BEST MAN

· Discuss plans with Bride, Groom, and Bridesmaids
· Make arrangements to hire your clothes and decide who will pay.
· Help to organise the stag party with the Groom
· Prepare speech for the reception (see notes below)
· Check that the Groom has all the necessary documents for the ceremony
and all the travel documents for the honeymoon (passports, tickets, etc.)
· Arrange transport for yourself and the Groom to the ceremony
· Finalise speech
· Collect any hired clothing and accessories the day before the wedding

On the Day

· Check Final arrangements with the rest of the wedding party
· Keep the wedding rings safe until the ceremony
· Help the Groom to get ready and make sure he arrives on time
· Ensure any fees are paid on behalf of the Groom
· Sit in the right-hand front row with The Groom
· Produce the rings when requested
· Witness signing of register, if required
· Follow the Bride and Groom down the aisle,
with the chief bridesmaid on your left arm
· Assist the photographer in organising guests for the group photographs
· Stand in the receiving line and greet each guest
· Read out any telemessages or greeting cards
of friends or family who could not be there
· Give the third and final speech
· Dance with the chief Bridesmaid once the
Bride & Groom have had the first dance together

BRIDESMAID DUTIES

· Discuss your dress or outfit with the Bride early on, especially if it is being made and ascertain who will pay
· Help the Bride to choose her dress
· Arrange or assist with plans for the hen party
· Collect any hired clothes or accessories (1 day to go)
· Ensure the bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids
and flower girl (on the day)

On the Day

· Keep the Bride calm
· Help the other bridesmaids, bride and flower girl to get dressed
· Leave for the ceremony with the Brides Mum ten minutes before The Bride
· Arrange the Bride's dress and veil (if she has one)
· Follow behind the Bride and her father up the aisle
· Hold the Bride's bouquet during the ceremony
· Leave the ceremony on the left hand side of the best man,
behind the bride and groom
· Stand in the receiving line between the
Groom and the best man to greet each guest.
· Help to display and record gifts received
· Help the Bride to get in and out of her dress when
she needs the toilet! and to change into going away outfit
· after the wedding - return any hired clothes

USHERS DUTIES

· Arrange to hire your hire clothes with the best man
and other ushers, and decide who will pay
· Confirm final arrangements with the best man and any other
ushers including time of arrival at the church
· Obtain a large umbrella (so that you can keep guests and bride
and groom dry when walking from cars to building!)

On the Day

· Collect Order of Service sheets
· Arrive at the venue 30/20 minutes before the ceremony
· assist the guests with parking if needed
· welcome guests as they arrive
· hand out order of day sheets & buttonholes
· make sure guests have their mobile phones turned off
· escort the brides mother and guests to their seats
· try to seat couples with young babies or children close to the exit
· assist the best man in arranging guests for photographs

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

· Arrange to hire clothes and decide who will pay
· Prepare Speech for the reception
· Finalse Speech
· Collect any hired clothing and accessories

On the Day

· Escort Bride to the ceremony
· Arrive last with the Bride
· Give Bride away
· Stand until after the vows, and then join Bride's Mum in the front row of seats/pew
· Stand in second place in the receiving line and greet guests
· Propose a toast to the bride and groom and make the first speech
· mix among guests and introduce them

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

· Help the bride with planning and arrangements
· Arrange your outfit - check with Grooms Mother about the colour and style so you do not clash (also bear in mind what the bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party are wearing)

On the Day

· Help the bride and bridesmaids to get ready
· Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the Bride with the Bridesmaids
· Sit in the front left row at the ceremony
· Stand in first place in the receiving line and greet guests
· Act as hostess, mixing with guests and introducing them
· Arrange photographs to be distributed after the wedding

SPEECHES

· Three speeches are given:
1. Father of the Bride
2. Groom
3. Best Man

· You should prepare well and have cue cards

Father of the Bride - this should be about the Bride and kept serious. It would usually contain words of affection and perhaps one or two short stories. He also welcomes his new son in law to the family. Finally, he makes a toast to the bride and groom.

Groom - The Groom speaks on behalf of the Bride and himself. He should thank the brides father for making the toast, and thank both parents if they have contributed towards the wedding for their generosity. He should mention how happy he is having married the bride and may mention how they met, and thank everyone for coming. Finally, he thanks his best man and proposes a toast to the bridesmaids.

Best Man - If the best man is confident, he may make the speech witty, but only if he feel comfortable doing so. He must be careful not to swear or offend anyone. He offers his congratulations to the bride & groom and wishes them happiness for the future. He may tell a story or two about the groom and the bride if he knows her well. He may read out any cards from family or friends who could not be there. Finally, he announces the cutting of the cake.

Editor - Sarah Lindsay.