Wedding Entourage

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Casting your VIE’s (Very Important Extra’s)

On your BIG day you want only those who are closest to you.  You may have known someone for a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are close to them or that they are still holding your friendship in a genuine light.  .

Be selective and ensure you choose an entourage you know will be prevalent in your next chapter.  These people should possess the qualities of true friends (almost like family) whom you can trust, and will support you in every aspect of life.  Usually the people you are closest too right now will end up turning into the “long-runs” versus the people who I like to call, “the way backs”.

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Your wedding entourage must suit the size, budget, and style of your wedding.  You will want to select these important people right away. Why? Because these particular people are going to be by your side from the moment you start planning to the moment you drive off into the sunset with your spouse.  You will need them to perform essential tasks such as helping you shop for bridal accessories and planning your bachelor and bachelorette parties.

How many VIE’s should you choose?

1. Experts say that the ideal wedding attendant to guest ratio is 1 pair per 35 to 50 guests. So, if you’re planning a very small wedding you will probably only need a best man and a maid of honor.

2. According to MarthaStewart.com, a typical wedding has 4-6 pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen and a larger wedding could have up to 12 pairs.

3. Choose the number of attendants that fits your budget.  If you’re planning for each of your bridesmaids to carry a bouquet, or paying for their hair/make up, adding more attendants will increase your expenses

Make sure you thank your VIE’s for agreeing to be apart of your wedding party and advise them what is expected of them.
Want to include a VIE, but do not want them to be apart of the wedding party?  Provide them with another role of assistance during the ceremony like ushering guests, delivering a reading, manning the guest book.  There are several roles that a VIE could take on besides being a bridesmaid or a groomsman.