{"id":17833,"date":"2024-07-24T01:21:51","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T06:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/?p=17833"},"modified":"2024-07-24T01:24:17","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T06:24:17","slug":"wedding-party-roles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wedding-party-roles","title":{"rendered":"Assemble the Best Squad with These 13 Wedding Party Roles"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Wedding<\/p>\n

Before the big event and on the <\/span>day of the wedding<\/span>, there are some people that step in to play a special role. The members of your <\/span>wedding party<\/span> are an integral part of your celebration \u2014 but what <\/span>wedding party roles<\/span> should you have, and what do they typically do?<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019re sharing the most well-known <\/span>wedding party roles<\/span>. We\u2019ll talk about what their roles and responsibilities are, as well as some tips on how to choose who to fill those <\/span>important roles<\/span> and how to help them work together.<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

13 of the Most Popular <\/b>Wedding Party Roles<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ready to get the low-down on the main <\/span>wedding party roles<\/span>? Discover what each role involves and what you can expect from that person before and during your <\/span>big day<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that we\u2019ll be reflecting on some of the <\/span>traditional wedding party roles<\/span>, but there\u2019s no rule saying you must have any of these at your wedding. Some of the roles are traditionally gendered, but they don\u2019t have to be \u2014 swap the <\/span>flower girl<\/span> for a flower child, or a <\/span>best man<\/span> for a best woman. It\u2019s your <\/span>big day<\/span>, so it\u2019s completely your choice whether you stick with <\/span>traditional roles<\/span> or mix and match to create the right feel for your celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Person of Honor<\/b><\/h3>\n

The honor attendant (or person of honor) is a key role within the <\/span>bridal party<\/span>, and one that involves helping the bride (or brides) with the <\/span>wedding planning<\/span>. They might plan the<\/span> bachelorette party<\/a><\/strong>, help with choosing the <\/span>wedding dress<\/span> or <\/span>bridesmaid dresses<\/span>, and make sure that everyone on that <\/span>guest list<\/span> RSVPs by the deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditionally, this role is filled by a <\/span>maid of honor<\/span> (or a <\/span>matron of honor<\/span>, if they\u2019re married) but there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t have a <\/span>man of honor<\/span> or person of honor instead. Make a<\/span>\u00a0maid of honor<\/strong> proposal<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to your <\/span>closest friend<\/span> or <\/span>family member<\/span> \u2014 someone that can be relied on for practical and <\/span>emotional support<\/span> before and during the <\/span>big day<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/b>Best Man<\/b> or Woman<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Wedding<\/p>\n

While a bride typically has a <\/span>maid of honor<\/span>, <\/span>the best man<\/span> is a role assigned to the groom\u2019s (or grooms\u2019) <\/span>best friend<\/span> or closest <\/span>family member<\/span> \u2014 like a brother. The responsibilities are very similar, with <\/span>the best man<\/span> (or woman) organizing a<\/span>\u00a0bachelor party<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, assisting with pre-wedding prep, and offering wise thoughts to the groom-to-be.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/b>Groomsmen<\/b> or Groomswomen<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>groomsmen<\/span> (or groomswomen) are a collection of <\/span>close family members<\/span> or friends of the groom, and it\u2019s their responsibility to support them (and <\/span>the best man<\/span> or woman) to help the day run smoothly and offer <\/span>emotional support<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although traditionally a role for men only, there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t have a mixed gender party of friends by your side as you get married. Enlist their help in other areas too \u2014 like greeting guests, handing out programs, directing guests to their seats, or getting people out on the <\/span>dancefloor<\/span>. Thank them for their service afterwards with a thoughtful<\/span> groomsmen<\/strong> gift<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. <\/b>Bridesmaids<\/b> or Bridesmen<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Bride<\/p>\n

Just as grooms have <\/span>groomsmen<\/span>, the bride can call on her party of <\/span>bridesmaids<\/span> (or bridesmen, or both!) to rally around her with love, support, and joy on the <\/span>special day<\/span>. Send a<\/span>\u00a0bridesmaid<\/strong> proposal<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to your favorite people and get together before the <\/span>big day<\/span> to plan the <\/span>bridal shower<\/span>, finish those last-minute pre-wedding preparations, and brainstorm how they can help you and your guests to have an amazing time.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/b>Flower Girl<\/b> or Flower Boy<\/b><\/h3>\n

A younger member of the family is often called upon to act as a <\/span>flower girl<\/span> or flower boy. This adorable role involves walking down the aisle with the <\/span>wedding party<\/span> and sprinkling flower petals (or something else of your choosing) down the aisle as they go.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Page Boy<\/b><\/h3>\n

A page boy is often a <\/span>close family member<\/span> or family friend that walks down the aisle either with the flower girl, holding the train of the dress, or holding a sign. It\u2019s traditionally a <\/span>young boy<\/span> that fills this role, but there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t have a page girl instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. <\/b>Ring Bearer<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Ring<\/p>\n

