The Roles and Responsibilities

While surfing the net looking for various things to do with the whole wedding planning I came across a list of the expected responsibilities of the various wedding day roles. I thought I'd steal these lock stock and barrel and share them with you here so that we all know what to expect.

Please remember people, these are the expectations you will be judged by ;0)

The Best Man
A supporting role to the groom. A position of huge responsibility that should not be undertaken or indeed offered lightly. His duties include:

• The arrangement of the Stag Party (this should not be the night before the wedding)
  Ensuring a punctual and sober arrival of the groom at the wedding venue - good luck
  Issuing of Buttonholes.
  Issuing of Orders of Service.
  Organising the seating with the wedding venue.
  Responsibility for the bringing of rings to the wedding venue. - AND NOT LOOSING THEM
• Presenting rings to the registrar when required.
  Witnessing the signing of the register.
  Organisation of the Ushers - Good luck again
  Payment of Hall fees on behalf of the groom - Oh yes, I whole heartedly agree with this one!!
  Escorting the chief bridesmaid down the aisle.
  Organising the transport from the ceremony to the reception. - Could be a tricky one
  'Best man' speech at the reception. - Keep it short and clean, remember I have three brothers!!

• Reading out any telegrams and messages.
  Delivery of the going away outfits to the bride and groom at the reception.
  Organising somewhere for the bride and groom to change prior to going away.
  Ensuring the bride and groom's luggage leaves with them on their honeymoon. - With Inogen's track record!!
  Organising the collection of wedding presents.
  Having first dance with the chief bridesmaid.
  Ensuring guests' transport arrangements are organised. - Oh this is going to be fun
  'Breaking down barriers' among the guests to ensure the party moves into full swing. - and farting in crowds does't count!!
  

The Bridesmaids

In much the same way as the best man's role to the groom, the Chief Bridesmaid (usually the bride's sister or best friend) has a supporting role to the bride - but one that will not involve making a speech - Not fair, who ridicules the bride!!. Her duties are assisting the bride in getting dressed before and after the ceremony. She holds the bridal bouquet during the ceremony and is responsible for the organisation of the other bridesmaids. She will be escorted from the hall by the best man.

Responsibilities of the Chief Bridesmaid:

• Assisting the bride in recording accepted and declined invitations. - Well, where were you on the 11 April Mrs Bailey!!
  Organising the Hen Night - look out world!!
  Helping the bride with her choice of wedding dress.
  Meeting the bride at the entrance to the wedding venue.
  Confirming final checks with florist, photographer, reception etc.
  Witnessing the signing of the register.
  Re-arranging the bridal dress, veil and train at the wedding venue when necessary - yeah, you is her slave!!
  Being on hand to assist with the requirements of the bride as and when they arise - Slave slave slave
  Making sure the bride is ready on the day - and at least vaguely on time, not two hours late because she couldn't decide what to wear as usual
  Accompanying the bride to the hairdresser on the wedding day.
  Ensuring the brides transport is on schedule.
  Checking that the bride has packed everything for the honeymoon - including 15 pairs of flip flops of course
  Organising the flowergirls and bridesmaids.
  Carrying the brides bouquet to the alter.
  Lifting the brides veil at the alter.
  Assisting the best man introduce people to each other at the reception.
  Keeping the remainder of the wedding cake until the couple return from their honeymoon - and smuggling it back to Dubai for us!!
  Returning any hired clothing - and washing them and ironing them first......by hand
  

Responsibilities of Bridesmaid:

·Assist Chief Bridesmaid with her preparations.
· Follow the bride into the church.

The Ushers

The ushers main duties are:

• Showing people to their seats at the ceremony
  Distributing orders of service.
  Distributing buttonholes.
  Assisting the photographer in organising the photographs - and keep the best man away as he will only start talking photo stuff and making Dave nervous
  Assisting the best man with organisation of transport.
  Generally looking after the guests.
  Escorting the bride's mother to her seat - getting her her first drink, and generally pampering to her every need.
  Introducing guests to each other

The Brides Parents

Bride's Father:

• Travels to church with his daughter.
  Escorts his daughter down the aisle.
  Gives his daughter away during the ceremony.
  Witnesses the signing of the register.
  Escorts the Groom's Mother from the ceremony.
  Makes the first speech at the reception.
  Raises a toast to the bride and groom.
  Bids farewell to departing guests.
  He is traditionally the last person to leave the reception - Good luck on that one!!
  

The bride's mother has a vital role in supporting her daughter with all her preparations. She should listen and respect the brides wishes at every stage......and stay well out of the way when she turns into bridzilla

The Grooms Parents

There are no traditional roles for the groom's parents to carry out - You get off lightly don't you