If You're in a Wedding Read This
Photo: AJ Tamari
So you’re in a wedding this year. With the wedding boom, chances are you are in more than one. But what is expected of you? What is your role other than to stand and look nice for photos? Read below for how you are expected to support the couple day of.
Maid, Matron, or Man of honor. Your role is to take charge of the bachelorette party planning. It’s your responsibility to wrangle the other bridesmaids into helping plan the fun as well. It’s also generally expected that the you and the bridesmaids will pay for the bachelorette party (sometimes the bride will cover her own flight). Day of, you are a big support for the bride: making sure her dress, shoes, and accessories are ready to go, making sure she is fed and hydrated. During the ceremony you will hold the bride’s bouquet and help her smooth out her dress and veil. You also will sign the couple’s marriage license as a witness and during the reception you will also give a toast.
Bridesmaid/Bridesman. Your role is to help plan and pay for the bachelorette party. It’s also generally expected that the the bridesmaids will pay for the bachelorette party (sometimes the bride will cover her own flight). Day of you will also be there to help support the bride, keeping her calm and relaxed.
Best Man/Woman. Your role is to take charge of the bachelor party planning. It’s your responsibility to wrangle the other groomsmen into helping plan the fun as well. It’s also generally expected that the groomsmen will pay for the bachelor party (sometimes the groom will cover his own flight). Day of, you are a big support for the groom: it’s important to make sure he is fed and hydrated. During the ceremony you will hold the rings. You also will sign the couple’s marriage license as a witness and during the reception you will also give a toast.
Groomsmen/Groomswomen. Your role is to help plan and pay for the bachelor party. Day of you will also be there to help support the groom, keeping him calm and relaxed. As guests are arriving, groomsmen should act as ushers letting guests know where to sit.