BEST MAN

• Organizes the bachelor party/dinner
• Rents or purchases his own formal wear
• Drives groom to the ceremony
• Holds the bride’s ring until the appropriate point in the ceremony
• Gives payment check to the officiant either just before or just after the ceremony (the money is customarily provided by the groom and his family)
• Gives payment check to other service providers, such as chauffeurs and reception coordinators (if the families wish him to)
• Returns the groom’s attire (if rented)

MAID/MATRON of HONOR

• Helps the bride with addressing envelopes, recording wedding gifts, shopping, and other important pre-wedding tasks
• Arranges a bridal shower (with bridesmaids)
• Helps the bride dress for the ceremony (with bridesmaids)
• Pays for her own wedding attire
• Helps the bride arrange her train and veil at the altar
• Holds the groom’s ring until the appropriate point in the ceremony
• Holds the bride’s bouquet while she exchanges rings with the groom
• Signs the wedding certificate (with the best man) as a witness of the wedding
• Stands in the receiving line (optional)
• Assists the bride in any additional planning

BRIDESMAIDS

• Pay for their own wedding attire
• Help organize and run the bridal shower
• Keep a gift record at the shower (usually one bridesmaid only)
• Assist the maid of honor and the bride with pre-wedding shopping or other tasks
• Stand in the receiving line (optional)

USHERS

• Rent (or purchase) their own formal wear
• Arrive at the wedding location early to assist with set-up
• See to important finishing touches, such as lighting candles (if this is required), tying bows on reserved rows of seating, and other tasks as required
• Escort guests to their seats
• Meet, welcome, and seat guests of honor (such as grandparents)
• Roll out aisle runner immediately before processional
• Straighten up and clean after ceremony
• Oversee transfer of all gifts to a secure location after reception
• Help decorate the newlywed’s car

GROOMSMEN

• Pay for their own wedding attire
• Help organize and run a party for the groom
• Greets guests as they arrive
• Close windows and check pews for programs or articles left behind after the ceremony
• Return all rented items to the vendor
• Dance with bridesmaids and other guests

• Her family pays for dress and accessories
• Last person down the aisle before the bride
• Sprinkles flower petals for the bride to walk on

RING BEARER

• His family pays for attire
• Precede the flower in the procession
• Carries the rings (faux) which are displayed on a satin pillow

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

• Last person seated before the processional begins
• Helps the bride in choosing her gown and accessories and in assembling trousseau
• Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire
• Coordinates her own attire with the mother of the groom
• Works with the bride and the groom’s family to assemble a guest list and seating plan
• Help address and mail invitations
• Helps the attendants coordinate bridal shower
• Assist the bride with additional duties before the ceremony
• Occupy a place of honor at the ceremony
• Stand at the beginning of the receiving line
• Act as hostess of the reception
• Occupy a seat of honor at the parents table

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

• Escort bride down the aisle
• Pays for a portion of the ceremony
• Makes a toast during the reception
• May assist in transporting guests to and from airport
• Gives bride away during ceremony
• Dances with the bride
• Greets guests in receiving line
• Occupy a seat of honor at the parents table

MOTHER OF THE GROOM

• May help the bride in choosing her gown and accessories
• Coordinates her own attire with the mother of the bride
• Host and pays for an engagement party if necessary
• Host and pays for the rehearsal dinner
• May contribute to the wedding budget
• Greets guests in the receiving line
• Occupy a seat of honor at the parents table
• Dances with the groom

FATHER OF THE GROOM

• Host and pays for an engagement party if necessary
• Host and pays for the rehearsal dinner
• May contribute to the wedding budget
• Greets guests in the receiving line
• Occupy a seat of honor at the parents table
• Rents or purchases own formal wear
• Makes a toast during the reception
• Occupy a seat of honor at the parents table
• May escort wife to her seat right before the mother of the bride is seated