Wedding Party Duties

To some, deciding on the members of the wedding party comes easy. However, to others, the task seems to be a bit more challenging. There are many people to consider for roles: new friends, old friends, and those fair-weather friends. And then there are family members and the cautiousness of not hurting anyone’s feelings. Before you go assigning names to roles and writing up job-specific to-do lists, first take a look at all of the wedding party duties that can be filled by those you love to answer the question of who’s who in your bridal party.

Matron/Maid of Honor: matron of honor (married woman) or the maid of honor (single woman) are the right hand to the bride throughout the planning process. She assists in planning the shower and bachelorette party, holds the groom’s ring at the ceremony, and offers up a toast at the reception.

Best Man/Co-Best Men: a single man can fill the job, but sometimes we see two best men standing up to support the groom. The best man hosts the bachelor party, holds the rings during the ceremony, and offers up a toast at the reception.

Bridesmaids: it is common to see bridesmaids in a wedding party, but it is optional. Bridesmaids assist the bride with preparing for the wedding as well as assisting the maid of honor with her duties. They participate in getting ready with the bride, taking photos, and walking at the ceremony.

Groomsmen: it is common to see groomsmen in a wedding party, but it is optional. Groomsmen assist the groom with preparing for the wedding and the best man with his duties. They participate in getting ready with the groom, taking photos, and walking at the ceremony.

Personal Attendant: the personal attendant is the bride’s saving grace on the wedding day. She is helpful in being a contact for vendors, looking after the bride’s personal belongings, and the go-to for all things, small or big.

Usher: ushers are needed to seat guests at the ceremony. These gents are usually close to the bride and groom, but not close enough to be considered groomsmen. They open doors for guests and escort women to their seats.

Junior Bridesmaid: too young to be a bridesmaid, but too old to be a flower girl, the junior bridesmaid gets ready with the bride, takes photos, and walks down the aisle at the ceremony.

Junior Groomsmen: too young to be a groomsman, but too old to be a ring bearer, the junior groomsmen gets ready with the fellas, takes photos, and walks down the aisle at the ceremony.

Flower Girl: the young flower girl attends the rehearsal, walks down the aisle at the ceremony, and looks darling in photos.

Ring Bearer: the young ring bearer attends the rehearsal, walks down the aisle at the ceremony and looks handsome in photos.

Still have some people you want to honor with being in your wedding? Here are some non-gender specific roles: Candle Lighter, Reader, Singer, Guest Book Attendant, Gift Table Attendant, and Host.