Bridesmaids are selected by the bride from among her close friends and family. Their duties and expectations are somewhat limited to purchase of their wedding day apparel which is usually selected by the bride, paying for their own transportation and accommodations and participation in and possible hosting of bridal showers and bachelorette events. For more information, see the published and downloadable Bridesmaid Duties list in the “Not the Bri...

A lighthearted addition to any wedding is a sweet little flower girl, and handsomely suited little ring bearer or page. These youngsters typically range in age from three to eight years old and are generally children of friends or family of the bride and groom, and sometimes their own children. Access typical lists of Duties of Flower Girls and Duties of Ring Bearers here.

These male friends and family have less responsibilities then the best man, other than the additional task of serving as ushers for pre-ceremony seating. They also attend the pre-wedding events, pay for their own formal wear, travel and accommodations, and assist in planning the bachelor event. Duties of the Groomsmen are further described in the downloadable list posted on the groomsman page of the “Not the Bride” section of our site.

Frequently, the flower girls are relatives or young friends of the bride or groom, or even their daughters. The flower girls enter ahead of the bridesmaids and bride in the processional, often carrying small nosegays, baskets of flowers, or traditionally, baskets of rose petals which they toss along the aisle as they enter. Read more about flower girls in our Not the Bride Section.

An older custom, but sometimes still a part of some weddings are the candle lighters. This honor is often given to special young ladies who are too old to serve as flower girls, and sometimes to other friends of the bride, or even the mothers of the couple. They light the candelabras, or in the case of mothers, the separate unity candles, before the ceremony. Of course, it is important to verify any restrictions your ceremony site may have on lig...

Typically, the best friend or brother of the groom, the best man carries more responsibilities than the other groomsmen. He offers support and assistance to the groom, is the general organizer of the groomsmen, heads up the bachelor party and signs the marriage certificate as a legal witness. He pays for his own wedding apparel, transportation and accommodations. Specific Duties of the Best Man are detailed in the published and downloadable list...

This lucky young man is usually the son of a close friend or relative, and sometimes even the son of the bride or groom. His main duty is to carry the ring on a pillow (or by other creative means) in the processional to the front of the ceremony facility where the vows will be exchanged. It is typically, then, collected by the best man, who will hold it until needed in the ceremony.  The ring bearer usually sits with his family during the ceremon...

The difference in title is that the Maid of Honor is a single woman, where a Matron of Honor is married.  This honor is given to a typically female, very close friend or family member of the bride. Sometimes a bride will choose both a maid and matron of honor, particularly if she has both a close friend and sister. There are many responsibilities typically part and parcel to the role. For more information regarding her role, see Duties of th...