Duty Dumping

Hehe, sorry I just had to have that thread title - ever since the Friends episode!! But my thread title does have a purpose.. how are you guys divvying up duties? Do you have an MC? A guestbook attendant? Ushers? I'd like an MC, I think - to keep things going, but not sure who to assign.. plus I'm worried that if I give so many duties to my guests, there will be no one left to just enjoy it!!! And a guestbook attendant... well, if we're doing the polaroid book. Ushers I think I could do without with Mariana there...?? We'll have a few reserved seats since Aaron's parents DO NOT get along in the slightest bit (his mom is even worried about coming), so we may just put out signs ("reserved for...") and let everyone else sit where they want. What do you guys think I should do?

I think that giving people duties makes them feel good and part of the process...just think about what types of people they are, if they are social then have them seat people or greet people. If they know everyone, have them help the photog gather people (that's what my photog said is really helpful).

I am leaning toward having 1 usher, but only because someone on here had once talked about the fact that it was like none of the guests knew what to do when they arrived at the ceremony because they expected to have an usher, like in a traditional wedding.

Other than that, I plan on skipping a lot of these type of functions because I want people to just sit and relax and have fun- not to 'watch over' some wedding/reception process. I think it depends also on how many people you have as guests.

Well, I'll probably have about 30 guests, minus the 5 in our wedding party. If I did have an MC, it'd be two people who work really well off of eachother (my aunt an uncle). I just don't want everyone running around trying to help, and end up missing out or not relaxing and enjoying it. Like, our parents... they shouldn't be running around once everything has started. same with my grandparents etc.

If you aren't using an usher, mc, guestbook attendant etc (is there anyone I'm forgetting?), then how are you getting everything to work smoothly? How long does Mariana stick around - until the reception starts??

At my sisters wedding she had my uncle MC and the groomsmen did the Usher duties. She just left the guestbook on a table, same as the gifts, birdcage, etc. This way not too many people had to do stuff but everything was covered.

Courtney - with only 30 guests, I don't think you really need to stress on this. If you want an MC, then ask your aunt/uncle to do it. Your MOH should be the one that makes sure ppl sign the guest book, your coord should heard everyone to the cocktail/reception areas. People are smart - they usually don't need a lot of hand holding with such a small event. Now, if you were having 100 people, then I would def recommend having ushers & greeters...