Bridal Entourage Roles
Do you know the different bridal party roles? If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you’re sure to have noticed the bride isn’t the only one to walk down the aisle. Her entrance is usually preceded by the bridal entourage. While wedding party stereotypes still exist, most people realize there’s more to being a bridesmaid than looking beautiful, more to being a groomsman than adding life and excitement to the reception party. If you happen to be part of the entourage it would be wise to know your role. Read on for a description of wedding entourage roles.
Maid/Matron of honor
The Maid/Matron of Honor is someone very special to the bride. The person entrusted with this most important title is generally a sister or her best friend or close relative. In other words, someone who the bride knows is equal to the task and whom she feels comfortable with. Duties of the Maid/matron of Honor include
- Accompanying the bride on shopping trips, like choosing the wedding gown, veil and the entourage clothes.
- Coordinates dress fittings and such for Bridesmaids
- Arranges the bride's veil and train before the processional and recessional
- Helping the bride to write out and address invitations, place cards, and other handwritten correspondence
- Coordinating the bridal gift registry.
- Keep the bride on schedule
- Accompanying the bride to the hairdresser or manicurist before the wedding
- Helping the bride to dress before the wedding
- Participating in the wedding processional
- Helping to make sure the bride’s dress is positioned correctly throughout the ceremony
- Holding the bride’s bouquet during vows
- Participating in the receiving line
- Collecting gift envelopes at the reception.
- Helps the bride change into her going away clothes.
Best Man
Ideally, this guy should be the groom’s brother or best friend who acts as groom's valet (personal aide and advisor) through all stages of wedding planning. He can be a fashion consultant, master of ceremonies, and commander-in-chief of the groomsmen brigade. His duties include (but aren't limited to):.Gets the groom dressed and to the ceremony on time
- Delivers any payment to officiant, sexton, and ceremony musicians, as prearranged
- Assisting the groom in choosing his tuxedo
- Helping the groom to dress before the wedding
- Holding the bride’s wedding ring
- Participating in the receiving line
- Offers toast to bride and groom at the reception
- Can also be the Master of Ceremonies during the wedding program
Bridesmaids
Trustworthy gal pals and female family members who form the bride's entourage (and ostensibly work well together). They are a support team for the maid of honor, helping with pre-wedding tasks when asked. Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor running and play surrogate hostesses to guests.
- Assist in ushering the guests in church and during the reception
- Walking in the wedding processional
- Participating in the receiving line
- Distribute wedding giveaways, thanks you cards and routing of the guest book
- Assist in caring for the flower girl and ring bearer
Groomsmen
A posse of male family and friends who assist the groom in planning and preparing for the big day. Their chief responsibility? To help the best man plan and to support the groom. It's also common to have groomsmen do double duty as ushers, leaving their posts in time to process with the rest of the bridal party.
- Assist in ushering the guests in church and during the reception
- Walking in the wedding processional
- Participating in the receiving line
- Distribute wedding giveaways, thanks you cards and routing of the guest book
- Assists the Groom and Best Man with any errands
Flower Girls
Adorable little ones who walk down the aisle before the bride, The flower girl will usually carry a basket of flowers during the wedding processional and toss wedding petals on the ground to mark the bride’s entrance
Ring/Coin Bearers
A young boy who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl carrying a small decorative pillow with two rings or coins in it