30 November 16  |  Wedding Events   |  

Wedding Party Roles: Who Does What?

The wedding ceremony, often seen as the most important event in adult life, has evolved over the centuries from some startling origins. But today we have some cherished traditions related to the occasion, including the various wedding party roles.

Bride and Groom

The bride and groom work together on all the plans, such as budget, setting the date, invites, the officiant. Each chooses their attendants and traditionally buys them thank-you gifts.

Bride’s Parents

Historically, the bride’s parents pay for the ceremony, though today the cost is usually distributed among family members on both sides, including the couple. The bride’s mother helps select the wedding dress and assists with details like the reception menu, while the father escorts the bride down the aisle.

Groom’s Parents

Parents on both sides provide guest lists to the bride and groom. They consult and coordinate on the couple’s attire. But the groom’s parents are traditionally hosts of the rehearsal dinner.

Maid of Honor

The maid (or “matron of honor” if married), is a woman close to the bride, usually a family member or best friend. She coordinates the bridesmaids in activities like dress fittings. She assists the bride on the day of the ceremony, stands with her at the altar and traditionally dances with the best man at the reception.

Bridesmaids

A bridesmaid’s role is to help the maid of honor in fulfilling her tasks to assist the bride.

Junior Bridesmaid

This is a girl who is part of the bridesmaid group, but too young to attend bachelorette parties.

Flower Girl

This is typically a girl between the ages of four and eight, whose duty is to sprinkle flower petals ahead of the bride as she walks down the aisle.

Flower girl wedding role

Best Man

The best man, married or single, is someone close to the groom. One of the most crucial wedding party roles, his duties include delivering a toast at the rehearsal dinner and arranging for the couple’s transportation. He also brings the groom’s formalwear and the bride’s ring to the ceremony, and at the reception delivers toasts, dances with the maid of honor and signs the marriage license as a witness.

Groomsmen

Also called ushers, they have few duties except to assist the best man. They help to seat guests at the wedding. At some ceremonies, an usher may escort the mothers of the bride and groom from the ceremony.

Junior Groomsman

This is similar to a junior bridesmaid, but as a male wedding party member that is too young for some activities.

Ring Bearer

This is traditionally a young boy who carries the wedding rings down the aisle on a satin pillow to present them to the wedding party.

If you are looking for ideas in planning your own wedding, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club can offer a wide range of possibilities, including our selection of wedding packages that include rehearsals, photo shoots and more. Call us today to find out how we can make your special day a trouble-free and cherished experience.