Kingsbridge

On the day of the wedding, members of the wedding party are essential in helping the Bride and Groom to make sure everything runs smoothly. Traditionally, there are a number of members that make up the wedding party, each with their own duties and responsibilities.

Best Man

This is usually a reliable friend or relative chosen by the Groom. He has two main responsibilities amongst other things: to organise the stag party, and to make a speech at the wedding reception.

The stag party will need to be organised in advance to ensure that enough people are free to attend. It's a good idea to have the date of the stag party at least a week in advance of the actual wedding date itself to give the groom enough time to recover. It's also important to have a budget, find a suitable location and arrange some activities – although the Best Man should remember to try and bear in mind what the Groom might want. It's his party after all, not the Best Man's. Some arrangements may be discussed beforehand and talked through with the Groom, to make sure the stag party fits in with what he wants.

The Best Man's speech traditionally comes after those of the Bride's father and the Groom himself. It is a good idea for the Best Man to start thinking about the speech as soon as he is asked. There may be a variety of material which he includes, such as anecdotes, toasts, and thanks for those in attendance. There is no set criteria for what the Best Man has to say, and it will vary in length depending on what he wants to say. The most important thing for the best man to remember is to try and relax and be themselves. If they forget anything, stay calm and laugh it off – and the audience will laugh with you.

Father of the Bride

Some of the Father of the Bride's duties will include:

• Supporting his daughter on her wedding day and trying to keep her nerves under control
• Getting his daughter to the wedding ceremony on time
• Walking down the aisle beside her and giving his daughter away to the groom
• The Father of the Bride has the honour of making the first speech at the wedding reception, usually after the meal

If the father is unable to fulfill his duties, the Bride can ask her brother, uncle or close family member or friend to take on the responsibility.

Mother of the Bride

The Mother of the Bride's role is mainly one of organisation, although she must be careful not to interfere by forcing her own personal tastes on the Bride or Groom. Perhaps the best way for the role to be created is for the Mother of the Bride to ask her daughter exactly how she would like her to be involved. Some of her duties may include organisation of:

• The reception
• The Bridal gown and those of the Bridesmaids
• Flowers
• Wedding Cake
• Music
• Photography

Conferring with the Bride throughout the organisation process will ensure that the Mother of the Bride is carrying out her designated tasks in the way that the Bride wants.

Maid of Honour / Chief Bridesmaid

Similar to the Best Man's role, the Chief Bridesmaid will generally help, advise and support the bride to plan and prepare for a successful wedding day. She does not have to make a speech, but she needs to be close to the Bride and reassure her if there are any problems. It is also her responsibility to organise a hen party, and contact all the Bride's friends in advance to make sure they can attend.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids are normally close family members and friends from both the bride and groom's families. They will assist the chief Bridesmaid will her duties, and senior members of the party may even be called upon to perform small tasks at the reception. On the day itself, they tend to get ready at the Bride's home, and follow behind the Bride as she makes her entrance at the wedding ceremony.

Ushers

Traditionally Ushers usually comprised of family members of the Groom but nowadays they can also include friends and members of the Bride's family. They will be dressed in a similar manner to the Groom and Best Man, and should be a the wedding ceremony before the first guests are expected to arrive. They will greet guests as they arrive, and escort them to a suitable seat or pew. As a rough estimate, there should be at least one Usher to every 50 guests. The ushers should follow the requests of the Best Man to help the wedding day run as smoothly as possible.

Witnesses

The law requires that the Bride and Groom are accompanied by at least two credible Witnesses at the wedding, who will sign the register after the wedding ceremony. Witnesses may be relatives, friends or colleagues, and are usually over the age of 18.

The article The wedding party originally appeared on 999 Today