Choosing your shoes

 Wedding Shoes

You want every facet of your wedding to be just perfect ... so do not overlook the one item that will complete your look - your wedding shoes!  It pays to spend time selecting the right pair for your ‘big day’.

Your wedding dress will be fitted to accommodate the height of your shoes so choose them early…that way, you will be able to see your complete outfit sooner.   If you are having your wedding gown custom made by a dressmaker, wearing your wedding shoes at your fittings will make sure that the hem will be made to the correct length.

The following tips will help you choose the right wedding shoes to provide the ultimate finishing touch...

Comfort – Your Number One Priority!

When choosing wedding shoes comfort is of utmost importance.  You will be on your feet all day at the ceremony, taking photographs at different locations, and dancing and mingling the night away with your guests at the reception…so keep this in mind when selecting your shoes.

If you have wide or a square shaped foot, choose a wide fitting shoe to give you more width across your foot.  If you cannot find wide fitting shoes, consider a square shaped toe or a bigger size…this can often make all the difference to your comfort.

The shape of the toe is also an important consideration when buying wedding shoes.   High heels with rounded toes are more comfortable than pointy-toed shoes, and you won’t have to concentrate as much on walking gracefully in high heels if your toes aren't being squashed together.  

Wedding Shoe Heel Size

A medium or low heel is the ideal size for comfort, style and posture - even a small heel provides better posture than no heel at all.  

Consider the height of your partner when selecting your heel size.  Most brides prefer their partner to appear taller than them in wedding photographs, so if you are comfortable in higher heels and your partner is significantly taller than you, go for the higher heel.  If you are not comfortable in really high heels, your wedding is not the best time to try them out.  If you want some added height, consider platform heels or lower kitten heels.

Wedding Shoe Shape

Great wedding shoe choices for summer weddings include open-toes and sandal-style toes that show off beautifully manicured toes and let your feet breathe.  If you are getting married on a beach, or if you are walking around a gravelled area for photographs, consider a closed toe sandal or you may spend your whole day removing sand and gravel between your toes.

Wedding Shoe Style

Choose a shoe style and fabric that complements your wedding dress, your personal style, and your overall look.

Your wedding setting and style are important in choosing the style of your wedding shoes.   The basic style principle to follow is fancy shoes for simple wedding dresses and simple shoes for elaborate gowns.   Simple wedding shoe styles can be worn with both elaborate and plain wedding dresses, however a simple wedding dress can be enhanced by more elaborate bridal shoes.  An evening wedding and a glamorous gown call out for strappy evening sandals, a reception hall commands beaded mules and a non-traditional wedding dress will work best with non- traditional wedding shoes.  

Silk or satin are the two most popular choices for wedding shoes, however your wedding dress and personal taste should have the greatest impact on the shoes you choose. The choice of fabric choice plays a major role in ‘look’ of your wedding shoes.   Shoes made of fabrics such as lace, velvet, satin and silk are more delicate and feminine looking, whilst leather and suede fabrics appear more bold and off-beat.  If you are planning an outdoor wedding, consider a more durable fabric as light fabrics such as silk and satin tend to stain and tear more easily.

Treatments and embellishments such as beads, sequins and embroidery add more drama to fabric wedding shoes.  Rhinestones or crystals on your shoes are great with bejewelled or shiny, sequined dresses and beaded shoes are perfect for pearled dresses.  If you decide to have both your wedding shoes and wedding dress to have embellishments, it is important that the details coordinate.

The bottom of your wedding dress is a good guide to help you decide which fabric to choose for your wedding shoes.   Satin shoes work best with shiny fabrics and crepe shoes look great with wedding dresses with a matte sheen.   If your wedding dress is lace, shoes with lace are the perfect choice.  

Whilst your shoes should compliment your dress and the setting of your wedding, they should also reflect your personal style.   A funky, trendy bride may choose wedding shoes with chunky heels – it’s your day, it’s your style!

Wedding Shoe Colour

Wedding shoes come in a wide choice of colours with white, cream and light hues the most popular. 

Satin and silk wedding shoes are available in pure white, winter white, off-white and ivory. Most wedding shoe suppliers offer most styles in both ivory and white, however remember that all whites are not the same.  Some wedding shoe suppliers offer a bleaching service if you want white shoes but your chosen style is only available in ivory.

