Wedding witnesses: how to choose and what is their role?

At almost any wedding there are people who play one of the most important roles in the celebration after the newlyweds and parents - they are witnesses. And the question of who to invite to this place often causes a real debate, since they should not only stand or sit beautifully next to the bride and groom, but also be responsible for many things.

Regardless of how the marriage was concluded, people were required who could testify that this event really took place. If a question arose about the legality of a marriage, 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. Moreover, initially they were needed both for religious marriage and in government institutions.

In Russia, friends were analogous, and in Europe - best men. In addition to simply witnessing, they took part in accompanying wedding ceremonies. In Orthodoxy, those who are married must have guarantors (supporters) who must take part in the service.

Today, in the Russian registry office, their presence is regulated only by the desire of the newlyweds, there is no need to put signatures in the documents. But since in our society the continuity of traditions is strong enough, there is a witness and witness on almost every registration. Only now they are called the bridesmaid and the groom's friend.

If the future husband and wife do not use the services of agencies and the wedding organizer, then witnesses can have a lot of responsibilities. They can be divided in stages.

During the wedding preparation phase, the bridesmaid can:

• accompany on trips to wedding salons in search of dresses, shoes and accessories;
• recommend a good master for manicure and hair;
• look for reviews and recommendations for the presenter, photographer and videographer;
• if necessary, help in the manufacture of decorations for cars, a photo zone or a banquet venue;

• think over a buyback plan, if any;
• be sure to attend the rehearsal if her participation is provided somewhere;
• organize a bachelorette party.

The groom's witness has fewer responsibilities, but his involvement may begin at the stage of preparation for the marriage proposal.

On the wedding day, witnesses must:

• take an active part in the gathering of the bride and groom;
• make sure they haven't forgotten their passports and rings;
• take part in the buyback, if any;
• at the ceremony itself, behave appropriately and help to receive flowers;
• during a wedding walk, take other guests, if there is a buffet table, help with it;
• actively participate in all competitions;
• be prepared for the unexpected and try to help the bride and groom throughout the day so that they have only good memories.

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

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

In general, two types of witnesses can be found at modern weddings:

• “For beauty” - those who got into this role by accident or because “it should be so”;
• real, really taking part in all stages of preparation and celebration of the wedding.

In the first case, a person is selected in such a way that he fits well into the intended picture. His actions boil down to showing up on time and looking good throughout the celebration. Such cases are not uncommon, therefore, distant relatives who are inconvenient to refuse, or even random people often find themselves in this place. If the newlyweds need support, then it is better to choose a well-known person who will sincerely rejoice in the creation of a new family and will help with joy, and not under compulsion.

In any case, the bride and groom should weigh everything, and after making a decision, be sure to ask the person if he agrees. Many people are afraid of publicity, excessive attention, and just additional hassle - 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 side of the bride and a guy from the side of the groom. Today, stereotypes are changing - a bride can call a guy from her side and vice versa. If they are connected by time-tested friendships and the other half does not mind, such an original move is quite acceptable. Moreover, following Western fashion, several friends of the groom and bridesmaids can be met at the wedding ceremony. This is usually played up with the same clothes, a spectacular exit, dancing together, etc.

In addition, the duties of witnesses include congratulations and gifts. As a rule, they are among the first to make toasts and congratulations, so they need to be given due attention.Of course, you can quite formally give an envelope with money and read a ready-made poem from a postcard - no one will condemn. But you can approach this process creatively and, in addition, choose one of the options:

• prepare in advance a slideshow of photos of the bride and groom, accompanied by funny comments;
• record a video greeting - you can borrow ideas or come up with something original;
• sing a song or read poems of your own composition dedicated to a couple;
• arrange a flash mob with other guests;
• pranks or surprises.

At the end of the evening, the bride and groom thank the guests and give gifts in return to those close to them, including witnesses. These can be symbolic souvenirs, comic certificates, invitations to visit, medals.

Since the customs of inviting witnesses came from the past, there are many superstitions associated with them. Moreover, they are observed even by people who do not believe in it, since everyone wants his family life to be happy. One of the guarantors of family happiness is precisely the rightly chosen witnesses and the way they behave.

• Witnesses must be single. First, it is believed that if a relationship develops between them, the marriage will be stronger. Secondly, an already married man or a married woman can lose their happiness, passing it on to the newlyweds.
• Widower or divorce status is discouraged as it increases the likelihood of the bride or groom being in the same status.
• They should always be somewhere near or in front of the bride and groom. Such peculiar defenders are obliged to make sure that no one crosses the road for the young. In addition, spoilage is often sent at weddings, this also needs to be monitored.

• You cannot take the namesakes of the newlyweds, so that their fates are not mixed up. For the same reason, clothes of the same color are not encouraged. Ideally, the clothes 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 give up a provocative outfit so as not to draw attention to yourself.

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 people joint happiness, then it will definitely come true.

The following video is about the responsibilities of wedding witnesses from a professional host of holidays.