Wedding Party Duties for Attendants

It's an honor to be asked to be an attendant in a wedding, but there's some obligations you need to consider before accepting. Being part of the wedding party means happily performing the duties, so make sure you can assume the role gracefully.

Here are the wedding party duties that are traditionally assigned to the Maid or Matron of Honor, Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. While some of these are time-consuming, you're sure to have a lot of fun while making some great memories!

Maid/Matron of Honor

• Responsible for own gown, shoes and accessories.

• Attends all events in a timely fashion, including photograph sessions.

• Helps select bridesmaid dresses.

• Arranges and helps pay for bridal shower and bachelorette party.

• Maintains a record of gifts received.

• May help with decorations and party favors.

• Helps coordinate the bridal attire.

• Holds the groom's ring.

• Holds bridal bouquet during ceremony.

• Arranges bridal train before vows.

• Acts as witness, signs official document.

• Hands out rice, confetti, etc. to be thrown at the bride and groom after the ceremony.

• Pays for own travel and hotel expenses.

Bridesmaids

• Responsible for own gown, shoes and accessories.

• Attends all events in a timely fashion, including photograph sessions.

• Helps arrange and pay for bridal shower and bachelorette party.

• Assumes maid of honor duties in her absence.

• Assists in decorations and party favors.

• Decorates the car.

• Helps maid of honor hand out rice, confetti, etc.

• Runs last-minute errands.

• Pays for own travel and hotel expenses.

Flower Girl

• Is usually between the ages of five and eight.

• Responsible for own gown, shoes and accessories.

• Proceeds the bride's walk down the aisle tossing flower petals or holding bouquet of flowers.

Best Man

• Responsible for own attire, shoes and accessories.

• Attends all events in a timely fashion, including photography sessions.

• Gives the itinerary to the groomsmen and ushers.

• Oversees ushers.

• Arranges and helps pay for the bachelor party.

• Holds the rings, license and travel tickets.

• Gives prearranged payment to the officiant/clergy.

• Plans for transportation to and from the ceremony.

• Toasts the bride and groom at the reception.

• Returns the grooms suit/tuxedo to the bridal shop.

Groomsmen/Ushers

• Responsible for own attire, shoes, and accessories.

• Attends all events in a timely fashion, including photography sessions.

• Helps plan and pay for the bachelor party.

• Assumes the duties of greeting and seating the guests.

• Hands out programs.

• Unrolls the aisle-runner before the attendant's walk down the aisle.

• Decorates the car.

Ring Bearer Duties

• Responsible for own attire, shoes, and accessories.

• Assist in handing out programs.

• Walks down the aisle carrying a satin pillow with the ring (or stand-in) attached.

• May walk with the flower girl or after her.

Who Pays for What?

All attendants are obligated to pay for their own attire, shoes and accessories, except in special circumstances. For example, the bride's family may agree to buy the bridesmaid dress for a bridesmaid who must pay for significant travel expenses. Sometimes, a junior bridesmaid isn't expected to pay for her dress if her parents are also attendants.

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