Tuesday

Wedding Party Duties by WeDDings Jubilee Planning

Written by DeeDee Georgiou-Newell
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.

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