Unique Wedding Party: Female Usher, Why Not?

Ushers are an important part of any wedding, helping to ensure the day runs smoothly and creating a good first impression for guests. Traditionally, ushers have been male, but in modern times, female ushers are becoming more common. Ushers are often younger than the rest of the wedding party, and are usually close friends or family members who the couple wants to include in their special day. They are often responsible for greeting guests, handing out programs, and directing guests to their seats and important locations within the venue, such as the restrooms or coat check. So, if you're wondering if you can have a girl usher at your wedding, the answer is yes! Female ushers can perform all the same duties as male ushers, and it's a great way to include more of your loved ones in your wedding ceremony.

Female ushers: a non-traditional but valid option for your wedding party

Traditionally, ushers are male. But, as with many old-fashioned wedding traditions, there's nothing stopping you from having female ushers if that's what you want.

Ushers are the first point of contact for your guests, welcoming them to the wedding and helping to seat them before the ceremony. They also answer guests' questions, such as where the restrooms are, and where they can drop off cards. Ushers may also help to set up the venue before the wedding and clear up at the end of the night.

The general rule is to have one usher for every 50 guests. But even if you're having a smaller wedding, you may still want to have at least two ushers; that way, they can keep each other company, and guests won't have to wait to be seated.

At formal weddings, ushers traditionally wear the same suit as the groom and the best man. But if you're having a more casual wedding, or you have female ushers, they don't have to wear formal suits. It's up to you! Just make sure they're dressed differently from the bridesmaids and groomsmen, so they don't get mixed up, and that they're easily recognisable to guests who need help.

Who should be an usher?

Ushers are often close friends or family members. But, ultimately, it's your wedding, so it's up to you who you choose! Just remember that ushers will be the first members of the wedding party that your guests will see and speak to, so choose someone who will make a good first impression.

Yes! While it's not traditional, there's nothing stopping you from having female ushers. It's a good idea to check that your friend is comfortable with the role, as it's usually a male role and she may feel awkward. But if she's happy to be an usher, then go for it! It's a great way to include her in your special day.

Responsibilities: greeting guests, seating them, and answering questions

Ushers are often the first people that guests encounter at a wedding, so it's important to choose wisely. They should be friendly, organised, and responsible.

Ushers are responsible for greeting and welcoming guests, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere. This includes guiding guests to their seats and answering any questions they may have. They should be familiar with the venue layout and seating arrangements, including any special seating requirements, such as reserved seats for family members or accessible seating for individuals with disabilities.

Greeting Guests

• Arrive at the venue early to familiarise yourself with the layout and be ready to welcome guests.
• Greet guests with a smile and offer assistance. This sets the tone for the entire event and makes guests feel valued.
• If there are multiple rooms or weddings at the venue, ensure guests know where to go.
• Inform guests about any rules, such as restrictions on flash photography or confetti.
• Offer directions to facilities, such as restrooms, coat check, and the guest book.
• Answer any questions guests may have about the ceremony, wedding traditions, or venue.

Seating Guests

• Direct guests to their assigned seats, ensuring a smooth and organised process.
• Be mindful of guests who may require extra assistance, such as elderly individuals, parents with young children, or guests with disabilities.
• Accommodate guests' seating preferences, while also ensuring that there are no empty seats or overcrowding.
• Escort latecomers to their seats discreetly to minimise disruptions.
• If the wedding has reserved seating or respective sides for the couple's families, inform guests about these arrangements and direct them accordingly.
• Offer your arm to guests, especially the elderly, to escort them to their seats.
• Distribute wedding programs or put them on the seats before guests arrive.

Ushers play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at weddings. By effectively greeting and seating guests, as well as answering their questions, ushers contribute to a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Attire: formal, matching the wedding party, or casual

Ushers are typically dressed formally, in line with the wedding party. This could be a tuxedo or a suit, depending on the attire of the groomsmen. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing tuxes, the ushers might wear a suit with a matching tie and pocket square. Ushers should also be given a boutonniere to wear so they aren't mistaken for wedding guests.

However, ushers don't always have to match the wedding party. They can be dressed more casually, as long as their attire still indicates that they are part of the wedding party. For instance, if the wedding is less formal, ushers could wear a "Sunday Best" outfit, or something they already own and feel comfortable in.

If you're having female ushers, they could wear short matching dresses, similar to the bridesmaids but perhaps shorter in length.

It's important to note that the attire of the ushers will depend on the formality of the wedding and the responsibilities they are given. At informal weddings, ushers will likely have fewer responsibilities and may be able to dress more casually.

Number of ushers: one for every 50 guests, with a minimum of two

Ushers are an important part of any wedding, creating a great first impression for guests and ensuring a smooth flow to the day. The general rule of thumb is to have one usher for every 50 guests, with a minimum of two ushers even for smaller weddings. This ensures that no guest arrives ungreeted and that there is always someone on hand to provide direction and answer any questions.

Ushers are often male, but there is no reason why female ushers cannot be included. It is entirely up to the couple getting married, and female ushers can be given a variety of tasks, from greeting and escorting guests to the venue, to handing out programs and gifts, or even acting as a day-of coordinator.

Ushers should be friendly, organised, and responsible, and it is important that they arrive at least one hour before the ceremony to greet guests, sign the guest book, and reserve chairs. They should also be familiar with the venue, the seating plan, and any family tensions or issues that might arise so that they can avoid any potential awkward situations.

Ushers are usually younger than the rest of the wedding party and are often the couple's younger siblings or close relatives. However, ushers can be of any age, and it is not uncommon to have teenagers or older adults in this role. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose someone reliable who is happy to take on the role and won't skimp on their duties.

Age: typically teenagers to young adults, but can be any age

Wedding ushers are typically chosen from among the couple's younger relatives or friends, but they can be of any age. Ushers are often in their late teens to early twenties, but they can be as young as young cousins or as old as an 85-year-old grandparent.

The role of an usher is a position of responsibility, so it's best to choose someone who is at least in their late teens. Ushers are often chosen from among those who are unable to commit to the responsibilities of the wedding party but still want to play a role in the couple's big day.

Ushers are often the first people guests encounter at a wedding, so it's important to choose someone friendly, organised, and responsible. They should be able to dedicate most of their time to escorting guests before, during, and after the ceremony, so it's important to choose someone who is self-sufficient and able to stay on top of their duties without much guidance.

Ushers can be male or female, and their attire should match the formality of the ceremony. At a formal wedding, ushers often wear a matching suit or dress, or something similar to what the groomsmen are wearing, such as a tux and formal black pants. At an informal wedding, their attire might be more casual but still clearly indicate that they are part of the wedding party.

Frequently asked questions