In Good Company: The Roles of Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party consists of the people who have shaped you, support you, and will be there through every step of the wedding process! Here’s a little run down on what they can expect as your VIP group.
One of the most important things to think about is picking out those people in your life who will be there to support, help, and of course celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day! We know that not everyone is experienced in the wedding process, so we wanted to share what the wedding party consists of and what roles they (typically) have! Keep in mind, each wedding party is different and these roles are totally subjective to what fits perfectly for your loved ones! It’s your special day, and we want it to be exactly what you envisioned it to be, and much much more.
First and foremost, do we need a wedding party?
In short, it’s totally up to you! If you have an extended group of friends or family who are proactive, supportive, and are happy to help you through every step of the wedding process, we think that you can totally do without one!
Wedding Party Roles and Responsibilities
Maid/Matron or Man of Honor
The maid or matron of honor holds the honorable role of being the bride’s right-hand woman (or man!). Ideally the MOH is there for the bride (emotionally and physically) throughout the planning process, is the person to spearhead and plan the bachelorette and bridal party (with the help of the bridesmaids!), and of course be the bride’s #1 attendant during the wedding day.
Here are a couple of other important duties of the MOH:
Keep track of gifts given at the bridal party
Make sure the bride is hydrated and eats throughout the day
Hold the bride’s phone and snap any cute moments throughout the wedding day (just for her personal memories!)
Assist the bride in putting on/fixing her dress
Assist the bride when she needs to use the loo!
Hold a makeup touch-up kit for the bride
Get the dance floor started!
On the special day, the MOH is there to hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony and of course give her dress that final picture-perfect fluff after she walks down the aisle and takes her place in ceremony. The MOH will also provide hands-on help with aiding the bride with her shoes, bustling her gown, making sure her hair and makeup and veil are picture-perfect, and of course give her any emotional support needed throughout the day (have those tissues on hand!). The MOH also gives a speech to honor the bride and groom during the reception!
Best Man
Like the MOH, the best man shares the same right-hand duties for the groom. The honorary best man will stand by the groom’s side during the wedding and will also offer any support (whether that’s emotional aid or putting the final touches on the tux) that’s needed throughout the day. Ideally the best man will be the one to plan the bachelor party, make a speech during the toasts, help make wedding arrangements, and hold onto the rings until the wedding ceremony (if there is no ring bearer).
Here are a couple of other important duties of the Best Man:
Ensure the groom + his family are feeling good throughout the evening
Make sure the groomsmen are on time and orderly
Making sure the groom stays hydrated and well fed throughout the day
Be the groom’s style assistant before and on the special day!
Decorate the getaway car!
Participate in the wedding rehearsal
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids are the closest ladies (or men!) to the bride. The MOH and bridesmaids are expected to help the bride during the wedding process–whether that’s helping pick out the dress, or scheduling out fun dates where all the bridesmaids can talk wedding and enjoy each other’s company prior to the date! The bridesmaids help the MOH plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party and commonly do they split the cost of the events. On wedding day the bridesmaids might take part in some of the behind the scenes logistics, like handing out leis to family members, or offering his/her car to transport any items before and after the evening!
Groomsmen
Like the bridesmaids, the groomsmen are the closest people to the groom who take on special responsibilities leading up to, and during wedding day! This group serves as the emotional support for the groom and helps in any capacity that they can throughout the process. Whether that’s offering to do any transporting of items on wedding day or making sure the families are doing well throughout the evening, the groomsmen serve as support to not only the groom, but to the whole function!