Who Does What for the Wedding?
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, the maid of honor, the commitment crew — who you choose for your wedding party is a big decision. These individuals will help share the workload of your wedding day and ensure you and your partner are happily taken care of through the entire process. While there are traditional wedding party roles, it is ultimately up to you to decide who are the special people you want to participate in your wedding ceremony. So, who are these special people, and what role do they play?
Who is Included in the Wedding Party?
Having a wedding party is a personal choice and one that you and your partner need to make before your big day. This group of individuals will be your support system throughout your planning and on your wedding day, so there needs to be some serious discussions about who these people will be and what roles they will play. The main groups to include in a wedding party are as follows (but not limited to)
- Maid/Matron of Honor
- Bridesmaids
- Junior Bridesmaids
- Best Man
- Groomsmen
- Ring Bearer
- Flower Girls
- Bride/Groom’s Parents
What are Traditional Wedding Party Roles?
Each wedding party member is responsible for a specific role and completes a job for the happy new couple. There is no definitive list of tasks for each role, but there are some general guidelines that each role will usually follow.
Maid/Matron of Honor:
The maid or matron of honor is the second in command for the bride. She is the person responsible for assisting with any significant wedding planning decisions. Most often, the maid of honor is responsible for the bridal shower, the bachelorette party and most of the bridal party communication. If the bride chooses a male as the right-hand man, then the title is referred to as the Man of Honor.
Bridesmaids/Junior Bridesmaids:
Bridesmaids are usually close friends or relatives of the bride. This group plays an active role in planning the wedding and participating in all that leads up to the wedding ceremony. They are expected to help plan and pay for the bachelorette party. While they have other responsibilities, their main goals are to help make sure the wedding goes according to plan and help support the bride in all she needs on her wedding day.
Best Man (or Lady):
The Best Man is the groom’s version of a Maid/Matron of Honor. This person is usually a close friend or relative of the groom and is asked to assist in different ways leading up to and during the wedding.
Groomsmen/women:
The groomsmen are individuals closest to the groom and have been given the unique honor of both supporting and helping the groom before and on the wedding day. They are co-planners of the bachelor party and are often tasked with welcoming guests upon arrival to the wedding ceremony.
Ring Bearer:
The ring bearer is the one who carries the rings down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. The ring bearer is usually a male child but doesn’t have to be limited to a human…a family pet could also be the ring bearer.
Flower Girl:
The flower girl is often a niece, younger sibling, or female family friend. The flower girl typically walks down the aisle and spreads petals where the bride will soon walk down. While flower girls are often young and female, they don’t have to be. Grandparents, pets or a baby in a wagon are all alternative flower girl ideas.
Bride’s Parents:
In the past, the bride’s parents often had to pay for the wedding expenses. However, that is changing! Now, costs are distributed among the bride and groom’s families and also the couple themselves. The bride’s father is tasked with giving a speech at the reception and participating in the father-daughter dance. The mother of the bride helps with the bridal party and is there to support the bride.
Groom’s Parents:
The groom’s parents often play a supporting role in the wedding celebration. They work closely with the bridal parents to define how bills will be paid, coordinate attire and provide a list of guests for both the ceremony and reception. It is traditional for the groom’s parents to pay for the reception dinner, but they often contribute to the wedding expenses.
What are Other Non-bridal Roles?
Here are some other non-bridal roles that can be assigned during the wedding ceremony.
- Ushers
- Officiants
- Guest Book Attendant
- Wedding Program Attendant
J&J Tent and Party Rentals is Here to Help
No matter who you pick for your wedding party roles, your wedding planning just got easier with J&J Tent and Party Rentals. We know the North Carolina wedding industry well, so we can answer any questions you may have about throwing your wedding or engagement party. With J&J Tent and Party Rentals by your side through every step of this process, soon enough, it will be time to say, “I do.”
Contact us at (919) 977-3691 or visit our website at J&J Tent and Party Rentals. Feel free to follow us on Facebook for tips on planning your next event.
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