Who is who at the wedding party
What are the bridal’s and groom’s party duties and responsibilities before and during the wedding.
Bride and groom with their groomsmen and bridesmaids at the altar
Maid of Honour
Strictly speaking, a maid of honour should be unmarried or else called matron of honour. It is often the best friend or sister (in-law) of the bride.
The MoH could be seen as the bride’s personal assistant, helping the bride choose her wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses, organising the hen do (bachelorette party), if requested, helping the bride with other wedding organisation, such as invitations, finding the right venue, flowers, photographer etc.
During the wedding the maid of honour needs to lead the other bridesmaids and flower girl(s), help the bride into her dress and with the makeup. She keeps the groom’s ring safe until the exchange on the altar. At the reception the maid of honour usually makes a speak.
Bridesmaid
The bridesmaid is often a close friend or sister (in-law).
Her responsibilities are similar to the maid of honour, where the bridesmaid assist the maid of honour, if needed.
If the person is underaged she is also called a junior bridesmaid, especially if she is too old to be a flower girl. Many girls from seven or eight years onwards would feel more grownup, being called a bridesmaid rather than being a flower girl.
Best Man
The best man is the chief assistant to the groom. He is often the groom’s oldest and/or best friend.
His duties are similar to the maid of honour, as he assists the groom at buying or renting the wedding suits, plans the stack do (bachelor party) and helps the groom in a few wedding decisions.
During the wedding he leads the groomsmen and keeps the bride’s ring safe until the exchange. The best man also has to give a speech at the reception.
Sometimes the best man takes over paying the tip to the vendors, but that may be discussed with the groom beforehand.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen are the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony, also known as ushers.
Their duties are to assist the best man and groom before and during the wedding.
The groomsmen also assist the guests to their seats at the ceremony.
If desired the groomsmen and bridesmaids might decorate the bride and groom’s getaway car.
Flower Girl
The flower girl was originally a member of the extended family, but can also be a friend’s daughter or niece.
Her duty is to walk in front of the bride and, if desired, throw some flower pedals along the aisle.
Ring Bearer / Page Boy
The ring bearer or page boy is a young boy from the extended family or from friends.
The ring bearer presents the rings and walk in front of the bride, together with the flower girl. Additional page boys would hold up the bride’s wedding train and walk behind the bride.
Often the flower girl and ring bearer are wearing a matching outfit. The page boys are often at the age between five and ten, as younger toddlers might not be able to help with the train and could cause more hazard.