By Request DJ & Karaoke Company

Your wedding party is a major factor in the success of your wedding day. Too many couples assume that once they've selected their brides maids and grooms men that they are finished. Unfortunately, too many people today don't know what it means to be in a wedding party. Bridesmaids and groomsmen need to do more than just look pretty. Put these people to work! If your wedding party knows the who's, what's, when's, and why's, they will be able to handle many of the details that may derail the enjoyment of what should be your happiest day. Here is a litte crash course for on the responsibilites of each member of your wedding party.

By Carol Bremner

In the next six months, my son, daughter, and grandson are all getting married. Our family is spread across Ontario and the United States, so I'm thankful to be living in the computer generation. Wedding plans without the advantage of the Internet and email would be a long, difficult process.

When Tim and Tammy got married, they packed their emergency kit and had it with them in their car. One of the guests surprised them by hiring a limo to take them to their hotel. Guess what they had to wear the next morning!

Another time, Tim was a groomsman at a friend's wedding. Tim changed into his tux at his friend's house before going to the wedding. After the reception, his friend left with his bride for their honeymoon. Guess where Tim's clothes were. It gets worse. Guess where the keys to Tim's apartment were!

The most expensive part about a wedding is usually the reception. Many couples are trying some very creative ideas to keep the expense of a nice reception to a minimum. Here are some ideas we have heard in the past couple of months and some that we looked into for our own wedding.

You may not realize it, but a lot of caterers, facilities, and (of course) DJs have great discounts for Friday and Sunday receptions (not to mention receptions in the middle of the week!) Often, they book their Saturdays very far in advance, but are just dying for the Friday and Sunday business. A great way to cut off a large chunk of your budget would be to get married on a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon. Ask your caterer or reception facility what kind of discounts they offer for the flexible bride.