Attendants

Listed below are many tasks that may be asked of you by the bride or groom. Some are required, such as getting the proper attire and participating in the photo sessions and ceremony, however most are optional. In some regions, it is expected that the maid of honor and bridesmaids will host a small bridal shower for the bride. While in other areas, it is common for the bride's Aunt or future mother-in-law to host a large bridal shower. Things such as a bachelor or bachelorette party are thoughtful to plan for your friends, but if you are financially strapped or live in a different area than they do, don't feel obligated.

Keep an open communication to make sure you understand the bride's and groom's expectations, and be honest about your financial and time limitations.

Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

♦ pay for your own attire, transportation and lodging
♦ help address invitations if a professional calligrapher is not hired
♦ help assemble favors
♦ host or co-host a bridal shower
♦ host a bachelorette party
♦ arrange for your wedding-day hair and makeup
♦ attend all pre-wedding parties (especially the rehearsal)
♦ assist in decorating the ceremony or reception location
♦ arrive at scheduled wedding-day meeting place
♦ be available for photos throughout the day
♦ provide moral support for the bride
♦ help the bride with her outfit and makeup throughout the day
♦ participate in the ceremony
♦ hold the bride's bouquet at times during the ceremony (maid of honor)
♦ sign the marriage license as a witness (maid of honor)
♦ dance with the bridal party after the bride and groom have their first dance

More Information:
Details for the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids
The Bridal Shower
Game: Bridal Shower Bingo

Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers

♦ arrange for formalwear, based on the groom's instructions
♦ pay for your own attire, transportation and lodging
♦ plan and host the bachelor party
♦ attend the rehearsal and other pre-wedding parties
♦ arrive at scheduled wedding-day meeting place
♦ be available for photos throughout the day
♦ escort guests to their seats as they arrive at the ceremony (ushers or groomsmen)
♦ unroll the aisle runner immediately prior to the processional
♦ participate in the ceremony
♦ hold both rings until the officiant asks for them (best man)
♦ sign the marriage license as a witness (best man)
♦ give the first toast at the reception (best man)
♦ dance with the bridal party after the bride and groom have their first dance
♦ return formalwear within a day or two of the wedding

More Information:
Details for the Best Man
Details for the Groomsmen and Ushers
Giving a Toast
Bachelor Party Ideas

Child Attendants

♦ Formalwear should match the other attendants', though girls' outfits should be age appropriate.
♦ The children's clothing is paid for by their parents.
♦ Everyone should be available for photos throughout the day.
♦ They may be invited, with their parents, to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Junior Bridesmaids:
They may attend any showers, but are not expected to contribute to the costs of these parties. They may help in any of the tasks with the other bridesmaids, such as assembling favors or decorating the reception hall.

Junior Ushers:
They distribute programs as guests enter the ceremony site.

Flower Girl:
She is the last attendant in the processional, and will decorate the wedding aisle with flower petals for the bride's entrance.

Ring Bearer:
He will walk either alongside of or immediately preceding the flower girl. He should carry a pillow with symbolic rings to the altar. (The best man will carry the actual rings.)

Pages:
Two children, preferably the same height, who help carry the bride's train while she walks up the aisle.