A couple of tips on choosing your wedding party. Size does matter – the traditional rule is one attendant for every 50 guests but you don’t’ have to stick to this if it doesn’t fit in your wedding plans.

More isn’t always merrier – the more people in your wedding party, the greater the chance for complications or personality conflicts. Blood is thicker than water – it’s usually worth including family members to avoid unnecessary conflict.

No “paybacks” – just because they asked you to be in their wedding party, doesn’t mean you have to ask them. It’s your wedding, choose who you want. Location is key – know what you are expecting of your party and where they will be. Will they be able to help out with everything you want?

Guys and Girls count – a bridesmaid doesn’t have to be a women, and groomsman a man. If your best friend is of the opposite sex, there is no reason they can’t be a part of the wedding party. A guy on the bride’s side is called an attendant or brides man, and a woman on the groom’s side is called an attendant or groomswoman. It’s that simple.

Other honours – if you are stuck, there are a lot of other jobs your close family and friends can help out with. A special reading or prayer, ushers, the MC or performing at your wedding.

Spread the news – once you have your wedding party picked, make sure everyone knows it. You don’t want the old friend from high school thinking they are in the wedding party when they aren’t.

The kids – your flowergirl and ringbearer are going to be an attraction at your wedding. Children should be able to walk down the aisle by themselves and close to you. A niece or nephew, or young cousins are good for these roles. If they are over the age of 10 and you really want to include them, make them a junior bridesmaid or groomsman or they can be a candle holder/lighter.

Those extra little details and touches are what finish off your look and keep you calm. Cufflinks are a great way to show a touch of class or personality without being flashy. Whether they are an heirloom piece or a brand new pair they will help make your outfit become your own and make for a great keepsake after the wedding.

You can also purchase your accessories like the vest and tie instead of renting them. This allows you to personlize your outfit with accessories that might not be available in rental inventory and gives you something to keep from your wedding day.

Pick up at least two pairs of dress socks for the wedding day. After the ceremony you can change into a fresh pair for the reception. Also, if you tend to sweat a lot, a second shirt might be in order as well.

Keep a cotton handkerchief in your pocket. While you are in the receiving line you will be shaking a lot of hands. You can slip your hand into your pocket and dry it off very subtly.

So what are your duties for the wedding day? The groom is traditionally responsible for:

- making arrangements for the weddings rings

- picks the best man, groomsmen and ushers

- organizes the ceremony venue and the officiant

- makes arrangements for all of the flowers

- makes transportation arrangements

- organizing the honeymoon