A wedding party is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them from their engagement to their marriage. They are usually close friends and family members of the couple and are responsible for certain duties before and during the wedding day. The wedding party is made up of the bride and groom, the best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and the parents of the couple.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Group size | As small or large as the couple desires |
Group composition | Close friends, family members, children |
Clothing | Formal, matching or wedding colours |
Seating | Near the couple during the reception |
Pre-wedding events | Planning and hosting |
Day-of events | Helping the couple get ready, taking photos, giving speeches |
What You'll Learn
The Best Man
- Helping the groom choose wedding attire for the groomsmen
- Ensuring that all groomsmen have bought or rented their clothing in advance
- Attending all pre-wedding events, including the engagement party, showers, and bachelor party
- Supporting the groom with wedding planning and acting as his advisor
- Holding the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony
- Serving as one of the signers of the marriage license
- Making sure all groomsmen are in the right place at the right time
- Helping to play host during the reception
- Dancing with the maid of honor during the first dance
- Helping to rally the bridesmaids and groomsmen to decorate the getaway vehicle
- Giving a wedding toast to the happy couple at the reception
- Helping to collect the presents at the end of the night
- Coordinating transportation to the airport for the couple's honeymoon
- Ensuring that all service providers have been paid and tipped
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The Maid of Honour
On the day of the wedding, the maid of honour is there to offer emotional support to the bride and provide hands-on help. She helps the bride get dressed and is the last attendant to walk down the aisle before the bride enters. She traditionally holds the groom's wedding ring and a bouquet for the bride during the ceremony. She also usually gives a speech during the reception.
- Heading up the wedding shower
- Toasting the newlyweds
- Signing the marriage license
- Adjusting the bride's train at the altar
- Helping the bride change for her honeymoon and storing her gown
- Troubleshooting any problems that arise
- Making sure the bride eats and drinks water
- Decorating the getaway vehicle with the bridal party
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The Groomsmen
Groomsmen are expected to support the best man as they plan (and pay for) the bachelor party, as well as provide emotional support to the groom. They also have a number of traditional duties, including:
- Assisting the best man
- Helping the groom choose wedding attire for the groomsmen
- Ensuring all groomsmen have bought or rented their clothing in advance
- Attending pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, showers, and bachelor parties
- Supporting the groom with wedding planning
- Acting as the groom's support system
- Holding the bride's ring during the ceremony
- Serving as one of the signers of the marriage license
- Making sure all groomsmen are in the right place at the right time
- Helping to play host during the reception
- Dancing with the bridesmaids and single female guests at the wedding
- Helping to carry away gifts following the wedding
- Decorating the getaway car with the bridesmaids
- Ushering guests to their seats before the ceremony, if needed
- Getting ready with the groom on the day of the wedding
Groomsmen traditionally wear the same formal attire and will take photos with the rest of the wedding party on the day of the wedding.
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The Bridesmaids
On the wedding day, bridesmaids walk down the aisle ahead of the bride and may show guests to their seats. They are often expected to wear a particular dress, chosen by the bride, and to take photos with the rest of the wedding party. Bridesmaids are also on hand to help the bride get ready before the ceremony and to provide support and troubleshooting for any problems that may arise during the day.
Brides typically ask their bridesmaids to be people who have supported them in some way and who they want by their side on their special day.
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The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
The flower girl usually walks down the aisle with the bridesmaids, scattering flower petals from a basket or carrying a flower ball called a "pommander". She may also wear a flower crown. The ring bearer typically walks just before the flower girl, carrying the wedding rings on a small decorative pillow. These rings are usually fake, in case they get lost. The ring bearer wears a child-sized tuxedo or suit, usually coordinating with the groom or groomsmen's attire. The flower girl's dress often mimics the style of the bride's gown.
It is important to ensure that the flower girl and ring bearer are well-rested, well-fed, and comfortable on the wedding day. They should be given clear and simple instructions, and it is a good idea to have someone they know waiting for them at the end of the aisle. It is also customary to invite them to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and to include them in the reception.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding party typically consists of the couple, the maid of honour, the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and children such as the flower girl or ring bearer.
The wedding party is responsible for planning pre-wedding events, offering emotional support, and helping the couple get ready on the day. They also have a special seat at the reception and take photos with the couple.
A bridal party refers specifically to the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day, whereas a wedding party includes all participants in the ceremony, such as the maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and children.
There is no set number; it is up to the couple to decide. Wedding parties can be as small or as large as desired, ranging from none at all to over ten people.