Wedding Party Responsibilities

You have gotten engaged, and you have asked your ten closest friends to be part of your wedding party, now what does that really mean? Besides standing by your side on your wedding day, they do have some important responsibilities to perform.

Your Maid of Honor gets to stand by your side and hold your bouquet and fix your dress and make a toast to you at the reception. But here are the real responsibilities she will perform on your wedding day! She will help you bustle your dress, which may need an instruction manual but there isn’t one so she will be on the floor searching for the loops and buttons to bustle your dress! She will help you use the restroom with class. Your dress may be large and have many layers and getting into a bathroom stall may create a challenge. She will get you a drink of water or a mint or even help steam your dress!

And she will help you most by providing a calming presence! She is most likely your sister or best friend since grade school so she will know you better than anyone. She is the one who has been there for you thick and thin. And now she gets to witness you marrying the love of your life. She will be there to calm your nerves and tell you to enjoy the day!

The Best Man. He is your buddy, your pal, your brother, or your best friend since high school. You have a very strong bond and many, many funny stories about things you did together. And you thought no one knew you did, but guess what, your parents were aware of your shenanigans all along! He will help you get dressed for the photos, and he will give you that all-important drink when needed to calm your nerves. His most important is that he will be the safe keeper of your wedding rings, and he will stand next to you on the altar when you marry your wife!

The bridesmaids also have roles to fulfill. They are there to help you choose your dress, help celebrate by throwing you a shower or two and they will celebrate your last single weekend at your bachelorette party. They will also help you on the day of the wedding with whatever you may need. Getting dressed, giving you a breath mint, helping fix your hair and makeup, and just being there for moral support!

Wedding Parties date back to ancient Roman times when 10 witnesses were required. The belief was that having them there they were to ward off evil spirits and demons! It is also believed in Ancient Rome and Feudal China, according to Reader’s Digest, that suggests a bride might have had to travel far to the town where the groom lived to get married so she needed a pack of people around her to help protect her. Having a large group of women all dressed in the same outfits made it difficult for “rival suitors” or bandits to get at the bride. Thus keeping her safe on her journey to her marriage ceremony.

Traditions are an integral part of the wedding. Most are done because that is what has been done in the past. And the wedding party is one of the most common parts of a wedding. So couples continue to have wedding parties included in their wedding day. It adds to the fun and excitement of the day to be surrounded by those who mean the most to you. Whether it is a large or small wedding party it does’t matter. That is your choice. What does matter are what those people mean to you. And it does not have to even on both sides. You can have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, again it is all your choice.

Fancy-curated, well-thought-out gift boxes with the question, “Will you stand by me?” are given to the wedding party. Filling them with mini bottles of champagne or bourbon or self-care items like facial masks and makeup or candles. It is a way of saying thank you for being there for me on the most important day of my life!

Being a member of a wedding party does have a financial investment tied to it as well. Dresses, tuxes, shoes, makeup, and jewelry are all needed. And of course, let’s not forget how much money will be spent for the weekend away for the bachelor or bachelorette party out of town. The cost can up very quickly. So keep in mind who you ask, as they may or may not have the financial means to participate in your wedding. And be respectful to them with the financial choices you are asking them to make. They may have four other weddings that they have been invited to be in!

Be thankful for your friends and family members who will be part of your wedding party. It is a big commitment and be sure to give them a gift to show your appreciation for their love and support! Paying for their hair or makeup or buying them jewerly to wear the day of the wedding are very nice gifts to give your bridesmaids. Cufflinks, ties, and socks are some of the most popular choices of gifts for you groomsmen.

No matter how large or small your wedding party is, choose those people who mean the most to you. The ones who you can’t imagine not having there to celebrate with you! And yes, matching dresses are still in style, but don’t be afraid to mix them up. After all, no ghosts will be following you on your wedding day!

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Photos by Abby Byrd Photography