Here Comes the Entourage
Here is the list of the men and women (and children!) who pledge their undying love and support to the husband -and wife-to-be:

The demoiselle d' bonneur is the prinsipal member of the wedding entourage and the most privileged role a friend can play. The role is usually givento the bride's sister or closest friend. The maid of honor is usually unwed young woman given the charge of throwing the bridal shower and batchelorette party. In certain cases, the role is given to a married woman, thus the name dame d' bonneur (matron of honor).

The best man is the male counterpart od the maid of honor, of course. The groom's best body or brother is chosen for this part. The role is responsible for throwing the 'infamous' bachelor party. Not like the maid of honor, the best man usually has fewer responsibilities. You just have to attend the wedding and dinner rehearsals and the tux fittings.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

The demoiselles d' bonneur et garcons d' bonneur make up most of the wedding entourage. The belles and homes can be as many as eigth for each group, depending on the people, and are combination of friends, sister, brothers and relatives.
Primary Sponsors

The primary sponsors are basically the couple's Godparent's. They are the wiser older people who should be able to help and guide the pair on their married life. The Godparents make up the most of the best dressed crowd during weddings.
Secondary Sponsors

The cord, veil and candle advocates make up the secondary sponsors.
The corde (cord) symbolizes the infinite bond of marriage. Cord sponsors hold the cord in the form of an eight figure and place them loosely on the shoulders of the couple.
The voile (veil) sponsors places along white tulle on the groom's shoulders and over the brides head symbolizing their union, 'clothed as one
The bougie (candle) sponsors light the candles at each side of the couple. The burning candle signifies the presence of God in their union.
Flowergirls

The fleur fille is usually between the age of four (4) and eight (8). She follows the bridesmaids down the aisle holding a bouquet or basket of flowers. The bride can opt to have as many as three (3) chosen from her favorite nieces or cousins.

The anneau porteur, like the flowergirls, should be aged between four (4) and eight (8). He carries a pillow with the wedding ring attached to it. This role should be given to a child who comfortable in front of an audience. This is important for a smooth ceremony.

The porte-monnaie carries the Arrhae/Arras and marches along with the ring bearer, Arrhae is given to the groom's plegde of his dedication to keep the welfare of his family.

The bible porteur carries th Bible, the couples sysmbol of faith, along with the coin and ring bearer.
Mother and Father of the Bride

The mother of the bride shall remain, first and foremost, a mother, and not a mother who wants to relive her wedding day by taking over the creative planning of the wedding. This will surely be appreciated by the bride, and will surely brings you closer together. On more serious note, the mother of the bride traditionally has the first say on the color she should wear, so it is her responsibility to inform the mother of the groom about her choice, since their gowns should compliments each other. The mother of the bride should also act as hostess at hte wedding reception, making sure the the newly-wedded couple has already greeted all the guests, and payed attention to little details.
It is traditional for the father to escort his daughter down the aisle and give her away. It has its-less-than-feminist-friendly origin from the times when the daughter was considered the father's property to be given away. But now it survives as a symbol of the father's approval of the marriage. The father is also expected to take a big role during the reception by making a toast to the couple. And lastly, the father traditionally dances with his daughter. Being a father of the bride is surely one occasion when the father can let his guard down anf be as emotional as he is.
Mother and Father of the Groom

The parents of the groom are usually expected to set ups formal meeting with the parents of the bride as soon as the engagement of the couple confirmed. The groom's mother should also find a gown in a color that compliments the mother of the bride. Also, the guest of the groom's side of the family, especially out-of-towners, are her responsibility. Tradition also has it that if the bride has a dance with her father his mother as well.
Traditionally, there is not much emphasis on the father of the groom during the wedding, but he nevertheless still important, as he is his son's guide on how to be the best husband he can be. Th father of the groom can offer financial as well as moral support to the couple. He can dance with his new daughter-in-law sometime during the reception.
Lester M. Santos © 2011 ·