You’re engaged and the wedding planning is underway. The date is set and you’ve just booked your dream NC wedding venue, The Sutherland... so what’s next? Deciding who will stand next to you when you say “I do!” Picking out your wedding party is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. The wedding party is responsible for helping the couple plan and partake in pre-wedding events, like showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties, as well as being by your side throughout all of the wedding weekend festivities. The role of each wedding party member is important to keep in mind when deciding who you’ll ask, which is why the experts at The Sutherland NC wedding venue have put together this simple guide to explain who’s who in your wedding party, and the roles in which they are responsible for.

‍

The Maid/Matron of Honor

The Maid of Honor, or Matron if she is already married, is typically the bride’s sister or best friend. She has many important responsibilities, including serving as head of the bridesmaids. Her duties include planning the bachelorette party, helping the bride get ready and tending to all of her needs on her wedding day, and acting as a witness by signing the official wedding license once the ceremony has ended. 

The Best Man

The Best Man is usually the Groom’s best friend, brother, or dad. Just like the Maid of Honor, the Best Man serves as the Groom’s right-hand man. His duties include planning the bachelor party, holding the rings during the ceremony, and acting as a witness by signing the official wedding license once the ceremony has ended.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are oftentimes the bride and grooms’ closest friends, siblings, or relatives. They stand next to the Maid of Honor and Best Man during the ceremony in coordinating outfits, and they also are included in all of the parties and events leading up to the wedding. 

Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Having Junior Bridesmaids is a sweet way to include younger female friends and relatives. A Junior Bridesmaid is a role that is most often filled by a girl who is between 9 and 13 years old. Boys too young to be groomsmen can also participate as Junior Groomsmen. They can stand with the rest of the wedding party during the ceremony or have designated seats on the front row, and they typically wear outfits that coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. 

The Ring Bearer And Flower Girl

The Ring Bearer is a young boy who carries the couple’s rings down the aisle during the ceremony. If you include a Flower Girl in your wedding party, she will most often walk ahead of the bride scattering flowers across the aisle or holding a small bouquet. Both of these roles can be filled by friends or family members, and will also wear coordinating outfits to the rest of the wedding party.  

The Ushers And Officiant

The Ushers’ main responsibility on the wedding day is to help escort guests to their seats before the ceremony. Having Ushers is a great way to include additional friends and family members in your wedding without having too many groomsmen. The officiant is the person responsible for actually getting the couple married. Examples include a priest, a rabbi, a minister, or your closest friend.

The Sutherland NC Wedding Venue

While these are general expectations for each role within a traditional wedding party, feel free to customize your group to best suit the concept of your wedding. Your wedding party will be by your side throughout the planning process and during the entire celebration, so it is important that the group is made up of your closest family and friends that will cheer you on throughout the process. For more tips, tricks, and wedding day advice, contact the experts at The Sutherland NC wedding venue!