If the shoes you like do not match your gown, most shoes can be dyed to match your dress and / or your bridesmaid dresses.   When selecting your wedding shoes, take in a swatch of fabric from your wedding dress and / or bridesmaids dresses for colour matching. 

Try Them On For Size

When it’s time to start shopping for your wedding shoes, a great tip is to shop towards the end of the day (particularly in summer) as your feet swell over the course of a day.  It’s best to try your shoes on when your feet are largest to take into account any swelling as your wedding day progresses.

If you are going to wear stockings on your wedding day, take some along when trying on your wedding shoes.

Pre-Wedding Preparation

Girls, we all know what it’s like wearing new shoes with heels for the first time…aching feet and blisters.  To ensure that wedding shoes aren't killing your feet on your big day (and on your honeymoon), break in your new gorgeous shoes and make them comfortable.

A few weeks before your wedding, try wearing your wedding shoes around the house (but not outside) for a short period of time.   During the next couple of weeks build up the amount of time you wear your wedding shoes by walking and standing in them longer until you can wear them comfortably for at least 4 or 5 hours.

Some brides choose to wear a second, more comfortable pair of shoes at their wedding reception.  If you decide to do this, make sure that your second pair of shoes are the same heel height as your wedding shoes so your dress does not drag along the ground while you are dancing or mingling with your guests.

Another great tip is to stick self-adhesive sole pads to the bottoms of your wedding shoes or scuff the soles of your shoes with sandpaper, for potential slippery surfaces such as carpeted isles, tiled walkways or the slick floors of some reception venue halls.  Either of these floor surfaces are difficult to walk or dance on with new shoes.  The last thing you want on your perfect wedding day is to slip and fall in your gorgeous dress.

If you have dyed your fabric shoes, it's always a good idea to have your wedding shoes ‘scotch-guarded’ to help prevent the colour running if your shoes get wet.  The dye used to colour fabric shoes is not normally waterproof.

Whatever the style, colour or shape, choose a pair of wedding shoes that make you feel fabulous!

When to get Married

Weddings aren't just spring and summer affairs these days. More and more couples are opting to marry during what used to be the "off season" for nuptials, and why not? The romantic ambience of a snowy landscape, the relative lack of competition for vendors and sites -- there's lots to love about having a winter wedding. Read on for some of our tips on how to make yours memorable.

Don't: Be Afraid to Experiment With Color

You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.

Do: Dress Your Bridesmaids in Style...

Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin -- go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Check out photos of our favorite  bridesmaid dresses.

...But Don't: Leave Them Freezing!

Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must -- in most parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.

Do: Create a Cozy Reception...

There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.

...But Don't: Let It Overheat

Okay, we know it's cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.

Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...

There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.

...But Don't: Leave Them Out in the Cold!

If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.

-- Kate Wood

Picking your Dress

Congratulations, you are getting married! In all the excitement and stress of planning your wedding over the next few months, one of the most important things you will purchase is your wedding gown. The first thing you should do before actually heading to the bridal shop is get an idea about which style of wedding gown you prefer. You will need to get familiar with wedding gown terminology and styles. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started on the road to wedding day bliss.

SILHOUETTE

A-line

The A-line or princess dress has no marked waist and the vertical seams flow from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating an "A" shape. If you carry your weight in the middle, this silhouette is a nice choice.

Ball gown

These gowns are normally quite formal, reminding you of Cinderella. The bodice is fitted with a very full skirt. Ball gowns can be long-sleeved, sleeveless or anywhere in between. The full skirt of a ball gown can hide large hips and thighs.

Empire

Empire gowns have a raised waistline that starts right under the bust, flowing to a skirt that skims over the hips then flairs slightly to the floor. This romantic silhouette is flattering to most body types and is particularly flattering to small-breasted women.

Mermaid

As the name indicates, the mermaid dress is contoured against the body then the gown flows out beginning around the knees. This is the sexiest of the styles. If you're confident in your body, a mermaid dress can show off your curves.

Sheath

The sheath or column dress has a slim shape that follows close to the line of the body. The straight design doesn't allow for many body flaws. The long lines of a sheath gown can elongate the look of your body. Therefore this type of dress can work well for short brides.

