WEDDING Planner 2011 Weddings are supposed to be joyous events, which can make it difficult to honor a deceased parent. Honoring that parent in a way that does not compromise the upbeat mood of the event can prove quite a challenge to prospective brides and grooms. The death of someone close is rarely easy to accept, especially when it happens close to a couple’s wedding day. But there are many ways couples can honor a deceased parent at their ceremony. Display pictures of the deceased with the wedding couple so the memory of these people can be part of the festivities. Set up a table with a special floral arrangement and photo with a placard that January 26, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & II • Page 13 Respectful ways to honor a deceased parent Groomsmens’ responsiblities Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve as attendants in their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen each have different responsibilities in the wedding. In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom’s bodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to his future wife. Today, the groomsmen’s roles are not based on saving life and limb. Today’s groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help plan the bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the ceremony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending on what the couple wants of their assistants. Before the wedding, groomsmen may be asked to: Help pick out the tuxedos and show up for fittings. Help plan and share the cost of the bachelor party. Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and appear at the rehearsal dinner. Pay for their wedding attire or formal wear rentals. Help unload cars with supplies if the couple is doing the decorating the wedding themselves. Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the celebration. Return formal wear for themselves and the groom. Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honeymoon destination if the best man is unavailable. During the ceremony, groomsmen: Greet and seat guests in the appropriate rows or pews. Stand with the groom during the ceremony. Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony. Cater to anyone’s needs and mingle with the guests afterward. At the reception, groomsmen: Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated. Sit at the table of honor beside the rest of the bridal party. Mingle with the guests. Participate in photos. Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart. Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterwards. states, “In memory of ...” Wear a piece of clothing or jewelry that belonged to the deceased, such as cufflinks from a father or a veil from a mother. Ask the pastor or officiant to specifically mention the deceased in the wedding ceremony and offer a special prayer in that person’s name. Add a memoriam line to the end of the wedding program. “Today we honor Mary Smith, mother of the bride, who could not be with us today.” Dedicate a special song during the reception in the person’s name. A bride who will not be able to walk down the aisle with her father can choose to do so with her mother or another relative and carry something that belonged to her father. Set up a photo slide show that includes photos of the deceased. Choose poignant but upbeat music so the moment is not overly somber. Light a candle at the ceremony for the deceased relative. Leave an empty chair and place setting at the reception for the person who could not be there. Display something that symbolizes the person at the wedding, such as a flag for a deceased veteran or an item that represents the person’s favorite hobby. There are many ways to remember a special loved one at a wedding without bringing down the mood of the event.  Portraits  Portfolios  Weddings   Videos   Special Occasions & Events  GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Sam Antoci Photography Your Wedding Package With this ad. Expires 6-30-11 $100 Off 973-427-2083 Great Marriages Start With... Great Foundations. We offer expertise and service like no other... Please call for an appointment. 163 Warburton Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 The Largest Selection of Bridal Foundations for the Entire Bridal Party... Brasselette, Bustier, Longlines, Strapless, Backless, Push-Up, Bandeau, Body Briefers including Strapless and Backless, Bridal Peignoir Sets, Bridal Trousseau. 2011 Designers ’ WEDDING 105 Lakeside Drive ~ Ramsey, NJ Sunday, February 27 • 1pm - 3pm Snow Date: March 6 SHOWCASE Ramsey Golf & Country Club A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Register online for tickets at: www.designersweddingshowcase.com ����� �� ��� ������� � �� Your Lingerie and Foundation Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 Specialists... The Source for Great Foundations 201-444-5763 Since 1936 595 No. Maple Ave , Ridgewood Valley Center for Women’s Heart Health Produced by: Platinum Sponsor: MEMORABLE EVENTS