Family is everything! And when two families become one, it’s even more beautiful.

Your wedding is a time to celebrate love and to blend family and friends together. So aside the obvious perks; like being a backbone to the marriage, family is also very important on the wedding day itself. In times like these, many relatives would like to get involved and ir’s a recipe for drama if you leave anyone out.

Now even though it might not seem much, there are some crucial roles to be played by certain members– nuclear or extended. The trick is to do this in a way that doesn’t make anyone feel pressured, that doesn’t make anyone else feel excluded, and that is true to the spirit and the tone of your ceremony.

Ninie and her beautiful mother on her wedding day

THE ROLE OF FAMILY DURING A WEDDING

Each one can do something– do not underestimate any relative. Here is a guide listing the various family positions and their responsibilities:

1. Parents

This is a no brainer! Traditionally, the parents of the bride and groom had very distinct responsibilities. In Ghana, the bride’s parents handle the traditional wedding ceremony, popularly known as the ‘engagement’.

However, aside that, the bride’s mother can help in making wedding plans. She acts as the ‘unofficial’ consultant for the couple and keeps record of everything. From the RSVP list to vendor selection, scouting venues, wedding gown shopping etc, the mother should be on top of planning. Mothers, the bride’s and groom’s, also serve as the line of communication between both families. If the two get along well, even better! And just like the usual role of mothers, financial and emotional assistance are as well key.

Fathers, on the other hand, may not be directly involved in the planning process– let’s face it, men hate weddings lol. But when push comes to shove, they lend a helping hand in preparation (often financially). During the ceremony, fathers support with the walk down the aisle, giving votes of thanks, special dances with the bride and raising toasts. Fathers are also there to save the day whenever there’s a glitch, for instance, writing an unexpected cheque to vendors.

Plus for the best pre-marriage advice, consult fathers– they say it as it is.

2. Siblings & Cousins

Their roles can be stressful yet the most exciting. So much that they get bossy with their roles– but can you blame them lol. For the wedding party ( bride & groom train), you sure have to include your younger siblings, especially the females. And if they do not make the cut, put them on active coordination duties. Let them help with planning the bachelor’s party or bachelorette, sending invitations, supervising the wedding staff, welcoming & escorting guests, and most of all, giving ‘hype’ to the wedding.

Siblings are the only ones allowed to be as thrilled as the couple!

3. Aunties & Uncles

They are the see-it-all, say-it-all batch! You have to include them no matter what. Sometimes, aunts and uncles step in when either spouse has lost a parent or both. In those cases, you can refer them to the parent roles.

However, if not, giving them supervisory roles is ideal. Again, if there are any unorthodox issues to attend to, like keeping an eye on children during the ceremony, you can roll them out to them. They can also help in welcoming older guests and VIPs, as it shows a sign of respect.

4. Grandparents

If you are lucky enough to have your grandparents alive, it is beautiful to include them in the ceremony. Since they may be older and weary, do not stress them much. Getting a slot for a special grandparent dance or seating them in the front row is just enough to make their day 😉

Ghana Wedding Market is a first-of-its-kind online wedding shopping platform. Over here, we offer merchandise, services and ideas you would need to have the wedding you’ve always wanted. What’s more is we also give free advice to both clients and vendors whenever they need it.

Our services include:

• Photography

• Videography

• Venue acquisition

• Event Decoration/Styling

• Catering

• Mixology

• Makeup/Grooming

• Online Wedding Merchandise Shop

• MC Hiring

• DJ Hiring

• Cultural/Urban Dancers Hiring

• Membership & Advertisment Packages and many more…

We often update our services list so do not be disheartened if what you need is not on this list yet.
Views, complaints, compliments and advice are always welcome.

Experience working with us and you will look no further.