NECKLINE

• Bateau — Close to straight across from the tip of the shoulder. Gives plenty of coverage.

• Halter — Wraps around the back of the neck to create deep armholes. Often also a backless style, which is very sexy.

• High — Covers most of the neck. Creates a formal, somewhat stiff look.

• Jewel — Similar to that of a t-shirt. Creates a bustier look.

• Off-the-shoulder — As the name indicates, the top of the shoulders are bare. Showcases your collarbone and shoulders.

• Portrait — A very wide scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

• Scoop — Classic U-shaped neckline. Can be cut low for a sexier look.

• Square — Squared neckline, often associated with empire gowns.

• Strapless — Normally straight across. Not recommended for women with small busts.

• Sweetheart — Shaped like the top half of a heart. Emphasizes the cleavage.

• V-Neck — Dips in the front into a V-shape. Can be very deep.

LENGTH

• Street length — Hem falls just past the knee.

• Intermission (or tea) length — Hem falls between the knees and ankle.

• Ballet length — Hem falls just to the ankles.

• Floor length — Hem barely touches the floor on all sides.

SLEEVES

• 3/4 sleeves — End between the elbow and wrist.

• Bell — Long sleeves that flare out toward the wrist creating a bell shape.

• Cap — Rounded sleeves, just covering shoulders.

• Fitted point — Long, fitted sleeves that come to a point over the hand.

• Juliet — Long, fitted sleeves with puffy shoulders.

• Long sleeves — Extend to the wrist and are normally form-fitting.

• Off-the-shoulder sleeves — Cover the upper part of the arm but leave the tops of shoulders exposed.

• Poet — Long sleeves, fitted to the elbow then flared.

• Pouf — Short sleeves, gathered to create a puffy look.

• Short sleeves — About the length of t-shirt sleeves.

• Sleeveless — Strapless with no sleeves.

• Spaghetti — Thin spaghetti straps with no sleeves.

BODICE

The bodice refers to the portion of the dress between the neckline and skirt.

• Corset — A form-fitting bodice with boning and lace-up closures.

• Halter — Sleeveless bodice that wraps around your neck, normally backless.

• Midriff — Fits very closely around the mid-section, accentuating your waist.

• Surplice — Sections of fabric cross-wrap in the front or back.

• Tank — Sleeveless with wide armholes like tank top.

TRAIN

• Sweep — 8 to 12 inches in length, just a few inches longer than the gown.

• Court — Extends about 3 feet from the waist.

• Chapel — Extends about 4 feet from the waist.

• Cathedral — Extends about 6 to 9 feet from the waist.

• Royal — Extends more than 9 feet from the waist.

VEIL

• Birdcage — Falls right below the chin, usually attached to a headpiece.

• Flyaway — Falls to the shoulder.

• Blusher — Worn over your face, about 28 inches long.

• Elbow — Falls to the elbow or waist.

• Fingertip — Falls to the finger tips or just below the waist.

• Ballet — Falls to the ankles.

• Chapel — Falls slightly longer than floor length.

• Cathedral — 9 feet or longer.

SOME GREAT ADVICE FOR THOSE GETTING MARRIED

There are a lot of things that happen at weddings every weekend that make us cringe. I know that sounds dramatic, some of the social faux pas are so incredibly obvious that the staff aren't the only people noticing. Fortunately, not everything happens in front of the actual brides and grooms, but a depressing amount of it does. And when it does, somebody always ends up embarrassed. Sometimes, my staff and I can't even make eye contact because we'll bust out laughing at a wholly inappropriate time.

This does not have to happen at your wedding. With a little common sense and some guidance, everybody can have a good time without stressing out or embarrassing the guests of honor. The responsibility for this lies with the key players on the big day, so I've created a basic Do's and Don'ts list for the entire wedding party -- from the bride down to the flower girl. These tips will make things flow more smoothly.

The Bride:

DO visit with ALL of your wedding guests. Be careful how much you lock yourself away with your girlfriends. Even if you're sneaking a cigarette. You waste a lot of reception time that way. The guests are there to see you.

