Roles & Responsibilities Of The Bridal Party
Article by Hannah Holbrook | Photos by Ashley Gillen Photography
Check out these lists describing traditional roles to help you create a “responsibilities outline” for your wedding!
THE BRIDE
Leading up to the wedding day
- Plans the ceremony and reception
- Chooses her gown
- Chooses bridesmaids and flower girl attire
- Helps groom with attire selection
- Sends out wedding invitations
- Creates seating plan with the groom
- Picks out gifts for the groom, bridesmaids, and parents
- Gets wedding license with the groom
On the day
- Exchanges vows
- Signs wedding documents
- Cuts the cake
- First Dance with the groom
- Father-Daughter Dance
- Throws bouquet
THE GROOM
Leading up to the wedding day
- Pays for marriage fees and gets wedding license
- Plans the ceremony and reception
- Chooses his attire
- Chooses attire for groomsmen
- Sends out wedding invitations
- Sets up seating plan with the bride
- Picks out gifts for the bride, groomsmen, and parents
- Books transportation
- Arranges first hotel night as couple
- Books/plans honeymoon with the bride
- Prepares a speech
On the day
- Exchanges vows
- Signs wedding documents
- Cuts the cake
- First Dance with the bride
- Mother-Son Dance
- Throws garter
- Gives a speech and toasts at the reception
THE MAID OF HONOR
Leading up to the wedding day
- Helps bride choose her dress
- Helps pick out bridesmaid dresses
- Pays for her dress
- Assists with wedding planning and DIY projects
- Hosts a shower
- Hosts a Bachelorette Party
- Attends showers
- Writes Maid of Honor speech / toast
- Helps organize gifts and keeps records of gifts at showers
- Attends Rehearsal Dinner
On the day
- Gets ready with the bride
- Keeps bride on schedule
- Organizes the bridesmaids
- Helps bride with last minute details
- Fixes brides makeup, dress, and veil
- Holds bride’s bouquet and groom’s ring during ceremony
- Bustles bride’s dress for reception
- Makes a speech / toast at reception
THE BEST MAN
Leading up to the wedding day
- Offers the groom assistance
- Rents / buys his clothes
- Writes Best Man Speech
- Hosts a Bachelor Party
- Attends Rehearsal Dinner
- Attends showers
On the day
- Makes sure a change of clothes are at the venue for the groom
- Keeps groom on schedule so he’s on time for the wedding
- Organizes the groomsmen
- Holds the bride’s ring during the ceremony
- Pays Officiant on the couple’s behalf
- Gives a speech / toast at reception
THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
Leading up to the wedding day
- Helps the bride and groom plan the reception
- Helps the bride and groom with the guest list
- Helps the bride choose her gown
- Chooses an outfit for herself
- Attends showers
- Spreads the word about bridal registries
- Helps with whatever the bride needs in the wedding planning process
On the day
- Helps dress the bride
- Hostess at the wedding and reception – makes sure all guests are
- comfortable
THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Leading up to the wedding day
- Helps pay for the wedding
- Prepares a speech
- Rents / buys his clothing
- Attends the Rehearsal Dinner
On the day
- Walks the bride to the ceremony and down the aisle
- Gives the bride away to the groom
- Dances with the bride
- Hosts along with the mother of the bride during the reception
- Gives the first speech and proposes a toast
- Stays until the end to make sure everyone is paid
THE GROOMSMEN
Leading up to the wedding day
- Rents / buys their clothing
- Attends the Rehearsal Dinner
- Participates in all pre-wedding parties
On the day
- Arrives dressed (or to dress) at the ceremony site according
- to the bride’s wedding day schedule
- Seats guests as they arrive at the ceremony
- Helps the groom with whatever he needs
- Escorts a bridesmaid
- Gets the party started on the dance floor!
THE BRIDESMAIDS
Leading up to the wedding day
- Helps pick dresses
- Buys dress and accessories
- Attends the Rehearsal Dinner
- Participates in all pre-wedding parties and showers
On the day
- Arrives at dressing location according to time chosen by the bride
- Gets ready with the bride
- Helps the bride with any last minute details
- Participates during the Processional
- Gets the party started on the dance floor!
Venue: The Gin at Hidalgo Falls
Photographer: Ashley Gillen Photography
Coordination: Love Birds Vintage
Floral: Carter’s Florist
Catering: The Goode Company
Entertainment: DJ Dave
Linens/Rentals: Party Time Rentals
Bridal Gown: Love & Lace Bridal Boutique
Hair: Beauty by Emily Hill
Makeup: Adrian Slimp & Cami Sultenfuss