Bridal Party Customs

The bridal party consists of close friends and family members. They form the "inner circle" to support you on your special day. Along with the long list of your own responsibilities before and during the wedding day, your bridal party has certain duties that they need to address.

The following is a list of undertakings your bridal party may assume. These tasks are composed with traditional standards in mind. Every wedding is different, and therefore, particular responsibilities may be shared, addressed differently, or ignored all together.

The Maid of Honor

• Plans the bridal shower
• Helps the bride shop and choose the dress
• Helps with the invitations
• Aids with the bride's veil during the recessional and processional
• Holds the bride's bouquet and groom's ring during ceremony
• Serves as witness to the signing of the marriage certificate

The Best Man

• Plans the bachelor party
• Directs the ushers
• Brings the marriage certificate to the ceremony
• Pays the people responsible for the wedding services (musicians, photographer, caterer, etc.)
• Holds the bride's ring during the ceremony
• Escorts the maid of honor during the ceremony
• Serves as witness to the signing of the marriage license
• Gives a toast during the wedding reception
• Oversees the return of the ushers' attire

Bridesmaids

• Help plan for the bridal shower
• Enter the processional in order of height
• Sit next to ushers at head table and dance with them at reception

Ushers

• Help plan the bachelor party
• Provide guests with directions and maps to the ceremony and reception
• Help seat guests before the ceremony
• Escort bridesmaids during the ceremony