DON'T get super sloppy drunk at your own wedding reception. A little fun is fine, but no bride is beautiful when she slobbering and not making sense, especially in front of elderly relatives and your parents' friends. Remember, there is a photographer there and everybody can make video on their phones.

The Groom:

DO be helpful during the wedding weekend. The bride has far more pressure on her than you do, believe it or not. Find out how you can help, and take pressure off of her whenever you can. DO make conversation with her random relatives you'll likely never see again, if only so your future wife doesn't have to do as much of it.

DON'T be M.I.A. with the boys whenever somebody's looking for you. This is a common problem -- much like the bride and her girls in the ladies' room. Not sure where you boys are disappearing to or why it's for so long, but it's very, very awkward when we announce the cake cutting and the groom cannot be found. Especially when the groom was warned to be ready to cut the cake in five minutes by a helpful wedding planner.

Mother-of-the Bride:

DO make sure you are willing to jump in and help if you are asked -- get ready early and be low maintenance regarding your own hair and makeup. Remember, the day is all about your daughter, not you. It is a big moment, but it is not your big moment.

DON'T point out problems your daughter hasn't noticed unless they're egregious and are going to cause a wedding disaster. Complaining about hotel service and getting her worried and worked up with you doesn't help her have fun. Don't appoint yourself her mouth piece to the wedding planner or bridesmaids, unless she's clearly asked you to do it.

Mother-of-the-Groom:

DO offer to help in whatever way you can, and make an effort to get to know your son's future in-laws better. Offer compliments as frequently as possible -- it means more to a bride than you can even imagine.

DON'T criticize the wedding in any way, even if the bride's mother starts it. You can nod and sympathize, but don't join in the bashing. Be supportive. No sneak attacks to get your way on something the bride vetoed during the planning. Don't be sly and try to get the DJ to add a special dance song for your family when the bride's family isn't at the wedding.

Father-of-the-Bride and Father-of-the Groom:

DO watch how much alcohol you drink the day of the wedding. You have an important role and you need to be in top shape to stand up for your children. You also need to make sense when you toast the new couple's marriage.

DON'T strip down to your underwear and jump into the pool, and then parade around the wedding venue in your wet, striped, boxer briefs. DON'T get into a fistfight with another relative during cocktails -- your child's wedding is not the time to be settling old family grudges.

Best Man:

DO stay sober on the day of the wedding so that you can keep the groom on schedule and make sure he doesn't forget anything. Make an actual written list of things you need to remember (rings, socks, etc.) and be the guy-behind-the-guy that day so the groom can coast. Try to keep the groom sober too, as much as you can.

DON'T get uncontrollably wasted at the reception just because you can. Don't turn the toast into a roast because you're looped, and for God's sake, NEVER mention any of his exes in anything you say or do near a microphone. Also, don't talk about his relationship history with the bride's friends and family.

Maid of Honor:

DO have a bridal emergency kit ready even if the bride says she has one -- she may be too frazzled to find her safety pins or Shout wipes. Be like Dora the Explorer and her crazy backpack, even some ridiculous fancy chocolate treats can be fun to have. Chocolate always helps in a stressful situation. Just don't eat it anywhere near the wedding gown.

DON'T appoint yourself de facto wedding planner and stalk the real one with requests to hurry up and cut the cake, or suggestions that perhaps it's time to pour the champagne for the toast, unless the bride has specifically asked your to do it (and you know she won't). Don't point out things you think are a problem if the bride hasn't said anything. If you think the calla lilies are white instead of ivory, don't say a word unless she says something first. If she does notice, reassure her it's beautiful because whatever's going on at that point, it's going to be too late to do anything about changing her bridal bouquet. Your job is to reassure her. Focus on the bride.

Groomsmen:

DO make a point to dance with the single ladies (especially the older ones) at the wedding reception. You don't know how much the bride and groom will appreciate your efforts to make everyone feel included.

DON'T resort to pranks and frat boy antics during the wedding weekend -- this isn't spring break and nobody except you thinks you're funny. Don't be that guy.

Bridesmaids:

DO get yourselves dressed and ready on schedule so that the bride isn't delayed by you. Be organized and don't forget to pack your accessories, shoes, etc. that are so important. Your job is to be social, look beautiful and not cause the bride any stress. Don't hesitate to offer assistance when you see something is needed, but don't get in the way under the guise of being helpful. Don't get puking drunk.

