The tradition and conventions of wedding etiquette will not suit everyone, but it is important to be aware of them.
This explanation of who does what in the preparations and ceremony will help you to make an informed decision on the best way to organise your wedding day.

BRIDE
The bride traditionally selects the type of service. She oversees all the preparations, which include choosing the date and the venue, who her attendants will be, her dress and accessories, as well as those of the bridesmaids. She will select the flowers, help with the guest list and seating arrangements, and attend to the many small details, which will contribute to her perfect day.

GROOM
The groom has to arrange transport for himself, the bride and the wedding party, as well as hiring the venue and booking the honeymoon. However, this will be done with direction from his future wife. The groom chooses his best man and ushers - there are normally three - and is conventionally given responsibility for little else!
However, the bride and groom discuss most aspects of the day, as it is after all, their wedding day.
During the reception, the groom will reply to the father of the bride's speech, and thanking the bride's parents and guests - not forgetting a toast to the bridesmaids.

BEST MAN
Traditionally, the best man is responsible for his own attire, and that of the groom. He oversees the transport to the wedding venue and also organises the Stag Night - preferably several days in advance!
The primary role for the best man is to look after the Groom. That includes getting him to the venue on time, and in a fit state to get married. He is also responsible for ensuring that the whole day runs smoothly and has the wedding ring in his pocket ready to hand across to the Groom.
After the ceremony, he is responsible for guiding the guests to the reception and organising (or delegating an usher) to organise immediate family for the traditional wedding photographs.
The Best Man will also provide a witty speech at the reception, replying to the Groom's toast to the Bridesmaids, and will read out a few cards from guests who were unable to attend.
His final responsibility is to ensure that the bride and groom leave the reception in good time, and that their transport is arranged.

CHIEF BRIDESMAID
The chief Bridesmaid is chosen by the Bride to assist her during the preparations. On the day itself, it is her job to make sure that all the other attendants are in their places. She will arrange the Bride's dress and veil when she arrives, ready for her entry into the ceremony. During the service, she holds the bride's bouquet. She also signs the Register, along with the Best Man, and will be on hand throughout the day to assist the Bride.

USHERS
The Ushers greet the guests as they arrive at the venue. They will distribute the Service Sheets and show everyone to their seats. If it is raining, they will help to escort the guests and Bridal party from their cars to the venue under umbrellas.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Much of the Father's responsibility lies with the financial aspect of the Ceremony. Traditionally, he pays for the bulk of the costs. Nowadays, the Bride and Groom often meet some of the expenses themselves and there is always the possibility that the Groom's family will make a contribution too.
The Father traditionally accompanies his daughter to the venue, escorts her up the aisle and gives the Bride away during the Ceremony.
At the Wedding Breakfast, The Father sits next to the Bride at the top of the table and will make the first speech during which he proposes a toast to the Bride and Groom.

BRIDE'S MOTHER
The Bride's Mother will help her daughter with the wedding arrangements and may have a role in the decision-making especially if she is contributing financially. She will compile the guest list, in consultation with the groom and parents. She may also organise the sending out of invitations and the display of wedding gifts.
The Bride's Mother will not only stand proudly watching her daughter on this special day, but is there to oversee all the arrangements, as well as stand in line to greet the guests, alongside the Bride's Father.

PARENTS OF THE GROOM
Traditionally, there is no specific role for the Parents of the Groom, but it is important that they do not feel neglected. Nowadays, it is not unusual for them to make a considerable contribution to the organisation and payment. It is only good manners on the part of the Bride to ask their advice and approval and ensure that they are included as much as possible in the preparations.

TRADITIONS

The Dress - White was the colour which ancient Romans believed would ward off evil spirits. It had nothing to do with purity or virginity. The veil was also designed to protect the Bride from evil spirits spying on her beauty and being jealous.

Wedding Bouquet - In olden days, this was made up of strong smelling herbs to frighten away evil spirits, and to surround the couple with a beautiful fragrance. Most flowers have a meaning just as orange blossom symbolises fertility.

The Cake - is a very ancient feature of the marriage feast. The richer the mixture, the more abundant the marriage will be. The original mix was of sesame seed and honey. The Bride and Groom should always cut the first slice.

Photography - The first photograph, taken in France back in 1826, took eight hours to make the exposure. Luckily, the Bride and Groom don't have to stand still that long nowadays. In 1853, William Fox Talbot invented the process of making a negative from which prints could then be taken. The first colour photograph was taken in 1861.

Tossing the Slice - Believing that Newly-weds brought good luck, they were showered with nuts and grains to ensure a bountiful harvest. This is now symbolised by throwing confetti.

Transport - The practice of using vintage cars and horse-drawn vehicles to carry the Bride and her Father to the Wedding, began several Decades ago and sets the scene in the manner of the elegant 1920s.

Throwing of Old Shoes - This is the traditional way of transferring responsibility for the Bride from her Father to her new Husband. The tradition is kept alive by tying shoes and tin cans to the back of the Honeymoon vehicle.

The Honeymoon - Centuries ago, it was customary for the Bride and Bridegroom to drink mead (a wine made from honey) for a month after the wedding. A month was knows a 'moon'. Hence the word Honeymoon.