All right, so you now have some tips on how to pick people for your bridal party, but there's more to decide.
Who is your maid of honor? Flower girl? Ring Bearer? Here is a list of specific roles and the typical duties involved with them. Good luck!
Who is your maid of honor? Flower girl? Ring Bearer? Here is a list of specific roles and the typical duties involved with them. Good luck!
1. Maid of Honor
- Plans the shower
- Plans the bachelorette party
- Keeps bridesmaids in line by staying on top of fittings and other tasks the bride has asked of them
- May make toast during rehearsal or reception dinner
- Bonus points for bringing emergency items like safety pins the day of the wedding
- Signs marriage license as a witness
- Holds the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
- Adjusts bride's train at the altar
- Carries the groom's ring down the aisle, typically on her thumb
Sisters come first. Otherwise ask your most loyal gal pal.
Warning! Since organizing and motivating are key duties of the MOH, choosing your lovable, but absent minded best friend should be avoided unless you’re prepared to do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself.
2. Matron of Honor
Okay, so I never really understood the difference, I just nodded my head and smiled like a knew. Apparently the Maid of Honor is unmarried, while a Matron of Honor is married. The duties are exactly the same. We all just had an "Ah-hah!" moment.
3. Best Man
- Acts as groom's right hand man through all stages of wedding planning
- Plans the bachelor party
- Keeps the groomsmen in line
- Makes sure the groom is on time to the ceremony
- Gives the wedding officiant their fee after the ceremony
- Sign's the marriage license as a witness
- Holds the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony
- Gives toast at reception
Brothers trump friends, just like the MOH.
Warning! Make sure the groom chooses someone that won't party too hard at the reception. He needs to be coherent, especially during the ceremony.
4. Bridesmaids
- Support team for the Maid of Honor and Bride
- Smiles when purchasing their bridesmaid's dress, even if it's hideous
- Helps with pre-wedding tasks when asked (addressing invites, planning the bachelorette party, making favors for the bridal shower, etc.)
- Constantly tells the bride she looks beautiful
- Plays surrogate hostesses to guests (telling them where things are, relating the schedule, etc.)
- Hits the dance floor running to encourage guests to party
Warning! Preferably, these girls (and guys if you have them) need to work well together. Don't bring two enemies on your team. Drama!
5. Groomsmen
- Helps the best man plan
- Pays for bachelor party
- Serves as the groom's moral support system
- May double as ushers
- Decorates the getaway car
- Dances with dateless ladies and gets the party going
- Helps confused guests by telling them where things are and the schedule
6. Junior Bridesmaids
These are members of your party between the ages of 9 and 16. They don't attend the bachelorette party and will typically wear less sexy versions of the bridesmaid dress (if they have a sexy dress). Otherwise their duties are the same as the bridesmaids.
7. Flower Girl/Child
These teeny members are typically between the ages of 3 and 8 and can be boys or girls. Their job is to toss flowers out of a basket onto the aisle just before the bride walks. Afterwards they sit with their parents. If you don't have a family member to fill the role, ask friends if they are willing to let their child in on the fun.
Warning! Be prepared for disruptions such as crying and not making it all the way down the aisle.
Warning! Be prepared for disruptions such as crying and not making it all the way down the aisle.
8. Ring Bearer
This child is typically ages 4 to 8 and can be a boy or a girl. They walk down the aisle just before the flower girl and usually carry a small decorative pillow with the wedding bands. These bands are usually fakes, in case they are lost or dropped down the aisle.
Warning! Again, be prepared for disruptions.
Warning! Again, be prepared for disruptions.
9. Usher
These males (or females) escort guests to their seats before the ceremony and sometimes for the reception if seating is assigned. If you don't want to have a huge bridal party, use the friends who didn't make the cut. This way they are still included in the big day.
-Adina
-Adina