DON'T complain to the bride about anything. Not your accommodations, not the bridesmaid dress and certainly not about your boyfriend/husband/date. Nothing is about you that day, and whatever might be bothering you, it's a day to keep any negative thoughts to yourself. If you're dressing together with the bride, make sure you pick up after yourselves so the bride and groom don't return to a disaster zone.

Parents of the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer:

DO make sure your child has been prepared for his or her role in the wedding. There are some excellent children's books that make for wonderful bedtime reading. Make sure they're aware of the behavior that is expected of them before, during and after the ceremony. If your children won't behave up on the altar, make arrangements for somebody to catch the kiddos and park them in seats.

DON'T abandon your child to the bridesmaids or somebody else to watch (unless one of them is a relative). If you can't do this, make babysitting arrangements on site at the venue. When you bring your child to a wedding, you have the responsibility of supervising them for the entire time you're there. You can't get drunk and party and expect that somebody else will keep your five-year-old out of the pool or worse. It's a man-to-man strategy, not a zone babysitting defense. And you are responsible, not the service or wedding planning staff.

All of these very direct tips were compiled from things I've actually seen happen at weddings. I've seen MoB's cause the ceremony to start 45 minutes late. I've seen the bride's grandfather pop the FoB in the nose at the reception. And I've seen bridesmaids who didn't like each other get into actual physical altercations. Notice that none of the things I've mentioned have anything to do with the bride or the groom, it's all about badly behaved wedding party members. Being asked to be a member of the wedding party is an honor and it's about time that people started treating it as such.

AND MOST OF ALL....FROM THE TEAM AT WSG ..HAVE A GREAT DAY !!

'Romance of Love'

Choosing a designer


Rose Zurzolo Couture encompasses the ultimate in femininity, elegance, romance and glamour.

Rose Zurzolo's outstanding knowledge ensures that each and every piece encapsulates the very essence of glamour in all its guises.  From the stylish and sophisticated, to the ease and undone, the label continues to seduce with new and exquisite designs. 

Inspired by the feminine glamour of the 20's 30's and 40's Rose Zurzolo today reflects the classic elegant and sophisticated design of the eras.  Her signature style balances contemporary appeal with classic design.  Vintage inspired gowns which are timeless yet modern..

Photography: Moving Stills Photography

SOME GREAT NEWS FROM ABROAD

March 2014 | WHITE GALLERY LONDON 2014

White Gallery London to showcase the finest in bridal accessories
International bridal accessory designers including Halo & Co, Harriet Wilde, Ivory & Co Tiaras, HT Headwear, Rachel Simpson, Charlotte Mills, Miranda Templeton, Shell Belle Couture, Freya Rose, Sasso, Benjamin Adams, Nilah & Company, Nymphi, Polly Edwards and Jenny Packham will be unveiling their latest collections at White Gallery London 2013.
Making history as White Gallery London’s first-ever bridal lingerie exhibitor, Shell Belle Couture joins the exhibitor line-up this season. The Shell Belle Couture brand pays homage to the 20s and 30s era, combining delicate touches and feminine details across a range of luxury bridal lingerie.
Long established bridal accessory company, Ivory & Co. will be showcasing statement headpieces from their signature collection at White Gallery London. The brand’s designs include large, opulent headdress’ encrusted with crystals and pearls, hair combs, birdcage veils and stunning jewellery all made with real silver, 14k gold or rhodium.

White Gallery London is also delighted to welcome back prestigious bridal
accessories brand Halo & Co. Famed for their headpieces, tiaras and jewellery,
Halo & Co produces pieces that are vintage in style yet contemporary.
Independent British footwear label Harriet Wilde will be returning to White
Gallery London this year to showcase her latest vintage inspired collection.
Joining Wilde in showcasing bridal footwear, designer Rachel Simpson will also
debut her latest collection at the show.
Known for their unique mix of vintage styling and beautiful materials, Rachel Simpson bridal shoes have a distinct look, with reputation for comfort to match. From stunning platforms to elegant peep-toes and cute ballet flats, the collection has something to suite every bride.
Halo & Co

Joining the White Gallery London line-up for the first time, under the “new talents” banner, footwear
designer Charlotte Mills will be debuting her new high-end bridal footwear collection at the show. The
collection doesn’t launch until April so White Gallery will provide buyers with one of the first glimpses of this
new bridal footwear brand.

