WEDDING PARTY!
Let’s preface this by recognizing there is no right or wrong way to organize your wedding party. We love how the wedding world has taken on individual forms from couple to couple. There is no longer a need to conform to gender roles or outdated traditions. There are endless conventional and contemporary responsibilities to incorporate into your wedding party, dont feel that you have to stick to what’s been done in the past. Apart from the legality of marriage, couples around the world are walking down the aisle to the beat of their own Taylor Swift song!
Wedding Party Family Roles
Mother of the Bride – The mother of the bride has varied roles in weddings. She can be a planner, assist with the guest list, and host the reception. Additionally, she offers fashion advice and emotional support to the bride and her wedding party. Her role ultimately aligns with the bride’s wishes.
Dandy Mae & Alisha Cory Photography
Mother of the Groom – It’s possible for the groom’s mother to take on any of the responsibilities that belong to the bride’s mother. However, it’s important to delegate tasks fairly and diplomatically to avoid any conflicts. The groom’s mother is expected to attend the bridal shower and will be escorted down the aisle during the prelude before the wedding party. The highlight of her involvement is typically the mother-son dance.
Father of the Bride – Typically, in conventional wedding ceremonies, the bulk of the expenses is shouldered by the bride’s parents, particularly the father of the bride who contributes significantly to the budget. Nowadays, the bride’s dads have picked up additional to-dos along the way. Dad’s chores might incorporate airport duty, coordinating maps/directions to the wedding site, supporting other members of the wedding party, and scouting potential wedding reception venues. His roles also might include doling out tips to wedding day staff and performing various hosting duties, including making toasts.
Father of the Groom – He used to get away with fading into the woodwork, but nowadays he’s suited up for action. In terms of cost contribution, the groom’s dad traditionally pays for a few major items, notably the rehearsal dinner. He might also fulfill numerous dancing, toasting, and other obligations (escorting guests, moving tables, addressing problematic service). It’s nice too if he occasionally checks in with his son’s partner’s family to offer support, uniting families through his wedding party responsibilities.
Step-Parent of the Bride/Groom – Including step-parents on your wedding day is a great way to show appreciation and respect for their role in your life. One way to do this is by including them in the family roles section of the wedding party. Feel free to invite them to welcome your guests as they arrive, read during the ceremony, deliver a speech at the reception, or engage in another role during the wedding ceremony. It’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, as family dynamics can be complex. Be sure to openly and honestly talk with your step-parents about their desired level of participation in your wedding party. This discussion ensures that everyone feels valued and comfortable during your special day.
Bridal Party Wedding Roles –
Maid/Matron of Honor or Man of Honor – The maid of honor plays an important role in the wedding party. Whether it’s a woman or a man, they provide emotional support and an extra set of eyes to help with the wedding details. The maid of honor traditionally organizes the bridal shower. She gives a reception speech, signs the marriage license, toasts the newlyweds, adjusts the bride’s train at the altar, and holds her bouquet during the vows. They also help the bride get dressed and are the last attendants to walk down the aisle before the bride. It’s important to note a maid of honor is typically unmarried, while a matron of honor is married. A bride may opt for both a maid of honor and a matron of honor. Together with the best man, they’re commonly known as “honor attendants.” A wedding planner can assist in coordinating these wedding party roles seamlessly.
Best Man or Best Woman – The person who serves as the groom’s aide and advisor in the wedding party is known as the best man. It can be a man or a woman if desired. The best man’s roles involve fashion advice, leading the bachelor party, and overseeing the groom’s party. On the wedding day, he ensures the groom’s punctuality, signs the marriage license, and holds the bride’s ring at the altar. Additionally, the best man will be responsible for delivering a toast and keeping the dance party going throughout the reception.
MCG Photography, Captured by Kate & Richard Bell Photography
Junior Bridesmaids – Members of the wedding party aged between 9 and 16 are considered junior members. They are expected to attend all major functions except for the bachelorette and bachelor parties. Junior bridesmaids can wear age-appropriate versions of the bridesmaid dresses or a dress of their own choice in a suitable style and color. Similarly, junior groomsmen can choose to wear a tux or suit. They have the same responsibilities as the senior squad members. Discussing their roles with a wedding planner can help ensure they feel included and understand their responsibilities.
Jolie Connor, Leigh Hayward, Chantilly Lace & Richard Bell Photography
Ring Bearer and Flower Person – Nowadays, flower girls, boys, men, and grandmas are often dressed in trendy and stylish outfits that complement the wedding party. They add a fun and adorable element to the ceremony, delighting guests and adding to the overall ambiance of the event. In modern weddings, the role of a ring bearer can also be expanded to include other responsibilities such as greeting guests, distributing programs or flowers, or even walking down the aisle with the flower person. Additionally, the ring bearer can also be a girl or adult breaking away from traditional roles. This is a reflection of how wedding party roles have evolved to be more inclusive and personalized to the couple’s preferences and needs. A wedding planner can help coordinate these roles to perfection.
Ushers – Ushers are people, regardless of gender, who guide guests to their seats prior to the wedding ceremony. They are usually appointed in addition to the wedding party, which allows you to involve other important individuals in your big day, such as pre-teen relatives who may not be able to participate in all of the groomsmen’s responsibilities, especially when it comes to planning a bachelor party.
Greeters – An affable family member or friend can warmly welcome wedding guests. Their role extends beyond greeting, including guiding guests to sign the guest book, directing card and gift placement, and assisting ushers in seating arrangements. Discuss this wedding party role with your wedding planner to ensure a warm and organized welcome for your guests.
Readers – This wedding party role is typically filled by a close family member or friend. The wedding ceremony is crucial as it’s the official moment that joins the couple in marriage, with their complete involvement throughout. Whether it be listening, reciting vows, or exchanging rings, the ceremony demands all of their attention. One of the great things about having a reader is they give you and your partner a chance to take a moment and appreciate the occasion. While they’re reading, you can look around, take it all in, and enjoy the moment. Your wedding planner can help coordinate the timing and logistics of the readings.
Groomsmen or Groomswomen – On the big day, the groom is supported by a diverse group of family and friends, regardless of gender. The groom’s squad, commonly referred to as groomsmen, have several key wedding party roles. They are responsible for helping the best man plan and finance the bachelor party, acting as ushers, and assisting the groom. Groomsmen are also in charge of decorating the getaway car and offering guidance to any confused wedding guests. It’s worth noting that people of all genders are welcome to serve as groomsmen or even as “grooms-women” and take on any of these duties.
Anna Bright Eyed & Shelby Stewart
Bridesmaids or Bridesmen – These are the closest friends and family, forming the bride’s entourage and holding a vital role in the wedding party. They provide support to the maid of honor by helping with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, making bridal shower favors, and planning the bachelorette party. They are also expected to keep the dance floor active and assist in hosting guests. If there is a male individual who is particularly close with the bride, he can serve as a bridesman and perform these duties as well. Members of your wedding party can also help ensure the bridesmaids or groomsmen are coordinated and informed about their roles.
In conclusion, while there are traditional wedding party roles, the truth is that each couple is unique, and their wedding should reflect that. There’s no “right or wrong” way to plan a wedding. Couples should freely tailor their day to match their styles and preferences. When someone is unsure about how to select their wedding party, they can always reach out to their their wedding planner for assistance. The wedding planner’s role is to provide guidance and support to ensure that the special day runs smoothly. And they have seen it all! At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the couple is surrounded by their closest loved ones as they celebrate their commitment to each other. Whether grand or intimate, a wedding should be a reflection of the couple’s love and the life they are building together.