Responsibilities of the Wedding Party

The best man’s main role is to look after the groom and ensure that the whole day runs smoothly. The best man will:

Liaise with the bride’s family regularly to keep himself up-to-date with all arrangements.

Organise the stag night and make sure that the groom gets home safely.

Ensure that the groom’s away clothes are at the reception venue.

Supervise the ushers and ensure that the Order of Service sheets are handed out.

Get the groom to the church on time.

Pay fees on groom’s behalf to the minister, band and so on.

Hold the ring(s) during the ceremony.

Arrange transport to the reception.

Make a speech in reply to the groom’s toast.

Read any messages, cards or emails.

Announce the speeches and the cutting of the cake (unless there is a toastmaster).

Arrange transport for the bride and groom from the reception.

Look after the groom’s wedding clothes after the reception.

The chief bridesmaid is there to help the bride as much as possible in the lead up to the wedding and assist her throughout the actual day.

The chief bridesmaid will:

Help the bride address the invitations.

Arrange a girl's night out and/or a surprise wedding shower.

Make sure the bouquet and flowers are ready for the bride and bridesmaids.

Help the bride to dress on her wedding day.

Look after the other bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys.

Take the bride’s bouquet during the service.

Check that the bride’s going away clothes and luggage are ready and help the bride change at the end of the reception.

The role of the ushers is to assist the wedding guests whilst at church.

The ushers will:

Hand out the Order of Service sheets and show guests to their seats in church.

Ensure that the guests have transport from the church to the reception.

One usher should be responsible for looking after the mother of the bride and the groom’s parents and escort them to their seats.