Okay, I'll Do It! What, Exactly?

Maid of Honour, Best Man, Bridesmaid, Usher; nice titles, but what do they actually have to DO? People are often surprised and sometimes annoyed at what they are called on to do for their friends, so before you agree to take on one of these coveted and often exhausting roles, read on!

As the Maid of Honour (or Matron), you have one of the most important roles in ensuring the success of the wedding. Be organized! Carry pen and book with you everywhere! Your list of duties is a long one. Some are essential and some voluntary, but if you remember that your main duty is to take some of the planning burden off the shoulders of the Bride, you're sure to do well!

Before the Wedding

-Volunteer to go with the Bride to scout locations. It is a big decision for her to make without input.

-Help Bride choose invitations and volunteer to address them if she needs help.

-Offer your help in ordering and choosing decorations and favours. Assist in setting timelines for delivery of these items to shower, bachelorette party and wedding.

-You MUST go with the Bride when she is shopping for her dress and for the bridesmaid dresses, and it is essential to ensure the dresses arrive with enough time for alterations! Attend fittings with her, to give feedback on how it looks and fits.

-If the Groom bails out on the Bridal Registry, go with the Bride to help her register for her wedding gifts. This is actually a lot of fun, so enjoy it! Try to let guests know where they have registered.

-Help the Bride with the seating arrangement. Consider a diagram of the tables to help with this. Bring the diagram to the wedding reception, in case there are seating problems.

-Host and plan the bridal shower (ask for help from bridesmaids, Mom, sisters).

-Host and plan the bachelorette party (again, ask for help).

-Help organize the other bridesmaids.

-Attend the rehearsal dinner and help out with organizing the "plan".

On the BIG DAY

-Assist the Bride into her dress and makeup.

-Shuttle messages between the Bride and others.

-Try to visit the reception hall if you can to make sure there are no problems.

-Get the Bride to eat something prior to the ceremony - it is a long time until dinner.

-Get the Bride to the ceremony on time and ensure she has everything she needs, such as bouquet, garter, borrowed and blue.

-Find the Bride some privacy before the ceremony if she needs it.

-Help her with her veil and train.

-Hold her bouquet during the ceremony.

-Carry the Groom's ring with you and hand it over when needed.

-Witness the signing of the marriage license.

-Give a speech or toast at the reception.

Tired yet? Have a seat, you've earned it!



If you are the Best Man, your main duties do not begin until the Wedding Day, but there are some items you need to accomplish before that:

-Organize the Stag Party

-Attend pre-nuptial parties in the couple's honour

-Attend formal wear fittings

-Pay for your own wedding attire

-Traditionally, confirm reservations for honeymoon and make sure Groom has the tickets, etc.

-Run errands as necessary.

-Help co-ordinate arrangements for out-of-town guests so Groom doesn't have to do it.

On the BIG DAY

-Be on time for all appointments and help Groom be on time!

-Help Groom dress and finish any packing.

-Hold payment envelopes for clergy, organist, caterer and hand out as appropriate.

-Hold the marriage license.

-Hold the Bride's ring until needed, or attach to ring pillow.

-Keep Groom calm.

-Organize ushers.

-Witness signing of Marriage License.

-Assist Bride and Groom into vehicle leaving ceremony, and also ensure all guests are in correct cars leaving the church.

-Place Bride and Groom's luggage in the car they will use to leave the reception.

-Offer the first toast at the reception (keep it clean!)

-Dance with Bridal Party members.

-Help Groom change into going away clothes.

-Help the new husband and wife leave the reception when it is time.

-After the wedding, return your own and Groom's formal wear if rented.

Good Job!


Bridesmaids

You have a strong supportive role you must play during the entire wedding experience. Your most important duty is to support the Bride during the planning process and on her big day, but basically, volunteer your services as required to both the Bride and Maid of Honour for running errands, making centrepieces, addressing envelopes, etc. Show up on time for all dress shopping and fittings. Try not to tell the Bride you hate the dress she has picked out for you to wear, even if it's true.


Ushers (Groomsmen)

You will have to show up on time for formal wear fittings. You will be the one to assist guests to their seats for the ceremony. You will have to hand out any programs or service sheets and help the Groom and Best Man with any last minute duties. You will be expected to escort one of the Bridesmaids down the aisle either before or after the ceremony, or both.


The Bride and Groom say "Will You?", and hopefully you now have an idea of what you are taking on when you say "I'd Love To". Any role you have should be executed if not with perfection, at least with enthusiasm! Your friends will be forever grateful.



Best wishes,

Kathy



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