By Toyosi Adeniji
A wedding is a momentous occasion that requires meticulous planning and coordination. In Nigeria, the wedding party holds significant importance and comprises individuals who assist the couple throughout the process. In this article, we will outline the specific roles and responsibilities of the wedding party and shed light on their expectations.
The wedding party is a group of close family members and friends carefully chosen by the bride and groom. Their primary objective is to ensure the smooth execution of the wedding day. Each member of the wedding party has unique responsibilities and obligations to fulfil.
Who Makes Up the Wedding Party?
The Nigerian wedding party typically consists of the chief bridesmaid, the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys, ring bearers, little grooms, and little brides. The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen may vary depending on the couple's preferences.
In a traditional Nigerian wedding, the bridesmaids are called Asoebi girls. The little bride and groom hold no significant roles except to symbolize the bride and groom’s transition to married life. Same as flower girls and boys, they simply beautify the event.
Chief Bridesmaid and Bridesmaids' Responsibilities and Expectations
The chief bridesmaid and bridesmaids, often close friends or family members of the bride, play a pivotal role in providing support throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Offering guidance and opinions while selecting the bride's wedding attire and bridesmaids' dresses.
- Accompany the bride for wedding-related tasks if invited, like vendor meetings.
- Assisting with various wedding planning tasks like packing souvenirs, deciding on a venue, decor, etc.
- Helping the bride get ready on the wedding day.
- Organising the bridal shower.
- Holding the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.
- Delivering a heartfelt speech during the reception.
- Capturing the important moments.
- In Nigeria, the bridesmaids are responsible for picking money sprayed on the couple.
- Assisting the bride with whatever she requires in the process of the wedding, like carrying her bags or ensuring her makeup is intact.
- Assist her with changing into her different outfits at the wedding.
- Ensuring that the couple’s guests, mostly friends, are taken care of
Best Man and Groomsmen Responsibilities and Expectations
The best man and groomsmen, often trusted friends or relatives of the groom, are responsible for supporting him throughout the wedding planning journey and on the wedding day. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting the groom with wedding planning tasks.
- Assisting the groom in getting ready on the wedding day.
- Safeguarding the rings and presenting them during the ceremony.
- Delivering a memorable speech during the reception.
- Providing security and ensuring the orderly conduct of the guests.
- Organising the bachelor party
- Assist with planning the after-party if there is one.
- Ensuring that the couple’s guests, mostly friends, are taken care of
Wedding Party Timeline
The wedding party timeline is a crucial schedule that outlines the sequence of events for the wedding day. It includes specific timings for hair and makeup, photography sessions, the ceremony, the reception, and any other planned activities. The wedding party must be familiar with the timeline to ensure a seamless flow of events.
Wedding Day Responsibilities
On the wedding day, the wedding party should arrive early to assist with any last-minute preparations. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing and dressing promptly.
- Assisting with venue decorations and setup if required.
- Helping the bride and groom get ready.
- Walking down the aisle ahead of the couple.
- Carrying bouquets, rings, or other ceremonial items during the proceedings.
- Participating in photoshoots as directed by the photographer.
- Dancing is an important part of weddings, especially in Nigeria, so bringing your A-game is expected. Be ready to dance and hype the couple as much as possible.
- Weddings can be extremely nerve-wracking; the groomsmen and bridesmaids are responsible for keeping the couple level-headed and providing emotional support.
- These days, the Bridesmaids and groomsmen are also expected to post and share moments from the wedding using the couple’s hashtag on social media.
- Participating in traditional customs if requested, like guiding the bride to her husband with the veil over her face, a part of Yoruba culture.
Wedding Reception Responsibilities
The wedding party should be readily available to lend support and assistance during the wedding reception. Their responsibilities include:
- Welcoming guests
- Ensuring the comfort and well-being of the couple's friends and relatives.
- Assisting with the cake-cutting ceremony and serving.
- Assist with transitioning into the after-party if there is one.
- Participating in traditional dances or games.
- Usher the couple out of the event and bid them farewell.
- Assisting with post-reception cleanup and tidying.
Wedding Party Etiquette
The wedding party should adhere to proper etiquette and exhibit respect towards the bride and groom. Some essential wedding party etiquette includes:
- Punctuality for all events and activities.
- Dressing appropriately for the occasion, following cultural or style preferences.
- Consuming alcohol in moderation, if allowed.
- Displaying courtesy and politeness towards guests and vendors.
- Avoiding any conflicts or dramatic situations.
Common Wedding Party Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a seamless experience, the wedding party should avoid common mistakes such as:
- Not looking presentable at the wedding, you represent the bride and groom, so look your best and adhere to the couple's dress code.
- Forgetting responsibilities or not taking them seriously.
- Being unprepared or not following the timeline.
- Not getting along with other members of the wedding party.
- Not showing up on time or not showing up at all.
- Drinking excessively and misbehaving at the wedding.
The wedding party plays an essential role in ensuring that the wedding day is a success. Each member of the wedding party has responsibilities and expectations to fulfil. By following proper etiquette and avoiding common mistakes, the wedding party can help the bride and groom have a memorable and stress-free day.
