Maid or Matron of Honor
*Help select the wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses
*Host the Bridal Shower (with help from the bridesmaids)
*Walk down the aisle before the bride
*Hold the bouquet during vows
*Hold the groom's ring
*Witness the signing of the certificate
Best Man
*Organize the bachelor party
*Stand next to the groom at the altar
*Hold the bride's ring
*Give the payment to the officiant
*Witness the signing of the certificate
*Offer the first toast at the reception
Bridesmaids
*Co-host the Bridal Shower
*Assist the bride, for example help address invitations or decorate the reception site
*Precede the bride down the aisle
Ushers or Groomsmen (one usher for every 50 guests)
*Help with the bachelor party
*Greet and seat guests at the wedding
*Escort bridesmaids down the aisle after the ceremony
*Direct guests to the reception site
The Bride's Mother
*Helps compile guest list
*Assists with ceremony and reception details
*Informs the groom's mother of her wedding attire so that their dresses are similar in length and style
*Sits in very first pew behind the bride
*Is the last to be seated, and the first to be escorted out of the church after the ceremony
The Bride's Father
*Rides with the bride to the church
*Escorts the bride down the aisle
*Sits in very first pew behind the bride
*Dances the second dance with the bride at the reception
*May make a toast at the reception
Ring Bearer
Traditionally a boy aged 3 to 8 years old acts as the ring bearer and precedes the bride down the aisle carrying the rings or a facsimile on a cushion.
Flower Girl
The ring bearer walks with or precedes the flower girl, also aged 3 to 8, who carries a basket of flowers, a single stem, or a bouquet of flowers.
Roles for Family and Friends
There are many ways to include a special friend or relative in your wedding.
During the Ceremony
*Light candles
*Sing as part of the ceremony
*Read a passage
*Hand out programs
At the Reception
*Pour coffee
*Serve cake
*Greet guests
*Attend to the guest book
It is thoughtful to recognize these special guests with a corsage, seat of honor or a place in the photographs.
Sources
include:
The
Knots' Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real
World, 1998
Emily Post's Weddings,
1999
Miss Manners on Weddings,
1995
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