Picking Your Cast of Characters: Supporting VIPs

Your bridal party would not be complete without these special supporting characters.

Ring bearer
This adorable {preferably non-fidgety} boy or girl, aged four to eight, walks down the aisle carrying a small decorative pillow with fake wedding bands tied to the middle.

Flower girl/child
Wee ones aged three through eight who walk down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals from a basket {or carrying a pomander}. Little ladies are the norm, but cute little boys can fill this role, too. Most flower children sit with their parents after completing their stroll.

Mother of the bride
The bride's mom may serve as guest list moderator, traditional reception hostess, fashion critic, and cheerleader. Other possible duties include researching family and ethnic traditions, attending the shower and rehearsal dinner, and dancing the night away at the reception. The nature of the bride's mother's role is entirely up to the bride.

Father of the bride
In traditional wedding circles, this guy fronts most of the cash -- that's no small feat. In addition, brides' dads have picked up additional to-dos along the way. Dad's chores might include airport duty, coordinating maps/directions to the wedding site, scouting potential locations, doling out tips to wedding day staff, and a variety of toasting and hosting tasks.

Mother of the groom
The groom's mom can assume any of the bride's mom's responsibilities, if she's up for it. Dole out to-dos diplomatically to prevent conflicts. She attends the shower, and is escorted down the aisle during the prelude. Her shining moment? The mother/son dance.

Father of the groom
He used to get away with fading into the woodwork, but nowadays he's suited up for action. In terms of cost contribution, the groom's dad traditionally pays for a few major items, notably the rehearsal dinner. He might also fulfill numerous dancing, toasting, and "manly" obligations {i.e., escort elderly women, move tables, address problematic service}. It's nice, too, if he checks in with the bride's dad occasionally to offer moral support.