Wedding Party Duties 101: Who Does What?

One of the most personal and important aspects of your wedding planning process will be choosing your wedding party. Your wedding party, or bridal party, will include not only the people who will help you plan your big day, but also are those you will want by your side when you walk down the aisle. Typically your wedding party is made up of family and close friends. Each member of your elite team will have different duties to carry out, for you AND your partner, so choose wisely! Don’t know exactly what each one does? No problem. Below is a quick basic rundown, but keep in mind these could absolutely change depending on your preference! 

The maid of honor or maids of honor puts forth the most effort to help the bride with pretty much every aspect of the wedding. The MOH will be your go-to person before and after the big day. This may include:

The best man takes on many of the same duties of the maid of honor but for the groom. Such as:

Bridesmaids are there to support the maid of honor with her duties. For example, helping to plan pre-wedding parties and keeping the bride happy are the main responsibilities.

The groomsmen serve many purposes, like:

The mother of the bride usually gives emotional support to her daughter, alongside the maid of honor. She may also toast the couple at the reception and play hostess. Also, if the father of the bride is unavailable, she may walk the bride down the aisle.

The father of the bride traditionally walks his daughter down the aisle and gives her away to her partner. He also helps transport guests to and from the ceremony and reception, and may toast the couple.

The mother of the groom usually helps with the wedding planning and attends all pre-wedding parties. She may also dance with her son at the reception. Depending on the family, she may also host the rehearsal dinner (along with the father of the groom if applicable).

The father of the groom may help the father of the bride with transportation of guests and other preparations. He may also host the rehearsal dinner.

Junior bridesmaids and groomsmen are younger attendants, usually relatives, who dress and act like members of the wedding party without the responsibilities. This is a great way to include family members who are special to you but don’t fit a certain wedding party niche.

Flower girls are traditional children attendants (female) who walk down the aisle in front of the bride. They scatter flower petals where the bride walks. And of course, the flower girl always gets that “awwwww” response from the guests!

The ring bearer kind of goes hand in hand with the flower girl. He or she has two jobs. The first is to carry the wedding rings, usually on a pillow, to the altar. Maybe your ring bearer is of the two-legged variety, or perhaps the furry four-legged family member. Regardless, the second is to look ridiculously cute doing it. Don’t worry, the rings are usually fake with the real treasures safely with the maid of honor and best man.