It seems like once you announce that you are getting married, friends and family come out of the woodwork offering up advice and their services. This is a wonderful but hectic time in your life so, yes you do need all the help you can get. However, you may be wondering if you can really use all the people volunteering and worry that feelings may be hurt. Fear not, as there are plenty of different ways you can incorporate those close to you, even if they didn’t make the bridesmaid or groomsmen list. So below we’ve compiled a list of helpers that you may have not thought of.

Ushers - Typically thought of as a job that men take on, they are certainly no hard and fast rules that say it must be this way. This job requires a lot of walking around so consider asking a younger family member. Say your 14 yr old cousin who is just dying to dress up and be part of your day.

Decorators - Not everyone will have a wedding planner with a 20 person decorating crew. So appoint some of your most reliable and more seasoned friends and relatives to help decorate. Be sure to discuss with them before hand how you want things to look. Trust us, the more weddings they’ve been to the more they know. So go ahead and let your great aunt Louise direct everyone. Chances are she has stories that involve twinkle light cords and wedding dancers.

Honored Elders -  Honor your older VIP's by seating them close to the front and pinning them with a corsage. After all if it weren’t for the love and guidance of your grandparents you would not be where you are now.

Present Director - When guests arrive at the reception site they are always looking for where to put their gift. Have someone appointed to directing the guests to the gift table. They can help arrange things for easy maneuvering and fitting also and help you to load them when it’s time to leave.

Guest Book Guardian - It’s important to have someone stand near the guest book and remind your loved ones to "sign in". This person will also serve as somewhat of a hostess or guide to the reception. Chances are good that most of the guests will ask him or her where things are and when things are beginning so make sure your guest book guardian is familiar with the location.

Readers -You’ll probably want to have a reading or two performed at your ceremony. Consider asking a good friend or relative to read aloud for you. Those whom love to be in front of a crowd will take this task quite seriously. Be sure not to choose a crier though or you may never get to the vows.

Signatures - Typically your maid of honor and best man sign the legal wedding certificate however, it is a nice gesture to have other important guests sign the "pretty one" Asking older relatives to sign this important document is a lovely way to honor them. This way you will have their signatures saved on a document that is dear to you for years to come.

Your centerpiece design options are endless. Consider trying one of the following tried and true basics, or take one of these ideas and run with your creativity, the choice is yours.

Fishbowl

This is a short glass bowl filled with flowers nestled close together. There may be more than one of this type of arrangement throughout the table if choosing rectangular seating, otherwise one bowl would suffice for round seating. Simple and elegant, the fishbowl design is a classic choice.

Pedestal

A less traditional look, the pedestal is a vase of flowers that is set up yes, on a pedestal. Maybe a ceramic base or even a glass box, this is terrific for large receptions where one large arrangement in the center of the table would aid to the look of all the grand decoration.

Topiary

These are a more traditional formal design where plants are trimmed into different shapes. Topiaries are a great choice for weddings or receptions that are done at upscale garden clubs or even on the grounds of an art gallery.

Tower Vase

A very large and regal vase shows off an impressive look. While both formal and grand this is a large vase that is filled with flowers that tower grandly over the table.

Trumpet

This is a vase that is smaller at the base and fans out toward the top A great choice for something a little offbeat. Filled with flowers that slowly start to flourish out of the opening and cascade out over the table.

We are always concerned about the flowers at our wedding. We worry about what flowers will look and smell best in our bouquets, and go back and forth on the ever present question of real or fake. But the flower concerns don’t stop there. When you meet with your florists and wedding planners they also want to discuss how you would like flowers displayed all throughout both the wedding and the reception. By discussing all of you flower needs they can help to ensure that your overall look will stay consistent throughout your big day.

So below, we have compiled for you a small glossary of terms we hope that they aid you in the decision making process

For flowers displayed at your wedding you have a variety of choices whether it be over the top or nice and low key.

A Floral Arch or Swag

These tall arch shapes have flowers woven into them and are typically hung on the wall or in an archway above the officiant as the ceremony is performed. These are most often used in venues where an altar is not present.

Garland

Use a garland display for a more natural look where different types of greenery and flowers are weaved together for you to hang along doorways and church pews.

Pew Vase

For a more casual look try the pew vase which is a small vase of flowers that has a clamp that attaches to the end of the pew. This is a great choice if you would like just a small simple display.

Spray

Just as the name suggests this is a spray of branches that contain buds, flowers or berries. Sometimes you see these as branches adorned with jewels. They look beautiful peaking out of the tops of tall arrangements.

Trellis

A great choice for an outdoor wedding! Climbing plants or flowers are scattered over these wooden or plastic latticework structures.

Because let’s face it some of us just can’t quit partying, so it’s no wonder that one of the hottest new wedding trends is the after party! These range from all out extravaganzas being carried over in the hotel ballroom to just a casual all night bar crawl. We won’t hold it against you for trying to make this amazing night last as long as you possibly can. But we will give you a few things to consider.

First of all, there really isn’t much of a need for a formal invitation per se. Letting your guests know of the additional festivities by word of mouth seems to be the choice for most couples. It’s easy enough to do really, just think back to being on the playground and let everyone know, meet us after the reception at Carlson’s Pub on Main, pass it on!

Make sure that you extend the invitation to everyone. There is no need to make anyone feel left out. We understand that you don’t necessarily want some of your older guests palling around with you as you party all night, and that’s okay. Just be sure to make sure everyone is aware of what the after party entails. Chances are that once Great Uncle Teddy hears this is a night of dancing the night away at the hottest new club in town he will be more than happy to kindly decline the invitation.

As far as food goes, switch it up a bit. If you had a lovely four course formal dinner and are finishing that up with a bar crawl then by all means munch on sliders and fries. If you decided to rent out a bowling alley eat hot dogs and chili fries. Decided to carry the party over into the ballroom, then how about opting for a sushi bar?

Last but not least, it would be very considerate of you to try to arrange transportation to and from the after party. It is quite possible that some of your guests will have had a good bit to drink at the reception and there will be others who will decide to indulge a bit more at the after party.

It is always popular to try and help ensure your guests safety.

P.S. — When the party does finally come to an end, make sure to remember the After the Reception Checklist of tasks to cover.