Weddings are events that are celebrated with those we love. However, your wedding party will be the VIPs of your wedding day. There are a variety of wedding party roles and duties for those on this exclusive list. Review this list of some of the general roles and duties of each role BEFORE asking someone to take on that role. Be sure they can and will do these tasks prior. Also, these are just traditional roles and duties which can be adjusted to fit your wedding.
Jump Ahead to:
Maid/Matron of Honor (MOH)
- Helps with all parts of the wedding planning process: dress shopping, DIY projects, etc.
- Plans bridal shower/bachelorette party
- Manage and mediates any issues between bridesmaids
- Assist bride and mother of the bride on the day of the wedding
- Assist with making sure all bridesmaids are on time for day-of festivities
- Assist with bride’s personal belongings day-of
- Signs the marriage license
- Give speech at reception
Bridesmaids
- Assist bride with DIY projects
- Help MOH with bachelorette party and bridal shower details
- Don’t complain rather be supportive through the wedding planning process
- Attend prewedding events
- Assist bride the day-of
- Be on time and participate in required activities of the day
Best Man
- Helps groom select attire
- Manage and mediates any issues between groomsmen
- Attend any prewedding events
- Plans bachelor party
- Assist the groom on the day-of
- Hold rings day-of
- Sign marriage license
- Give speech at reception
Groomsmen
- Help Best Man with bachelor party
- Don’t complain rather be supportive through the wedding planning process
- Attend prewedding events
- Assist groom the day-of
- Be on time and participate in required activities of the day
Junior Attendants
- Usually between the ages 8-16
- Attend prewedding events, expect for bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Participate in required activities of the day
Flower Girl
- Usually between the ages of 3-8
- Attend prewedding events
- Walks in the ceremony after the ring bearer and before the bride, scattering rose petals down the aisle
- Take photos the day-of
Ring Bearer
- Usually between the ages of 3-8
- Attend prewedding events
- Walks in the ceremony before the flower girl carrying the rings
- Take photos the day-of
If you choose to have flower girls, ring bearers, and/or junior attendants remember they should be invited to the reception even if you aren’t inviting any other kids. Consider NOT inviting the kids of your wedding party to be your flower girls, ring bearers so they can focus on their wedding party duties and not worry about their kid(s).
Ushers/Usherettes
Assist in helping wedding guests to their seats for the wedding ceremony
Officiant
- Officiate the wedding ceremony
- If you are not hiring an officiant, this is often someone who has been close and supportive throughout your relationship
Ceremony Readers
Read a literary or religious passage during the wedding ceremony
Mother of the Bride
- Helps with prewedding events/tasks, such as dress shopping and bridal shower
- Helps to mediate with her side of the family if needed for guest list
- Spend the morning getting ready with the bride
- Escorted down the aisle for wedding ceremony
- May cover some or all of the wedding cost
Mother of the Groom
- Helps to mediate with her side of the family if needed for guest list
- Plans and hosts rehearsal dinner
- dances with groom at wedding reception
- Attends bridal shower
- Escorted down the aisle for wedding ceremony
Father of the Bride
- Walks bride down the aisle
- Gives speech at wedding reception
- Dances with bride at wedding reception.
- May cover some or all of the wedding cost
Father of the Groom
- Plans and hosts rehearsal dinner
- May spend the morning-of with the groom
- May give a speech at wedding reception
Grandparents and Stepparents
Their role will be determined based on your relationship and if they are in attendance. Most commonly they are escorted down the aisle at the wedding ceremony.
Cover Photo by 28 North Photography
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