The <\/span>ring bearer<\/span> has an essential role \u2014 to deliver the <\/span>wedding rings<\/span> to the <\/span>officiant<\/span> so the two of you can be happily married. While this can be a standalone role, it\u2019s often taken up by a younger member of the family like a page boy or <\/span>flower girl<\/span>. That\u2019s not a must-have, though \u2014 the best man, maid of honor, or officiant can hold the <\/span>wedding rings<\/span> as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. <\/b>Ushers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Not every <\/span>wedding day<\/span> features <\/span>ushers<\/span>, but for larger weddings they\u2019re highly valuable. <\/span>Ushers<\/span> are usually family friends or <\/span>close friends<\/span> of the happy couple, and their main responsibility is to direct <\/span>wedding guests<\/span> to where they need to be \u2014 whether that\u2019s a seat in the aisle or their table at the <\/span>wedding reception<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. <\/b>Officiant<\/b><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s one key role that\u2019s usually not taken up by someone you know well, and that\u2019s the <\/span>officiant<\/span>. It\u2019s their role to preside over the ceremony as you say your<\/span> wedding vows<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and take care of all the <\/span>official<\/span> paperwork, like the <\/span>marriage license<\/span>. In some ceremonies, the <\/span>officiant<\/span> may be a religious leader. In others, you might even have a <\/span>loved one<\/span> that wants to <\/span>get ordained<\/strong><\/span><\/a> just so they can play the role of <\/span>officiant<\/span> on your <\/span>special day<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. <\/b>Father of the Bride<\/b><\/h3>\n

In a traditional wedding setting, the <\/span>father of the bride<\/span> is the person tasked with paying for most of the celebrations. These days, that\u2019s less common, which takes some of the weight off this person\u2019s shoulders. Instead, the <\/span>father of the bride<\/span> can look forward to potentially walking his daughter down the aisle and enjoying the first <\/span>father-daughter dance<\/span> with the newlywed bride out on the <\/span>dance floor<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. <\/b>Mother of the Bride<\/b><\/h3>\n

If the bride is close with their mother, they\u2019ll often play an integral role not just on the day but with the <\/span>wedding planning process<\/span> too. The <\/span>mother of the bride<\/span> may help with decisions like which caterers to choose or how to style the space, and help the bride get ready on the <\/span>big day<\/span>. Lots of folks also have their mom walk them down the aisle.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. <\/b>Mother of the Groom<\/b><\/h3>\n

This role mirrors that of the <\/span>father of the bride<\/span>, only the other way around. The <\/span>mother of the groom<\/span> may have an active role in planning the wedding and supporting the groom with their decision-making in the lead up to the <\/span>big day<\/span>. Although it\u2019s less talked about, there\u2019s also that first mother-son dance to prepare for too.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. <\/b>Father of the Groom<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>father of the groom<\/span> role is similar to that of the <\/span>mother of the bride<\/span>. It\u2019s traditionally the father\u2019s role to support their son through this big life moment with emotional and practical support, advice, and wisdom. A father of the groom (or any parent) might also give a speech, lead a toast, or do a reading at the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Choose Your <\/b>Wedding Party<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you stick with <\/span>traditional roles<\/span> or throw out the classic rules in favor of your own, choosing your <\/span>wedding party<\/span> is a big deal. Your <\/span>wedding party<\/span> should be filled with <\/span>close friends<\/span> and <\/span>loved ones<\/span>, but how do you decide who fits which role?<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to decide is to think about who you\u2019d like in your party overall, and then you can narrow down the roles. Some are more obvious \u2014 like the mother\/<\/span>father of the bride<\/span>\/groom \u2014 but others could be held by anyone. Ask your <\/span>closest friend<\/span> or <\/span>family member<\/span> to act as your maid\/<\/span>man of honor<\/span> or <\/span>best man<\/span>\/woman, with the others filling out your <\/span>wedding party<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think about who\u2019d be good in each role, and assign specific responsibilities to different <\/span>groomsmen<\/span> or <\/span>bridesmaids<\/span>. Some friends are excellent at organizing and planning, while others can help you put together some incredible<\/span> online invitations<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for your <\/span>big day<\/span>. Consider why you love your friends and <\/span>family members<\/span> and how their unique gifts can enhance your <\/span>wedding ceremony<\/span> and reception.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Helping <\/b>Members of the Wedding Party<\/b> Work Together<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not always possible, but ideally you want your <\/span>wedding party<\/span> members to meet each other ahead of the<\/span> rehearsal dinner<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or <\/span>wedding day<\/span> so they can get to know each other and help you out more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how you can get everyone acquainted and working at their best together:<\/span><\/p>\n