Wedding Roles

The Best Man

On the day

• Check final arrangements for the ushers, buttonholes, order of service sheets and rings.
• Collect telemessages, cards and emails to be read at the reception.
• Keep the rings safe until the required time in the service.
• Help the groom get ready (so be ready before him).
• Ensure the groom gets to the church on time, which we advise is at least 20 minutes before the ceremony is due to start.

At the church

• Check on the ushers.
• Sit on the right hand front pew with the groom.
• Witness the signing of the register, if required.
• Ensure all fees are paid to the church or registrar.
• Escort the chief bridesmaid out of the church.
• Assist the photographer in organising the guests for the photographs.
• Ensure everyone has transportation to the reception venue. At the reception
• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests.
• Announce the speeches and cake cutting, if there is no Master of Ceremonies or Toastmaster.
• Read any cards, emails and telemessages.
• Give the third and final speech and reply on behalf of the bridesmaids.
• Dance with the chief bridesmaid once the bride and groom have completed their first dance.
• Decorate the going away car.
• Put any luggage required in the going away car.
• Make sure the bride and groom go and change on time and announce to the guests that they are about to depart.
• Take charge of the groom's wedding clothes, if required.

After the wedding

• Ensure the wedding presents are safely stored.
• Return any hired clothing and accessories.

The Ushers

The ushers are chosen by the groom and his best man and are usually brothers, close relatives or friends (which covers just about anyone!) of the bride and groom. As a general guide you will need an usher for each 50 guests. Traditionally the ushers are the responsibility of the best man, who ensures they know their duties.

• Collect buttonholes and order of service sheets from the brides home.
• Arrive at the church at least half an hour before the ceremony is due to start.

At the church

• Help with car parking facilities.
• Greet the guests and hand out the buttonholes, order of service sheets and maps showing the route to the reception.
• Ensure the efficient has order of service sheets for the bride and groom.
• Seat couples with young babies and children near the exit.
• Escort the bride’s mother and appropriate guests to their seats.
• Assist the photographer.
• Ensure the church is left tidy and check for any left property and unused order of service sheets.
• Ensure all guests have transport to the reception.

At the reception

• Assist with car parking facilities.
• Offer drinks to the guests as they arrive if appropriate.
• Assist any elderly or infirm guests.

Chief Bridesmaid

• Ensure bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girl.
• Help the bride with her hair, make-up and dress.
• Help the other bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys to get dressed and give them any final instructions on their duties.
• Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride.

At the church

• Arrange the bride's dress and veil.
• Follow behind the bride and her father up the aisle.
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.
• Witness the signing of the register if required.
• Leave the church accompanied by the best man after the bride and groom.
• Depart for the reception with any other bridesmaids and best man after the bride and groom.

At the reception

• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests.
• Help to display and record gifts received.
• Distribute slices of the wedding cake to the guests.
• Have the first dance with the best man.
• Help the bride change into her going away outfit.
• Take care of her dress and accessories if required.

Bridesmaids

On the day

• Receive any final instructions from the chief bridesmaid.
• Get dressed and help any younger attendants.
• Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride.

At the church

• Follow behind the chief bridesmaid or matron of honour up the aisle.
• Leave the church after the chief bridesmaid.
• Depart for the reception with the chief bridesmaid and any other bridesmaids.

At the reception

• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests, if required.
• Distribute slices of the wedding cake to the guests.