The receiving line:
Bride's mother
The bride's mother is traditionally in charge of all the proceedings. She decides on the guest list together with the bridegroom's mother and the venue for the reception. She handles any catering arrangements and ensures the wedding cake is ready.After the wedding ceremony, the bride's mother and father, together with the bride and groom and his parents, greet the guests at the reception.
Bride's father
The father gives the bride away. He receives guests at the wedding reception. He pays for the wedding dress, bridesmaid's dresses, car (except groom's), photographs, church and reception flowers, invitations and press announcements (if any).
Bride
The bride selects the type of service. She decides on her dress and bridesmaid's attire.
Bridegroom
The bridegroom selects the best man and ushers (if any). He buys the ring and pays the church fees. He can also buy presents for the bridesmaids, best man and ushers as a gesture of gratitude for their help. He buys flowers for his bride, bride's mother, his own mother, bridesmaids, and button holes for himself and the best man. He arranges and pays for transport for himself and the best man and for the bride and himself after the wedding.
Groom's mother
Groom's father
Bridesmaids - optional
She assists the bride to dress, holds the bouquet during the ceremony and organises other bridesmaids.
Best man - optional
He keeps the ring and ensures the bridegroom gets to the church on time. He pays the church fees on behalf of the bridegroom. He checks and ensures transport for all guests to the reception and that travel arrangements for the honeymoon are in order. At the reception it is the best man's honour to read any congratulatory telegrams.
Top table seating plan:
Bridesmaid
Groom's father
Bride's mother
Groom
Bride
Bride's father
Groom's mother
Best man
