Basic Duties of the Bridal Party

Once you’ve chosen your wedding attendants it’s a good idea to review what you can expect from each of them. Responsibilities of the bridal party will vary by wedding, but common duties are listed below:

Maid of Honor

• Helps the Bride shop for her wedding gown and accessories
• Helps select Bridesmaids dresses and accessories
• Coordinates Bridesmaids and their tasks
• Provides guests with registry info
• Helps with invites, seating cards, decorations, and favors
• Plans a wedding shower
• Plans the bachelorette party
• Attends all pre-wedding parties
• Tracks gifts received and thank you notes written
• Gives a toast at the rehearsal dinner and/or reception
• Helps Bride get ready the day of and look great all day (assists with veil, train, Groom’s ring, attire changes)
• Signs the marriage certificate

Bridesmaids

• Schedule fittings and purchase dresses and accessories chosen by the Bride
• Attend bridal showers (Bridesmaids are not expected to bring gifts to more than one bridal shower)
• Help plan and pay for the Bride’s bachelorette party
• Help the Bride with small tasks (wedding favors, errands, etc.)
• Assist the Bride get ready the day of and tend to her needs throughout the day

Best Man

• Attends pre-wedding parties
• Plans and helps pay for the Groom’s bachelor party
• Provides counsel to the Groom as needed
• Rents or purchases attire chosen by the Groom
• Arranges transportation to the ceremony for himself and the Groom
• Brings the wedding certificate to the ceremony
• Delivers payment envelops to vendors
• Coordinates Groomsmen and Ushers
• Holds the Bride’s wedding ring
• Sings the marriage certificate
• Arranges transportation to the reception for the Bride and Groom
• Makes the first toast at the reception
• Arranges post-ceremony transportation for the Bride and Groom and arranges for bags to be in the vehicle
• Confirms Groom has all honeymoon papers (passports, travelers cheques, itinerary)
• Returns Groom's formal wear after the wedding if it was rented

Groomsmen Duties

• Attend pre-wedding parties
• Attend and help pay for the Groom’s bachelor party
• Rent or purchase wedding attire chosen by the Groom
• Help the Groom prepare the day of and assist him in greeting wedding guests
• Escort guest to their seats and distribute wedding programs at the ceremony (Ushers will assist with seating and programs when also part of the bridal party)
• Light candelabras, as needed
• Check venue for any forgotten items after the ceremony concludes
• Decorate the getaway car, if appropriate

Seating Guidelines for Groomsmen & Ushers:

• Leave first few rows unseated to accommodate family members
• Walk to the left when escorting single females
• Walk to the right when ushering single males
• Walk to the left when escorting the female of a couple. Her date should walk behind following the Groomsman or Usher
• Seat the Brides guests to the left
• Seat the Grooms guest to the right

Great concise resource of all bridal party duties:
Bride&Groom: Get a Grip on Bridal Party Responsibilities! Who Does What?

The Knot articles:
Maid of Honor: Your Duties in Detail
Bridesmaids: Your Duties in Detail
Best Man: Your Duties in Detail
Groomsmen: Their Duties In Detail
Ushers: Their Duties in Detail