Co-Hosting A Wedding: A Guide To Understanding Your Role And Responsibilities

Hosting a wedding means taking on a variety of responsibilities, from financial contributions to ensuring the event runs smoothly. Traditionally, the host is the person who foots the bill, but nowadays, there are often multiple people or families involved in funding a wedding. When it comes to co-hosting a wedding, it simply means that two or more people are sharing the hosting duties and responsibilities. This could be due to financial contributions, but it also encompasses a range of tasks such as greeting guests, handling any issues that arise, and generally ensuring that the happy couple and their guests have a wonderful time.

Co-host definition

The role of a co-host at a wedding is to share the hosting duties with another person or couple. The role of a host at a wedding is to pay for the event, greet guests, select vendors, handle any issues, and ensure everything runs smoothly. This can include duties such as deciding who and how much to tip, being a point of contact for the venue, and deciding on and signing contracts with vendors.

Traditionally, the host of a wedding is the person or couple who pays for the event, but this is not always the case. Nowadays, there are often multiple people or groups who contribute financially to a wedding. In these cases, the couple getting married may opt to use wording such as "together with their families" on their invitations, to avoid any potential drama.

Co-hosts of a wedding will often share the financial burden of the event, and may also be involved in the planning process, including selecting vendors and venues. They may also be involved in greeting guests, and ensuring the day runs smoothly. It is common for the host and co-host to be involved in introducing themselves to guests, pointing them in the direction of the guest book, coat racks, gift table, and restrooms, and assisting them, especially the elderly and those with special needs.

The couple getting married may also request other duties of the co-hosts, which could include attending bridal showers and parties, providing support and assistance, and helping with any last-minute setup or cleanup.

Duties of a wedding co-host

A co-host at a wedding is someone who jointly hosts the event with at least one other person. The duties of a wedding co-host are:

Before the Wedding

• Attend any bridal showers and parties to which you are invited.
• Provide support and assistance to the couple as any friend or family member would.
• Check with the couple to see if there are any special requests regarding attire.
• You may be asked to help pin or hand out flowers to other honorees.

On the Day

• Arrive early and be eager to help.
• Check in with vendors, introduce yourself, and find out if they have any special requests or needs.
• Graciously greet guests before the ceremony and again at the reception.
• Introduce yourself to guests who don't know you.
• Direct guests to the guest book, coat racks, gift table, and restrooms.
• Assist guests, paying special attention to the elderly and those with special needs.
• Keep an eye on the door and meet any late arrivals to give them a quick update.
• Follow the couple's schedule and share it with vendors.
• Help ensure everyone stays on schedule.
• Find out if it is a plated and served meal or a buffet-style meal.
• Decide with the DJ, wedding coordinator, or others who will be dismissing tables.
• Find out the order of dismissal, ensuring that parents and grandparents go right after the wedding party.
• Dismiss tables, leaving a manageable number of guests in line at the buffet.
• Watch the dining room for spills, guest needs, or service issues, and be ready to assist.

After the Wedding

You may be asked to assist with a quick cleanup and to transport any items to the reception site if it's at a different location.

Who to list as a co-host

A co-host for a wedding is someone who jointly hosts a wedding with another person. The role of a wedding host is to represent the happy couple and their families at the wedding and reception. They are usually a close friend or family member of the couple.

Now, who to list as a co-host? Here are some options:

• The Couple Themselves: In modern times, it is becoming more common for the couple to host their own wedding, especially if they are paying for most of it. This way, they can avoid any potential drama or confusion about who the host is.
• Both Sets of Parents: Traditionally, the bride's family, particularly her father, would host and pay for the wedding. However, with changing times, this is no longer the norm, and now it is common for both sets of parents to share hosting duties, especially if they are contributing financially.
• One Set of Parents: If one set of parents is more involved in the planning and financial contribution, they may be listed as co-hosts. For example, if the groom's parents are hosting the rehearsal dinner and contributing significantly to the wedding, they could be listed as co-hosts along with the couple.
• A Close Friend or Family Member: In some cases, a close friend or family member may be chosen to be a co-host. This could be someone who is very involved in the planning and offers a lot of support to the couple. It is an honour to be a wedding host, and it is a great way to include someone special in the wedding who is not part of the bridal party.
• A Combination: Ultimately, the couple can choose to list whoever they feel is appropriate as co-hosts. It could be a combination of the couple, their parents, and/or a close friend or family member. The most important thing is to ensure that everyone who plays a significant role in the wedding is acknowledged and honoured.

