The Bridal Party
Why exactly do we recruit bridesmaids and groomsmen? This handy guide reveals all.
THE GIRLS MAID OR MATRON OF HONOUR
Usually the bride’s sister or best friend takes on the role as her right-hand woman or maid/matron of honour (matron if she’s married, maid if she’s not). She helps with everything from the invitations to the seating arrangements to the bridesmaid dresses, and also takes charge of organising the hen’s party and bridal shower. On the day, she helps the bride get ready, holds her bouquet at the altar and might even sign the register as a witness.
BRIDESMAIDS
The bridesmaids support the maid or matron of honour with all wedding-related duties. These may include organising the hen’s party, helping with DIY tasks such as creating table settings and stuffing invitations or ensuring the bride’s train is perfectly arranged for the wedding photos on the big day. During the wedding reception, it’s often the bridesmaids’ duty to entice guests to hit the dance floor.
FLOWER GIRL
Too young for bridesmaid tasks, the flower girl walks down the aisle ahead of the bride, tossing petals as she goes. It’s important to be mindful of the flower girl’s age and capabilities; if a younger child doesn’t feel like following directions on the day, be prepared to let it go and move on.
THE BOYS BEST MAN
The best man is the male version of the maid of honour. His tasks include organising the stag do, making sure the groom arrives at the ceremony on time, presenting the rings to the groom during the ceremony and giving a speech at the reception. He’ll also help with set up, if needed, in the days leading up to “I do”, and any other DIY tasks the bride and groom need help with in the months before the wedding.
GROOMSMEN
The groomsmen are the groom and best man’s support network. At the ceremony, their role may be to greet and help seat guests, hand out programmes and escort the bridesmaids to the reception. Leading up to the wedding, they’ll pitch in where DIY help is needed, and assist the best man in organising the stag do.
PAGE BOY
The page boy’s main responsibility is to carry the rings down the aisle – and hopefully dance with the flower girl. W
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE PICKING YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
WILL WE STILL BE FRIENDS IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?
Choose the people that mean the most to you. Family, forever-friends – those who will be with you through good and bad.
IS HE/ SHE SUPPORTIVE OF THE WEDDING?
You want a group of people that are almost as excited for the day as you are.
AM I CHOOSING THESE PEOPLE OUT OF OBLIGATION?
Don’t choose anyone just because you were a bridesmaid for them, or solely because they’re related to you. This is one of the biggest moments in your life – you want to be surrounded by people that are in your bridal party for all the right reasons.
IS SHE/ HE BRIDESMAID/ GROOMSMAN MATERIAL?
Being a bridesmaid comes with responsibilities – if she has a highdemand job that means replying to your texts is hard at the best of times, it’s going to be tricky for her to organise a hen’s party and make it to your favour-crafting session. Equally, will she be a happy, positive presence to have around? Your wedding – and the whole lead up – is above all, meant to be fun.