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Choosing the perfect people to fulfill each wedding party role can feel like you’re casting a major production, which, in a sense, you are.
You’re approaching close friends and family and asking them to perform important duties as members of the wedding party, inviting them to be part of your wedding.
However, to assign the perfect match, it’s important to know the details and responsibilities of the various roles.
We’re breaking it down for you in this post! We’ll showcase each wedding role and the associated tasks.
Let’s start with the most important — your wedding VIPs.
1. The Maid of Honor
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For most, choosing the maid of honor (AKA: “Matron of honor” if she’s already married) is a no-brainer. She’s your best friend — basically a sister.
She’s always there providing emotional support, so assisting with the wedding planning process will be second nature.
Maid of Honor Responsibilities
As your right-hand woman, the MOH is in charge of:
Read: Matron of Honor vs. Maid of Honor: Is One More Important?
2. Your Bridesmaids
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Lafayette | Julia Smelley
As your closest friends, your bridesmaids will be with you, raising a glass, laughing, and celebrating during all the pre-wedding events. They’re also there to lend a hand in wedding planning and prep.
When the big day finally arrives, they’re with you during the ceremony, looking almost as stunning as you.
Bridal Party Responsibilities
Under the watchful guidance of your maid of honor, your bridesmaids' duties are as follows:
3. The Best Man
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The best man is head of the groomsmen and supports your other half leading up to and on your special day.
Best Man Responsibilities
As a close friend, the best man is there to help:
4. The Groomsmen
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Miami | Colors of Grace Photography
Aside from supporting your fiancée, the groomsmen will be paired with your bridesmaids and escort them down the aisle on your wedding day.
Groomsmen Responsibilities
Beyond looking dashing in their suits, groomsmen will:
5. The Officiant
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | Rebecca Shehorn
Your wedding officiant is the one who conducts the ceremony and signs the marriage license. Some couples choose clergy members, while others ask a close friend or family member to fulfill this position.
Officiant Responsibilities
Being an officiant is a big responsibility; they’re in charge of:
6. The Flower Girl
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Mobile | Farren North Photography
Really, all the flower girl has to do is be her sweet, adorable self. Anything beyond that is extra credit.
Along with the flower girl, some brides appoint a junior bridesmaid. The junior bridesmaid can assist the flower girl with her tasks. She could also be an honorary bridesmaid participating in the age-appropriate pre-wedding events.
Flower Girl Responsibilities
As mentioned, being sweet and adorable is the number one flower girl requirement.
In addition, the flower girl will:
7. The Ring Bearer
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Los Angeles | Megan Wynn
Like the flower girl, the ring bearer will charm your guests. However, since the ring bearer will carry your precious wedding rings, his role requires more supervision.
A parent or close family member will typically help coach him through his duties.
Keep in mind that most ring bearers don’t actually carry the rings down the aisle. More often than not, the best man or another groomsman will keep the rings safe!
Ring Bearer Responsibilities
The ring bearer’s duties include:
8. The Father of the Bride
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Kansas City | Meghan Spencer
Traditionally, the father of the bride has many responsibilities.
It’s worth noting that some brides choose another loved one to fulfill the duties if their father is no longer here or if there’s a strained relationship.
Bride’s Father Responsibilities
It’s up to you and your family how much tradition you want to incorporate.
Here are the responsibilities traditionally associated with the role:
9. The Mother of the Bride
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Beyond obvious variables like location and the nature of the relationship, the degree to which you want your mom involved is entirely up to you.
Bride’s Mother Responsibilities
Tradition states that the parents of the bride are the ones who throw the engagement party. However, many modern couples choose to host their own get-together instead.
Here are some of the duties the mother of the bride typically assists with:
Read: Should the Mother of the Occasion Match the Bridesmaids?
10. The Mother & Father of the Groom
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Mckenna Jo
The mother and father of the groom both play a significant role in wedding planning and the wedding celebration.
Like the bride’s parents, they may financially contribute however they see fit.
Father & Mother of the Groom Responsibilities
Following tradition, here’s what your fiancée’s parents are responsible for:
11. Less Traditional (Yet Equally Important) Roles
All weddings are unique, meaning there are often different roles to fill.
Here are some less often-used yet equally important roles:
Usher
The usher greets wedding guests and helps them find their seat. Large weddings may require more than one usher.
Reader
Assigning a reader to recite an impactful verse or poem during the ceremony keeps it interesting. It’s also a lovely way to include someone important in your ceremony.
Before you go and begin assigning roles, remember:
This is your wedding. You get to choose which of these different titles you want to include and which group of people you want to fill these important roles.
And if there’s a special non-traditional role you want, such as a man of honor instead of a maid of honor, you’re free to do as you wish.
You get to decide who’s part of the wedding. You can mix it up and surround yourself with a cast of loved ones — traditional or not — who are all there to cheer you on.
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