According to ancient Greek tradition, the bridal party was a necessary detail in the marriage between two people. It was also a requirement that the ladies dress like the bride and that the men dress just like the groom- the result? Confusing evil spirits and avoiding wedding day catastrophes. In modern times, things have really changed! With so many important people, different titles of roles, and the ability to mix and match, a wedding party can be as simple or complex as a couple wishes. When it comes to being a member of the bridal party, it is important to be aware and mindful of your role leading up to and on the wedding day. The Weddings by Funjet team has all of the answers on the who, what, and why being in a wedding party means more than just standing next to the bride on her special day.
Maid or Matron of Honor
The most well-known and perhaps dutiful role, the maid of honor acts as the bride’s go to gal. Generally, this person tends to be a sister or a best friend. The MOH works tirelessly to provide emotional support to the bride from start to finish as well as giving her best advice when it comes to any and all wedding planning decisions. Duties for the MOH are quite vast and can truly include anything and everything. Here is a brief list of what is generally included:
- Keep the other bridesmaids on track with dresses, fittings, and up to date on all bridal events
- Help shop for bridal and bridesmaids dresses with the bride
- Host, or co-host the bridal shower and bachelorette party (be sure the bride doesn’t have to pay for anything!)
- Keep a record of all gifts received
- Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony
- Arrange the bride’s veil and train prior to walking down the aisle
- Assisting with the dress bustle during the reception
- Holds the bridal bouquet during the ceremony
- Sign the marriage license as a witness
- Providing a thoughtful gift to the bride on the day of her wedding
- Toast to the couple during the reception, after the best man
- Be responsible for any cards and gifts and ensure they are kept safe
- Keep the bridal party in line, on schedule, and on good behavior
- Keep the bride happy and calm at all times
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids are the entourage of the bride and Maid of Honor. They should work together as a support system for the Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids can consist of family members, friends, and truly anyone who holds a special place in the heart of the bride or groom. Remember that the number of bridesmaids can be as few or as many as the bride would like, and they do not have to be equal in number to the groomsmen. Here are some important tasks of being a bridesmaid:
- Be present and mindful while shopping for bridesmaids dresses
- Be supportive while the bride is shopping for her dress
- Assist with addressing invitations
- Help the MOH with the bridal shower and bachelorette party costs and details
- Assemble bridal shower favors
- Be present at all wedding events
- Act as co-hosting to guests the day of the wedding
- Keep the dance floor alive all night long
Best Man
Many believe that the best man is the equal to the Maid of Honor, and we agree! Luckily for him, there are far fewer duties involved compared to the Maid of Honor. Similar to the MOH, the best man usually tends to be a relative or best friend to the groom. In general, the best man’s job is to keep the groom calm leading up to and on the wedding day. While the biggest duties tend to be arranging the bachelor party and offering wedding day attire advice, there are several other important responsibilities:
- Ensure the groom is on time for the wedding ceremony
- Sign the marriage license as a witness
- Arrange the bachelor party and ensure the groom doesn’t pay for anything
- Pay the wedding officiant after the ceremony, along with passing out any other final payments or tips for wedding vendors
- Hold the bride’s wedding ring at the ceremony
- Provide a groom’s gift the day of the wedding
- Toast to the couple at the reception
- Dance the night away and keep the party alive
Groomsmen
Let’s be honest, the groomsmen have it pretty easy! A fun and admirable member of the bridal party, groomsmen tend to also be close friends and family of the groom or bride. Similar to the bridesmaids, the groomsmen act as a support system to the best man and the groom. Here are some of the duties of standing up for the groom:
- Help plan the bachelor party, assist in paying and planning
- Ensure the groom doesn’t have to pay for any bachelor party expenses
- Be available for pre-wedding events
- Provide the groom with a groom’s gift
- In the absence of an Usher, groomsmen also help with this role getting guests greeted & seated
- Act as co-host the day of the wedding, greet guests, and act as a liaison for any older guests
- Decorate the ‘gateway’ car or transportation that the bride and groom will use when they leave the ceremony
Junior Roles
To be considered a junior bridesmaid or junior groomsmen, age tends to be the biggest reasoning. Junior members generally are between 8 to 16 years old, and are there to support the other bridal party members as needed. It's important to note that junior bridal party members do not attend the bachelor or bachelorette parties.
Ushers
Ushers have the responsibility of greeting guests at the ceremony, and assisting them in finding their appropriate seat. They also ensure that the first few rows remain saved for the family of the bride and groom. Ushers are not a mandatory role in every wedding, but they are a great way to keep close friends or family involved. Being an usher is a great way to involve younger people who may not be able to participate in the roles of the main bridal party.
Ring Bearer
Walking down the aisle before the flower girl, the ring bearer tends to be around the same age as the flower girl. A role commonly filled by young family members such as young siblings, cousins, or nephews to the groom or bride, the ring bearers will bring with them a decorative pillow or sign. Don’t forget to not actually give them the rings, just in case they get lost!
Flower Girl
Having a flower girl is not as common as it once was, but it is always just as cute! Flower girls tend to be as young as 3 and as old as 8. Don’t forget, your flower girl can also be your own daughter, or your fur-baby! The flower girl will be the last to walk down the aisle before the bride’s grand entrance.
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Photography Captured by Impact Images
