Edited by Ieshia Wagner
Being asked to be part of a wedding party is a huge honor and responsibility. This is why it is a decision that should not be made lightly. Before you say ‘Yes’, make sure you are able to commit to the planning and financial responsibilities involved. Here is a list of the most predominant responsibilities for each member of the wedding party:
Maid of Honour/Matron of Honour/ Man of Honour
- Escort and assist the bride to find her perfect wedding dress.
- Assist with selecting the bridesmaid dresses, based on the Bride's specifications.
- Purchase your own dress and accessories, based on the Bride's specifications.
- Pay for your own hair and makeup.
- Assist bride with various wedding duties. If she does not ask for help, it is appropriate to offer.
- If needed, assist in addressing wedding invitations.
- Spread the word about where the couple is registered
- Plan and host a bridal shower for the Bride.
- Be present for all pre-wedding events.
- Keep an ongoing list of pre-wedding gifts that may have been received at the Engagement, Showers etc.
- Along with the Bridal Party, plan a stagette (aka bachelorette) party.
- Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
- Be a point of contact to the Wedding Planner on the day of the wedding.
- Assist with pick up’s and Drop off’s prior to and post wedding.
- Assist with dressing the bride in her Wedding attire.
- Make sure the Bride has a bite to eat in the morning prior to the ceremony.
- Hold onto groom's ring until minister asks for it on day of wedding (you may be asked to hold both rings prior to the ceremony).
- Precede the Bride down the aisle.
- Stand beside bride during ceremony.
- Rearrange the bride's wedding gown train during the ceremony as necessary.
- Hold the bouquet and possibly gloves during the exchanging of the rings until after they kiss.
- Greet guests at the reception, you may be asked to stand at the receiving line; help giving out favors or help guest be seated.
- You may be asked to make a speech or toast during the reception
- Bustle the Brides Dress, if needed.
- Ensure that all gifts are collected and transported to the Couple's home, post reception.
Best Man/Best Woman
- Spread the word about where the couple is registered
- Be present at all pre-wedding events.
- Plan the bachelor and/or Stag Party for the Groom (plan, invite guests).
- Accompany Groom to purchase or rent his Tuxedo.
- Purchase or rent your own Tuxedo.
- Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
- Be a point of contact to the Wedding Planner on the day of the wedding.
- Assist with pick up’s and Drop off’s prior to and post wedding.
- Ensure that Groom's tie and handkerchief are straight, suit linted and looking pristine.
- Make sure the Groom has a bite to eat in the morning prior to the ceremony.
- Hold onto Bride's ring until minister asks for it on day of wedding (you may be asked to hold both rings prior to the ceremony).
- Ensure groom arrives on time at the ceremony (usually about 45 minutes early).
- Help Greet and Seat guests.
- Stand beside the Groom during ceremony.
- Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.
- Make first toast at the reception.
- Make a speech at the reception.
- Offer to return the groom’s wedding attire to the tuxedo store.
- Offer to return any items after the wedding.
- Assist with loading and transporting Gifts after the wedding.
Bridesmaids
- Assist with selecting the bridesmaid dresses, based on the Bride's specifications.
- Purchase your own dress and accessories, based on the Bride's specifications.
- Pay for your own hair and make-up.
- Assist bride with various wedding duties. If she does not ask for help, it is appropriate to offer.
- Help with all wedding Pre-events (bridal shower, bachelorette party etc.)
- Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
- Precede the Maid/Matron of Honor down the aisle.
- Stand beside maid of honor during ceremony.
- Greet and direct Guests at reception.You may be asked to give out favors or be part of the receiving duties at the start of the reception.
- Help with some reception tasks such as seating guests.
- Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.
Groomsman
- Spread the word about where the couple is registered
- Pay for your own tuxedo rental
- Assist the Best Man with any pre-wedding events (Bachelor or Stag Party)
- Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
- Greet guests at the ceremony
- If there are no ushers, assist guests to their seats
- Stand beside best man during ceremony
- Greet and direct Guests at reception.You may be asked to give out favors or be part of the receiving duties at the start of the reception.
- Help direct guests to the dining room after cocktail hour.
- Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.
Flower Girl/Ring Boy
- Attend the Rehearsal & Dinner. If it is an adult only reception alternate plans would be made. There are great companies that cater to children that would be worth looking into it, like Little Party Goers in Toronto.
- Precede the Bride during the ceremony
- Ring Boy would hold either the real rings or mock rings.
- Flower girl could throw down rose petals or simply walk down the aisle. I've also seen the Ring Boy pull the Flower girl in, in a wagon (if she is really young) and vice versa.
- Bride & Groom can pay for the attire or the parents of the children can pay.
- Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.
