Who's who at your wedding

Who are the essential people you won't be able to do without (unless it's just the two of you down at the register office)? Apart from your groom, who better not be late, there are a handful of stalwarts you'll be relying on.

The maid, or matron, of honour is your right hand woman, so choose wisely. Appoint a close friend with an unflappable nature who'll help you ensure the day goes smoothly. Her duties include organising your hen night, helping you get dressed and ready for your close-up, keeping you laughing and relaxed as the hours tick by, and overseeing the younger bridesmaids and flower girls if necessary. She'll also arrange your veil before you stride down the aisle (if it's a formal church ceremony), hold the bouquet for you during the service, and keep hold of any money you might need during the day (check our our range of stunning wedding dolly bags so she has something to put it in!) After that, she's free to go and flirt with the best man!

                         Bridesmaid silver torq bracelet                                         Wedding silver heart cufflinks

Talking of whom, the best man will be performing similar duties for the groom. Don't just choose someone who's bound to be the life and soul of the party - your man has to arrive clean, sober and in his right mind, not tied to a lamppost in the Outer Hebrides! The best man will arrange the stag party and look after the groom - see above. He will ensure the groom rolls up on time, looking smart and complete with buttonhole.

He'll instruct the ushers in their duties, look after the rings, make announcements at the reception and direct guests to their seats. He'll also make a best man's speech (not too many jokes about sheep, please) and organise the transport for the married pair after the reception, so that they can make a graceful getaway. Lastly, he'll return all hired outfits on behalf of the newlyweds.

The ushers can be male friends or family members, and there's no limit to how many can be appointed. They are expected to help the best man go about his duties, and also look after the guests by handing out 'order of service' sheets on arrival and showing people to their seats. They help keep the machinery running smoothly. And then they get to dance with the bridesmaids, so it's not all hard work!

          Wedding bag with roses                                                         Small ring cushion with gathered satin ribbon

To see all our other wedding planning articles and for all our style hints and tips on how to make sure that you and your bridesmaids look gorgeous as well as advice on how to make your big day go smoothly, click on our wedding information pages. We are adding to them all the time so make sure you visit us again.

And if this has whet your appetite for all things gorgeous, click here to browse Henry Kaye's complete range of stunning wedding shoes (for brides and bridesmaids alike), elegant bridesmaid dresses, stylish boy's formalwear and pageboy outfits and exquisite wedding bags and wedding accessories.