Wedding witnesses: how to choose and what is their role?

At almost any wedding, there are people who play one of the most important roles at the celebration after the bride and groom - these are witnesses. And the question of who to invite to this place often causes real debate, because they should not only be beautifully standing or sitting next to the bride and groom, but also be responsible for many things.

No matter how the marriage was concluded, people were required who could testify that this event really took place. If a question arose about the legality of the marriage, witnesses could confirm this fact. That is, in fact, this term can be called any person present at the time of the conclusion of the union, and legally - at least two people who signed the documents. Moreover, initially they were needed both in a religious marriage, and in state institutions.

In Russia, friends were analogous, and in Europe, best men. In addition to a simple certification, they took part in the accompanying wedding ceremonies. In Orthodoxy, the married should have guarantors (receivers) who should take part in the service.

Today, their presence in the Russian registry office is regulated only by the desire of the newlyweds, no need to sign the documents. But since the continuity of traditions in our society is strong enough, there is a witness and witness at almost every registration. Only now they are called the bridesmaid and friend of the groom.

If the future husband and wife do not use the services of agencies and the wedding organizer, then witnesses may have a lot of responsibilities. They can be divided in stages.

At the stage of preparation for the wedding, the bridesmaid may:

• accompany on trips to wedding salons in search of dresses, shoes and accessories;
• recommend a good master for manicure and hairstyle;
• Look for reviews and recommendations for the presenter, photographer and videographer;
• if necessary, help in the manufacture of jewelry for cars, photo zones or venues;

• think over a buyback plan, if any;
• Be sure to attend the rehearsal, if its participation is foreseen somewhere;
• organize a bachelorette party.

The witness on the part of the groom has less responsibilities, but his participation can begin even at the stage of preparation for the marriage proposal.

On wedding day, witnesses must:

• take feasible participation in the gatherings of the bride and groom;
• make sure that they have not forgotten their passports and rings;
• take part in the buyback, if any;
• at the ceremony itself, to keep fit and help receive flowers;
• during a wedding walk to take other guests, if there is a buffet table - help with it;
• actively participate in all competitions;
• be prepared for the unexpected and try to help the bride and groom throughout the day so that they only have good memories.

After the event, you need to help deliver flowers and gifts.

At a banquet, witnesses usually sit next to the bride and groom. During the whole celebration, they monitor the appearance of the bride and groom. In addition, it is in the handbag of the bridesmaid that the necessary little things usually lie. To highlight their position, use ribbons or badges with inscriptions.

In general, at modern weddings you can meet two types of witnesses:

• "For beauty" - those who fell into this role by chance or because "so be necessary";
• real, truly involved in all stages of the preparation and celebration of the wedding.

In the first case, a person is selected in such a way that he successfully fits into the intended picture. His actions come down to being on time and looking good throughout the celebration. Such cases are not uncommon, therefore distant relatives who are uncomfortable to refuse, or even random people, often appear at this place. If the newlyweds need support, then it is better to choose a well-known person who will sincerely be happy to create a new family and will help with joy, and not under duress.

In any case, the bride and groom should weigh everything, and after making a decision, be sure to ask the person if he agrees. Many people are afraid of publicity, excessive attention, and simply additional hassle - it is much easier to be an ordinary guest. Therefore, if the prospective friend or girlfriend is uncomfortable, you should not insist.

As a rule, young people become witnesses - a girl on the part of the bride and a guy on the part of the groom. Today, stereotypes are changing - the bride can call on her part a guy and vice versa. If they are linked by time-tested friendships and the other half does not mind, such an original move is perfectly acceptable. Moreover, following the Western fashion, at the wedding ceremony you can meet several friends of the groom and bridesmaids. This is usually played out with the same clothes, spectacular output, dance together, etc.

In addition, the duties of witnesses include congratulations and gifts. As a rule, they are one of the first toasts and congratulations, so they need to be given due attention.Of course, you can quite formally present an envelope with money and read an already prepared poem from a postcard - no one will condemn. But you can approach this process creatively and in addition choose one of the options:

• prepare in advance a slide show of photos of the bride and groom, accompanied by funny comments;
• record video greetings - you can borrow ideas or come up with something original;
• sing a song or read verses of your own composition dedicated to a couple;
• arrange a flash mob with other guests;
• practical jokes or surprises.

At the end of the evening, the bride and groom thank the guests and present in response to people close to them, including witnesses. It can be symbolic souvenirs, comic certificates, invitations to visit, medals.

Since the customs of inviting witnesses came from the past, many superstitions are associated with them. Moreover, they are observed even by people who do not believe in this, since everyone wants their family life to be happy. One of the guarantors of family happiness is precisely the right witnesses and how they behave.

• Witnesses must be single. Firstly, according to popular belief, if relations arise between them, marriage will be stronger. Secondly, a married man or a married woman can lose their happiness by passing it on to the newlyweds.
• The status of a widower or divorced person is not welcome, as this increases the likelihood of the groom or bride to be in the same status.
• They should always be somewhere nearby or go in front of the bride and groom. Such peculiar defenders are required to ensure that no one crosses the road. In addition, spoilage is often sent at weddings, and this must also be monitored.

• You can not take the namesake of the newlyweds so that their fates are not mixed up. For the same reason, clothes of the same colors are not welcome. Ideally, the clothes of witnesses should be light, dark tones are strictly prohibited. Favorable shades are pastel blue, pink, green. It is considered bad manners if the witness looks brighter and more attractive than the bride, so it is better to abandon the defiant dress so as not to draw attention to yourself.

To believe or not to believe in signs is everyone’s business. There are many positive and negative examples in the world. If the witnesses sincerely wish the young people joint happiness, then this will certainly come true.

About the duties of witnesses at a wedding from a professional holiday host - the following video.