Maid of Honor - generally the maid of honor role is filled by a sister or close friend of the bride. This role can be very involved depending on the size of the wedding but can be one of the most rewarding. You get to head out on shopping trips with the bride on the search for the perfect dress, plan a bridal shower and bachelorette party and make sure the bridal party chooses a gift for the bride, and invites also need to be completed! And when it comes to the big day, you will hold the wedding ring that will be placed upon the groom, help the bride get ready in a timely fashion. Add to the list dancing with the best man and make sure things go smoothly the whole day through and don't forget you are witness to the wedding! IF the maid of honor is married she will be called Matron of Honor.
Best Man - it's not just about planning the bachelor party and giving the toast at the reception! You have some other responsibilities as well. Generally a brother or close friend of the groom is chosen. Get to help choose the attire such as tux or suit. Assist in keeping track of the groom's clothes on the big day and make sure he gets ready on time. Be sure the groomsmen get a gift for the groom. Best man you are also in charge of transportation arrangements after the reception or the next morning. You may also be in charge of being sure payments are made for example to the DJ/band/church/reception hall/transportation/cake...and don't forget the bride's ring!
Bridesmaids - and you thought all you had to do was walk the wedding procession? Attendance at the shower is a must, you may even be asked to assist in planning the shower. Generally the bridesmaids consist of sisters or friends of the bride and groom. You will also be dancing with the groomsmen at the reception. You may even be asked to read a passage at the ceremony, help keep things going smoothly and keep in mind the bride could always use an extra hand when it comes to addressing those invitations.
Groomsmen - and you thought all you had to do was attend the bachelor party? Your role is quite similar to the bridesmaids. You might be asked to be an usher, you will be walking in the wedding procession and attend the party that you helped plan. Just be an extra set of hands and eyes to ensure the day goes smoothly.
Flower Girl - not every wedding has a flower girl. If the bride or groom has a sister that is quite young that sister usually fills the role of flower girl. Generally because they are so young their job is to carry a basket of flowers during the processional ahead of the bride and may or may not drop flower petals, bride's preference.
Ring Bearer - once again not all weddings have a ring bearer. Once again a young member of the family except a boy. Their job is to carry the rings attached to a pillow. Often times the flower girl and ring bearer will walk together down the aisle during the processional.
Parents of the Bride - The bride's parents may be responsible for hosting the wedding if they are the one's paying for the wedding. Sometimes the father of the bride escorts his daughter down the aisle, sometimes it is the mother and father or just the mother, every situation is unique, bride's preference. May also be responsible for footing the bill for an engagement party/dinner with the purpose of meeting the groom's family.
Parents of the Groom - The groom's parents are responsible for hosting the rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding. May choose to contribute to the wedding if they desire. Can have as much involvement as the wedding couple would like. Generally the mother's of the bride and groom will discuss what each other is wearing so as to not wear the same shade. Groom's parents shall walk down the processional first and be seated.
I hope the above information is helpful for those planning a future wedding or even for those that plan to attend a wedding or have been asked to participate in a wedding. We wish you the best!
Heather
www.DoubletreeCarriageCompany.com
Having a GREAT time in Wisconsin!
