they can make it, so that you can find a proxy or a replacement, in case your church doesn’t allow proxying.
Among your entourage, your maid of honor and best man will need more preparation than others so let them know ahead of time. For one, they usually will be making toasts or speeches for the couple during the reception so it’s best to let them know ahead of time so they can write and practice their heartfelt messages.
Of course, a wedding that raises the roof can only be kicked off by an energetic entourage! A new “tradition” in weddings has the entourage welcome the new couple with lively dancing. If you want them to prepare something more organized and choreographed, you’d best let them know (and practice!) beforehand.
Make It Meaningful
The people in your entourage are more than mere guests. They should hold a special place in both the lives of the soon-to-be husband and wife, so make sure that they embody the “special” in special guests. Additionally, choose people that play significant roles in your life to perform the ceremonial equivalent during your wedding: the people that give you guidance, let them hold the candles. The people that help protect your relationship, let them put on your veil. The people that brought or continue to bring you together, let them put on the chord.
Keep Limits on Technicalities
When planning your entourage, the only actual limit is that for the primary sponsors, they need to be of legal age because they will sign as witnesses to your wedding. Other than that, you’re free to choose your entourage how you want. While there can be outdated notions of who should or should not be part of the wedding entourage, it’s your wedding and so you do you. The bridal party and the groom’s party can be a mix of any gender, they don’t have to be all male and female. Have ninongs and ninangs who are your age. Have a best maid or a man of honor. What matters more is the role they play in the bride and groom’s life.
They’re a Party, So Pre-Party!
Like we mentioned before, your entourage might be the spark that kicks off the energy at the reception party. It’s best to throw them (or have them throw you) a pre-party or a get together. A bachelorette/bachelor party is a great way to get the entourage together, or invite them to tag along with you on your wedding venue viewing in Tagaytay too, then cap the trip off with a couple of drinks. You can even book accommodations at the Hillcreek Gardens Hotel so that no one has to stay sober for the drive home, and the party can last all night!
The point of a pre-party with the whole entourage is to bring them together. If you’re already a close group of friends, may this party bring you even closer. However, for some, the entourage may be a mix of people that the bride and groom have met through their lives. This party can help get them to know each other and be friends so that no one’s a stranger on your wedding day.
Your wedding is about celebrating your love as 2 people but that love is paved with a lot of other people that have seen your relationship through its ups and downs. Plan your entourage the way you want, check with the church what’s allowed and what isn’t, and make sure to give ample time for your entourage to prepare what they need for the wedding and get to know each other.