Help the bride in choosing:

• wedding and reception locations

• invitations

• decorations and favors

• wedding gown

• bridesmaids’ dresses

• registered gifts, if the groom is disinterested in the process

Take a leadership role with the bridesmaids:

• make sure each bridesmaid gets her dress, shoes and jewelry in a timely manner

• keep the bridesmaids informed about pre-wedding parties

• coordinate and monitor hair and makeup for all of the bridesmaids

• arrange timely transportation and lodging if necessary for the bridesmaids

• make sure each bridesmaid has the correct bouquet

• act as hostess, along with the other bridesmaids, in helping guests find their seats, the restrooms, the guest book, where to place gifts, etc.

Lighten the bride’s load:

• attend tastings for cake and catering

• help address invitations

• work out the seating arrangement for the reception with her, and keep a copy to bring on the day of the big event, just in case of mix-ups

• create a checklist of what she needs to bring with her on the wedding day, and help her be certain each item is checked off

• pay for your entire ensemble, including shoes

Plan and execute parties:

• plan a wedding shower for the bride

• plan a bachelorette party

• share the expenses of these parties with the other bridesmaids

• attend all other pre-wedding parties

• keep a running record of all gifts received, to simplify her thank-you process

Prop her up emotionally as needed:

• be a safe, listening ear throughout the process – a place where confidences stop and go no further

• listen to her when she is frustrated or overwhelmed

• in crises, be part of the solution or just a place to vent, and never “shush” her concerns as invalid

• listen enthusiastically while she talks through preparations, even if it feels like you’ve heard it all twice already

• advise her only when she clearly wants advice, and when you definitely have good answers to give – otherwise, help her find answers elsewhere

Act as personal attendant to the bride on her big day:

• make sure she arrives on time, with all the items in tow from the checklist you made with her

• help her with her makeup

• assist her in dressing before and changing after the wedding

• monitor her stress level and help her find a quiet place and a bit of time out when she needs it

• take responsibility for her gown after the ceremony, holding it safely for her until she can pick it up for cleaning

• make sure she gets something to eat and to drink as needed – it can be easily forgotten if you leave it to her, and no one wants a bride fainting at the altar from low blood sugar

• watch her hair, her dress, her bouquet – wherever something is out of place, fix it quickly and discreetly

• hold the groom’s ring for her until she needs it – the thumb works well for this

• hold her bouquet during the exchanging of rings

• take care to help move her dress as needed during the ceremony so she will not trip

• help her with those awkward trips to the bathroom

Play official roles:

• sign as a witness for the marriage license

• offer a toast at the reception, after the best man

• stand next to the groom in the receiving line, unless directed otherwise

• dance with the best man during the wedding party dance, and don’t forget to dance with the groom as well

Copyright Studio D Photography 2010. May not be used in part or entirety without express written permission

Duties of the Best Man

• plan and execute the bachelor party, sharing the expense with the other groomsmen and/or ushers

• reassure the bride by being responsible and respectful in the planning – let her know you are not  going to lead her man astray on bachelor party night

• rent and pay for your tux in full and in a timely manner

• show up for tux fittings well ahead of the wedding

• drive the groom to the ceremony and help him get dressed on time

• attend the rehearsal and the dinner following

• toast the groom at the wedding reception

• hold the bride’s wedding ring until the ring exchange

• sign as a witness for the marriage license

• deliver sealed envelopes, given to you by groom, paying the fees for the officiant, the organist,  altar  boys, etc. before the ceremony

• dance with the maid of honor at the reception, and don’t forget to dance with the bride as well

• during the reception, discreetly and with good humor decorate the car along with the other groomsmen and/or ushers

• arrange transportation or personally drive the bride and groom to their next destination after the wedding

• collect all tuxes and other rental wear from the groom, groomsmen and/or ushers and return them on time

• be the leader of the groomsmen, making sure they manage their duties

• act as personal assistant to the groom throughout the entire process, looking for ways to smooth the way for him

Copyright Studio D Photography 2010. May not be used in part or entirety without express written permission

another day of walking to start the day. 6:30am is a wee bit dark still.  This morning was 30 degrees.  What made it seem like a great morning for a walk was the rising sun.  I have so much respect for the men and the women in the armed forces who do a lot of marching, running, and training.  You see some great bodies on them.  My respect comes as all that I am doing still had not yielded that same great body!

This was taken with my cell phone.  I have no desire to walk and carry a heavier camera.  My cell works perfectly for capturing the moment when it is just for fun.

I have never really noticed that birds seek the highest branches so they can sit in the rising sun.  Today they were everywhere… tops of trees, power lines, roofs.

Are you walking today?  Keep in mind there is a wedding gown in your near future.  Walking doesn’t require any great skills, and it can be fun.  You just have to get out the door.

and we hit the asphalt trail……..

This hill doesn’t look so daunting here.  Perhaps that is because you are only viewing the first 1/3 of it.  It reaches an easy 7+ grade as you ascend both going and coming back the other way.  You also get to be very social and wave at all the passerby’s and act like you are NOT dying climbing up the (*&(*& hill.

I love the views along the way of the lake.  This morning was 47 degrees, so the walk was not very cold.

Did I mention I start out with a hill right out the door?    All of this to get back in shape and change MY shape around the middle.  I am part way there.  I bought smaller pants, and with great delight I find they are now too large.  It is motivation to get up and get out the door.

I’ve been asked what I am doing food wise.  Lean meat, skinless chicken, and veggies.  Some 2% milk and lowfat yogurt. Flat bread.    My cheats are an occasional glass of wine, and Saturday I had a very small brownie……..oh the joy!   The water part is the struggle for me. Daily I have to fight with myself to drink it.

anywhere…

How quickly life robs us of being innocent and childlike.  Nap any time?  Laugh at everything? Pretend more real than reality.

It is a given that we need these moments and times in our lives on a regular basis to live long healthy lives.

How about it……..

Bubble gum

holding your hand out a moving car window and pretend your flying

snowball

Daydream

?
?
?