Remember, there is no one "right" way to determine who the co-hosts are. The couple should make a decision that feels right for them and their unique situation.

Co-host attire

When it comes to co-hosting a wedding, it's important to remember that your attire should reflect the formality of the event and complement the wedding party without upstaging them. Here are some guidelines for co-host attire:

For Women:

• Avoid wearing white or any colour that can be perceived as white, as this is typically reserved for the bride.
• Stay away from colours such as cream, off-white, or ivory.
• Do not wear a dress that resembles a wedding gown in style or details.
• Steer clear of neon shades and bright red.
• Avoid excessive sequins or bedazzled outfits.
• For a black-tie wedding, opt for a sleek formal gown in seasonal colours: jewel tones for autumn and winter, and paler hues for spring and summer.
• If you're attending multiple black-tie weddings, consider investing in mix-and-match formal separates to create different looks.
• For a formal wedding, you have a wide range of options, including full-length dresses, cocktail dresses, suits, beaded pantsuits, jumpsuits, or even gowns.
• Semi-formal weddings call for a more toned-down look. Opt for a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress.
• For a casual wedding, choose a nice dress, possibly a maxi dress, and accessorise.
• If the wedding has a specific theme or colour scheme, try to incorporate those elements into your outfit without going overboard.

For Men:

• For a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is a must.
• At a formal wedding, you can choose between a tuxedo and a dark suit.
• If the wedding is semi-formal, a dark suit with a tie is appropriate.
• In the case of a casual wedding, a suit without a tie or khakis with a dress shirt can be a good choice.
• If the wedding has a theme, incorporate subtle hints of it into your outfit, such as themed accessories or a coloured jacket.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can always reach out to the couple or other members of the wedding party for more specific advice regarding the dress code.

Co-host responsibilities on the day

Co-hosting a wedding is an honour and a responsibility. On the day, co-hosts are expected to be on hand to assist the couple and their families in any way they can. Here are some of the key responsibilities to keep in mind:

Arrive Early

It is important to arrive early and be ready to assist the couple and their families. If you are unable to be punctual, it is best to put someone else in charge or decline the responsibility. You may also be asked to help with a quick clean-up after the ceremony and transport any items to the reception if it is at a different location. Ensure that you arrive at the reception before the other guests.

Check-in with Vendors

Take the initiative to introduce yourself to the vendors and find out if they have any special requests or needs. Be sure to check in with them periodically throughout the day to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Greet Guests

Traditionally, co-hosts greet guests at both the ceremony and reception sites. Introduce yourself to guests, especially those you don't know. Direct them to the guest book, coat racks, gift table, and restrooms. Pay special attention to the elderly and those with special needs.

Keep an Eye on the Schedule

Help ensure that everyone stays on schedule. Be mindful of mealtimes and find out if it is a plated or buffet-style meal. If it's a buffet, coordinate with the DJ, wedding coordinator, or other relevant parties to decide who will be dismissing tables. Ensure that parents and grandparents are served right after the wedding party.

Assist with Any Issues

Keep an eye out for any spills, guest needs, or service issues, and be ready to assist as needed. Remember, you are there to represent the couple and their families, so it's important to be attentive and proactive in addressing any concerns that may arise.

Enjoy the Celebration!

While you have important responsibilities, don't forget to relax and enjoy the wedding celebrations! You are still a guest at the event, so savour the special moments and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions