When you start planning your wedding, your thoughts will naturally turn to your wedding party and who you want to include in your big day.  To help you with this we have outlined the traditional wedding party responsibilities so you have a clear picture of who does what.  But as you read through the list, keep these points in mind:

• These wedding party responsibilities is based on the traditional roles. You can decide who does what for you based on your own wants and needs. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to your wedding party.
• These roles can be carried out by anyone, of any gender. If you are the Bride and your best friend is a guy, he can be your Maid of Honour.
• You don’t have to have a Wedding Party at all (read; do you need a bridal party).

Maid/Matron of Honor

Traditionally your Maid/Matron of Honour is your right hand for the duration of the planning process; providing emotional and planning support as needed – for this reason they are often your best friend or sibling. If you are having a Bridal Shower, your Maid of Honour organises this and handles wedding day details, including adjusting your train at the alter, holding your bouquet during vows, carrying the groom’s wedding ring, signing the marriage license and toasting you at the Reception. Your Maid of Honour may also help you to get dressed and is the last attendant to walk down the aisle before you.

Best Man

The Best Man (person) is generally the Groom’s best friend or sibling.  The Best Man acts as the groom’s personal aide and advisor through all stages of wedding planning. The Best Man usually organises the bachelor party and is the CEO of the Groomsmen. His duties include (but aren’t limited to); getting the groom to the ceremony on time, signing the couple’s marriage license, and holding the bride’s wedding ring at the altar. He’ll also be responsible for a toast and for keeping the dance party going throughout your reception.

Bridesmaids

These are the trustworthy friends and family members who form the bride’s entourage. They’re a support team for the maid of honour, helping with pre-wedding tasks when asked (addressing invites, making bridal shower favours, planning the bachelorette party and more). Bridesmaids are often expected to keep the dance floor running and play co-hostesses to guests.

Groomsmen

The Groom’s family and friends who assist the groom in planning and preparing for the big day. They provide assistance to the best man plan through the planning, bachelor party and on the wedding day. It’s also common to have groomsmen do double duty as ushers, leaving their posts in time to join the rest of the bridal party.

Flower Girl/Page Boy

Little ones (usually aged 3 through 8) who walk down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals from a basket (or carrying a pomander).

Ring Bearer

A young child (usually aged 3-8), who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl (if there is one), carrying a small decorative pillow with two wedding bands tied to it (usually fakes, in case they got lost).

Ushers

These are the people who escort guests to their seats before the ceremony & hand out things like Order of Service booklets and Confetti. Ushers are often employed in addition to other members of your wedding party and is a nice way to include other family members and friends in your wedding.  This is a great role for teens too.