Also appearing at White Gallery London under the “new talents” heading, accessories brand Miranda
Templeton will showcase a beautiful array of tiaras, jewellery, sashes, pins and veils.
After a successful White Gallery London in 2013, which saw six new stockists opened across Europe,
accessories brand Nymphi will return to exhibit at the 2014 show. As always the collection will have the
mythical feel of the nymphs. In the new 2015 collection buyers will also be able to look forward to stunning
pieces highly influenced by the ornate, embellished Byzantine period.
White Gallery London favourite Jenny Packham will return to Battersea Evolution
this year with a stunning array of tiaras and jewellery in delicate golden tones, rich
textures and a multitude of crystal cut stones.

To see all of White Gallery London’s accessories designers as well as the finest in
bridal design, be sure not to miss the forthcoming show.
White Gallery London coincides with the London Bridal Show which takes place at
London Olympia on the same dateline.
Free shuttle buses will be provided, between the two venues, for visitors wishing to visit both shows. For
more information visit http://www.thelondonbridalshow.co.uk/.

Great ideas and inspiration.

Some "Everlasting Love"  for that special wedding coming up..

Great Gatsby 20s Style Photo Shoot

  The Roaring Twenties

Photography: Silvena Toncheva Photography

http://silvenaphotography.co.uk/

Stylist and accessories designer: Nantarat Sirat Amos

http://www.everlastinglove.me/

Models: Silvena Toncheva and Maria Sheovska

The vintage charm of the 20s fascinates and inspires many fashion photographers nowadays.

Our creative team strived to capture the true spirit of the times and tell a story with many possible interpretations. Every detail has been carefully considered by the talented Nantarat who organised the shoot for the launch of her first bespoke collection under the brand "Everlasting love". All accessories are hand-made by her.

"The Great Gatsby" movie is the one that moved the spirits, made people imagine romance, betrayal and passion in a completely new dimension. Somehow naturally it became a source of inspiration for new ideas around which we based the shoot.

Advice on seating arrangements..

Seating Arrangement Guide

Putting together a seating chart may take some time, but thoughtful table arrangements will heighten your guests' experience.

Setting up a seating chart can be a tricky job, but you can get through this tedious task with your sanity intact. Guests generally like pre-arranged seating assignments for sit-down dinners. It shows you thought about whom they'd be best seated with, and it cuts down on confusion when it's time for the meal to begin.

No Regrets: Satisfactory Seating Arrangements • Remember, you're not going to be able to make everyone completely happy. Do the best you can, avoid major political blunders,and hope your guests have the good grace not to complain. • Do ask your parents and your fiance's about any potential family minefields. There may be old wounds you're not aware of, so enlist their help to avoid unfortunate groupings. • Build a little flexibility into your seating plan. Inevitably you'll have a few no-shows, and you just might have a few attendees who neglected to RSVP. Your catering manager should be able to squeeze a couple of extra seats in if necessary.

The first thing you need to do is talk with your fiance and decide if you're going to take requests from your family and friends or determine between the two of you where everyone will sit. Then remember the following guidelines.

The head table can be just for the two of you, if you like. Or you can add your maid of honor and best man, or include the entire wedding party. Traditionally the bride sits at the groom's right, with the maid of honor on his left and the best man on the bride's right. The rest of the party follows suit in an alternating male/female pattern. You may include child attendants at the head table, too, but if they are young, they may behave better and feel more comfortable seated with their parents.

If you are having a small wedding party, you may want to include their spouses or dates at the head table. Or, you may choose to spread your wedding party around at the guest tables, which would also allow them to sit with their partners.

The table of honor—located near the head table—is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception. If there are several people you would like seated at this place of honor, you may have two tables—perhaps one for the bride's family and one for the groom"s. Divorced parents should be seated at different tables of honor with their partners and close family and friends.

Always seat married couples at the same table. Younger children should be seated with their parents or, if you have a lot of children attending, you might want to have a "kids" table"—strategically placed near their parents—with some crayons and paper or other games and toys to keep them busy.

If you have a large group of friends you need to divide, split the group down the middle and fill each table with other people. That way no one feels completely left out. For single friends, judge which seating situation will make them happiest—a table of unattached counterparts or a few couples mixed into the scene. Never, and we do mean never, seat only one or two singles at a table full of couples, and try to avoid tables of all strangers.

Younger people—or people who love music—should be at tables close to the music makers, while older guests may want a quieter table.

Guests should be informed where they will sit by table cards that are placed on a small table outside the reception room: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Table 5. You can also get creative and choose an alternative to traditional cards. For example, for a beach-theme wedding you could write names and table numbers on shells or smooth beach stones with an indelible pen.

Within the dining room, the tables should be prominently marked in an easy-to-follow order. You may also use place cards to notify guests about specific seats at their tables. They should have names on both sides (so other guests at the table can see them as well), and should be positioned above the plate. This is a good way to help guests become acquainted. Alternatively, many couples now combine place cards with favors, using small picture frames or other gifts marked with a guest's name both to indicate the seat and provide a keepsake.

Maid of Honor Duties

Weddings are hard work, and it falls to the maid of honor to help handle some important details. She's the go-to person for the bride when it comes to guidance, a fresh perspective and, well, some of the heavy lifting. Being tapped as an honor attendant can be a chore, but it's also a tremendous compliment and a lot of fun. If you're on the lookout for fresh information you can use for your own wedding, participating in a friend's arrangements can be an eye opener that may save you time and some potential gotcha moments later, too.

Helping the Bride

The temperament of the bride and the scope of the wedding will have a big impact on how much or how little of the planning and organization the maid of honor will be responsible for. When assisting the bride, the maid of honor may be part facilitator, secretary, delivery person, counselor, decorator, or just about anything else. This partial list will give you an idea of some helpful ways you may be pressed into service:

• Scout wedding locations.
• Select invitations and help with invitation prep.
• Explore floral options and other decorative choices.
• Help the bride shop for her wedding dress and choose bridesmaids' dresses.
• Oversee delivery of the dresses, monitor fittings and assist with other wardrobe functions.
• Encourage the bride to register for gifts, spread the word about where the bride is registered and answer any gift questions that may arise.
• Help with honeymoon planning.
• Help with seating chart details.
• Attend the cake tasting and make recommendations.
• Attend the catering meetings or tastings and make recommendations.
• Host the bridal shower.
• Host the bachelorette party.
• Maintain timetables and be of general assistance to keep things moving forward.
• Attend the rehearsal dinner.
• Keep a list of gifts received.

Maid of Honor Duties for the Big Day

The maid of honor also has some specific wedding day duties beyond wearing a big smile and keeping the bride happy:

• Help the bride dress and deal with her hair, jewelry and the unavoidable wedding day jitters.
• Check the last minute details, like instructions for the photographer and deliveries to the hall.
• Act as a messenger between the bride and groom (and various and sundry family members).
• Handle dress and veil issues. Maneuverability could be important here, even in the restroom, so this is an important and sometimes unexpected duty involving lifting, fluffing, arranging and rearranging.
• Hold and protect the groom's ring.
• Hold the bride's bouquet for the duration of the wedding ceremony.
• Witness the marriage license signing.
• Be part of the receiving line at the reception or act as a greeter.
• Toast the bride and groom.
• Participate in the first dance at a formal reception (partnered with the best man).

If the bride has help from family members, the groom or lots of bridesmaids who want to pitch in, the maid of honor's responsibilities could be limited to wedding day ceremonial functions and a few other helpful contributions.

The dynamic between the bride and the maid of honor will impact how the planning process unfolds. It's a sure bet, though, that if you're a maid of honor it couldn't hurt to have a sympathetic ear, limitless patience a day planner and a sense of humor.

Did You Know?

The maid of honor's role isn't gender-specific anymore. Honor attendants can be men as well as women, and it isn't unheard of to have more than one honor attendant sharing the privilege of serving as the bride's trusted confidante and aide. Actually, this is a great way to split the labor and bestow the honor on more than one trusted friend or relative.