The Roles of the Bridal Party
Sometimes people don't realize how much responsibility members of the bridal party take on. Here is a breakdown of the roles, compiled from a variety of resources, which are listed below. These lists are by no means exhaustive, and can vary depending on the wedding. Looking at all of us makes us all the more grateful to our wedding entourage! Thank you so much! We love you.
The Godparents
Godparents, Sponsors, Ninongs and Ninangs - these are the different titles for a special group of people who are like secondary parents for the bride and groom. In the Filipino tradition, there are Primary Sponsors and Secondary Sponsors. The Primary Sponsors serve as witnesses to the couple's freedom and readiness to enter into marriage and sign the marriage license. The Secondary Sponsors are divided into three sets, the Candle, Veil, and Cord Sponsors. Louie and I decided not to have Secondary Sponsors. We will be asking our Ninongs and Ninangs to partake in the Presentation of the Gifts (bread, wine, offerings) and candles, veil, and cord. To learn more about the candles, veil, and cord, as well as other elements of a Filipino Catholic Wedding, see The Ceremony page.
The Maid/Matron of Honor and The Bridesmaids
Some people have asked about the difference between a maid of honor and a matron of honor. The basic difference is that a maid of honor is not married, which means that the matron of honor is married. These ladies play very important roles and do much more than stand there looking happy to wear a dress the bride chooses for them ~_^.
Duties of the Maid/Matron of Honor
- main source of support for the bride
- coordinate fittings for bridesmaids
- purchase dress, accessories, shoes
- host or organize bridal shower
- be on hand to assist the bride as needed with preparatory errands and tasks
- host or organize bachelorette party
- coordinate bridesmaids activities
- host or organize bachelorette party
- coordinate bridesmaids activities
- attend the rehearsal
- make sure bride has groom's ring
- stand next to bride during ceremony and arrange train and dress, hold bouquet, and keep groom's ring until needed
- sign marriage certificate
- greet guests and answer questions
- help seat guests are ceremony and reception
- dance with best man
- organize bridesmaids for formal pictures
- encourage participation of guests
- bring bride's dress to cleaners
Duties of the Bridesmaids
- offer support to the bride
- purchase dress, shoes, accessories, and arrange for a fitting
- co-host bridal or couple shower
- assist the bride as needed with preparatory errands and tasks
- attend the rehearsal
- put together a wedding day survival kit
- white masking tape
- strong glue for broken heels
- extra pair of hose
- safety pins
- clear nail polish
- hairpins and/or clips
- hair spray
- anti-static spray
- aspirin
- mints
- comb and/or brush
- tissues
- smelling salts
- snacks
- bottles of water
- stand up with the bride during the ceremony
- put together a wedding day survival kit
- greet guests and answer questions
- help seat guests are ceremony and reception
- assist the maid/matron of honor
- dance with groomsmen
- encourage participation of guests
The Best Man and The Groomsmen/Ushers
The male members of the bridal entourage are not without their share of traditional responsibilities, either. Just like the ladies, these guys are not only prepared to help the groom, but the guests, as well.
Duties of the Best Man
- biggest source of support for groom
- in charge of groomsmen's attire
- coordinate fittings for groomsmen
- rent attire, arrange for fitting, and return attire after wedding
- co-host couples shower with maid/matron of honor
- assist groom as needed
- attend rehearsal
- toast at rehearsal dinner
- host or organize bachelor's party
- make sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time
- hold the bride's ring
- stand next to groom during ceremony
- keep bride's ring safe
- sign marriage contract
- hand off payment to officiant
- organize groomsmen for formal pictures
- help with transportation of guests if needed
- greet guests and answer questions
- offer the first toast at the reception
- dance with maid/matron of honor
- arrange transportation for bride and groom after reception
- return groom's attire
- confirm honeymoon
Duties of the Groomsmen
- offer support groom
- rent attire, arrange for fitting, return attire after wedding
- assist with and attend couples shower
- attend rehearsal
- assist groom as needed with preparatory errands and tasks
- escort bridesmaids down the aisle
- stand up with groom during ceremony
- greet guests and answer questions
- help seat guests and be aware of and take care of special seating
- check pews and bathrooms for lost items
- provide guests with directions to reception after ceremony
- help with transportation of guests if needed