Confused about who does what for your big day? Etiquette expert Peggy Post explains it all. (Source: INSTYLE magazine)

Q- My dad died several years ago and I don't want to walk down the isle alone. Who else could I ask to walk with me?

A- Consider the people who have been important in your life: Your grandfather, a favorite uncle, a brother or even your Mom would all be appropriate choices. In fact, more and more brides are begin escorted by their mothers, adding a special touch to their ceremonies.

Q- My fiancé and I have strong opinions about what we do and don't want at our weddings. But my mom is footing the bill, so I know she'll want to make the decisions. Should we offer to pay so we'll have more control?

A- If you are able to pay for the wedding, you can certainly do so. But it needn't come to that. The first thing you and your fiancé should do is sit down with your mother and discuss your ideas. Give her a chance to tell you what she envisions, then fill her in on what you'd like. After all, she's excited about your wedding too, so bear in mind and be empathetic to her desire to help you plan. There's room for compromise. It is your day - so you should have the final say - but the whole experience will be more enjoyable if relations with your mother aren't strained in the process.

Q- I'm the mother of the Groom. Is there anything for me to do? I'd like to know what's going on with the plans, and surely there's something I'm supposed to be helping with.

A- Tell your son and his bride-to-be that you are willing to help and would love to be kept in the loop as they make plans. On your own you can start by getting your guest list in order. Also check with the bride's mother to see what she plans to wear; though you certainly may choose your outfit based on your own taste, it's usually a plus if the mothers try for a somewhat coordinated look. Most of all take some time to think about the expenses traditionally paid by the Groom's family; which ones do you feel you can take on? The list of expenses ranges from buying corsages and boutonnieres for the groom's attendants to immediate family members to planning and paying for the rehearsal dinner. In some cases the Groom's family also hosts a bridal shower or a post-wedding reception in their hometown, particularly when the wedding is small and they'd like friends to meet their new daughter-in-law. Let your son and his fiancé know how you'd like to contribute (financially or otherwise) so that they can can plan accordingly. The more you talk, the more likely you'll find the opportunity to get involved.

Q- I'm the bridesmaid in a friend's wedding. The maid of honor has just told me that I'm supposed to help pay for a bridal shower. No one ever asked me - and my share is supposed to be $200. Help! I'm on a tight budget.

A- The maid of honor's demand that you co-host the bridal shower is out of line. Hosting a shower is a bridesmaid's option. You have two choices: Tell her you're not financially able to serve as a host but you'd like to be included in the shower, perhaps by helping in other ways (addressing invitations, distributing directions). Or offer to pay in installments. Don't let yourself be bullied; do what is best for you.

Q- I very much want to include my longtime (male) best friend in my wedding. I hear that is OK nowadays, but can he be my "man of honor"? What would he be called? And what role could he play in our wedding?

A- These days it is certainly acceptable for a man to server an an "honor attendant" to the bride. (Before you ask your friend, though, you'll want to discuss the issue with your fiancé.) In general, variations on tradition and personal touches are fine, as long as they are applied thoughtfully. As for what duties your male honor attendant can perform, adapt the traditional maid-of-honor responsibilities to him. His primary role is to be supportive as yo make plans and to help yo on the day of your wedding. The one duty he shouldn't perform? Helping you get dressed!

................more coming soon!)