Witnesses at the wedding: how to choose and what is their role?

Practically at any wedding there are people who play one of the most important roles at the celebration after the newlyweds and parents - these are witnesses. And the question of who to invite to this place is often caused by the most genuine debates, since they should not just stand beautifully or sit next to the bride and groom, but also be responsible for many things.

Regardless of how the marriage was made, people were required who could testify that the event actually took place. If there was a question about the legality of the marriage, the 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. And initially they were needed both at a religious marriage and in state institutions.

In Russia, the analogs were friends, and in Europe - the best men. In addition to simple testimonies, they participated in related wedding ceremonies. In Orthodoxy, those who are crowned must have guarantors (successors) who must take part in the service.

Today, in the Russian civil registry offices, their presence is regulated only by the desire of the newlyweds, signatures in the documents do not need to be put. But since in our society the continuity of traditions is strong enough, the witness and witness are on 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 the witnesses may receive 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;
• Search for reviews and recommendations by the presenter, photographer and videographer;
• if necessary, help in making decorations for cars, photo zones or banquet places;

• consider a buyout plan, if it will;
• be sure to attend the rehearsal, if somewhere is provided for her participation;
• organize hen party.

The witness on the part of the groom has fewer duties, but his participation may begin even at the stage of preparation for the proposal of the hand and heart.

On the wedding day, witnesses should:

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

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

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

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

• “For beauty” - those who got this role by chance or because “it is necessary”;
• real, really involved at all stages of preparation and celebration of the wedding.

In the first case, a person is selected in such a way that he successfully fits into the conceived picture. His actions boil down to appear on time and look good throughout the entire celebration. Such cases are not uncommon, so long-distance relatives who are uncomfortable to refuse, or even random people, often find themselves at this place. If the newlyweds need support, then it is better to choose a well-known person who will sincerely rejoice at creating a new family and will help with joy, and not under compulsion.

In any case, the bride and groom should weigh everything, and after the decision is made, it is necessary to ask the person if he agrees. Many people are afraid of publicity, undue attention, and simply additional troubles - after all, being an ordinary guest is much easier. Therefore, if the prospective friend or girlfriend is uncomfortable - you should not insist.

As a rule, young people become witnesses - a girl from the bride’s side and a guy from the groom’s side. Today, stereotypes are changing - the bride can call for her boyfriend and vice versa. If they are connected by time-tested friendships and the second half is not against, such an original move is quite acceptable. Moreover, following the Western fashion, at the wedding ceremony you can meet a few friends of the groom and the bridesmaids. It is usually played up with the same clothes, spectacular outing, joint dance, etc.

In addition, among the duties of witnesses is a congratulation and a gift. As a rule, they offer toasts and congratulations among the first, so they need to pay due attention. Of course, it is quite possible to formally present an envelope with money and read a ready-made poem from a postcard - no one will judge it. But you can approach this process creatively and in addition to choose one of the options:

• Prepare in advance a slideshow of photos of the bride and groom, accompanied by ridiculous comments;
• Record a video greeting - you can borrow ideas or come up with something original;
• sing a song or read a poem of his own about the couple;
• arrange a flash mob with other guests;
• Pranks or surprises.

At the end of the evening, the bride and the bridegroom thank the guests and give in return close people, including witnesses. It can be symbolic souvenirs, comic certificates, invitations to visit, medals.

Since the practices of inviting witnesses came from the past, many superstitions are associated with them. Moreover, they are observed even by those who disbelieve it, because everyone wants his family life to be happy. One of the guarantors of family happiness is exactly the right witnesses and how they behave.

• Witnesses must be single. First, according to beliefs, if relations between them arise, the marriage will be stronger. Secondly, an already married man or a married woman can lose their happiness by passing it on to the newlyweds.
• The status of a widower or divorced is not welcome, because it increases the likelihood of the groom or bride to be in the same status.
• They should always be somewhere near or go in front of the bride and groom. Such peculiar defenders are obliged to ensure that no one has crossed the road to the young. In addition, at weddings often send damage, for this, too, must be monitored.

• You can not take the namesake of the newlyweds, so that their fate is not messed up. For the same reason, clothes of the same colors are not welcome.Ideally, the clothing of witnesses should be light, dark colors are strictly prohibited. Favorable shades - pastel blue, pink, green. It is considered bad form if the witness looks brighter and more attractive than the bride, so it is better to abandon the calling outfit so as not to over-attract attention.

To believe or not to believe in omens is everyone’s business. There are many positive and negative examples in the world. If the witnesses sincerely wish the young to share happiness, then it will definitely come true.

A beautiful greeting from witnessing at the wedding you will see in the next video.