moment between the groom and his mother.
Father of the groom. The father of the groom also supports his son on the wedding day. I have often seen the father of the groom hanging out with the groom and his groomsmen to offer support as needed. He will also co-host the rehearsal dinner and give a speech to honor his son and fiancée.
Ushers. The ushers are typically males who are close to the couple or related to the couple but are not bridesmaids or groomsmen. If you don’t want to select additional men, you can utilize the groomsmen as ushers. Their job responsibility is to escort the female guests into the venue for the ceremony. They let guests know which side to sit on based on whether they know the bride or the groom. You should have two ushers per one hundred guests.
Guestbook/program attendants. Typically, these are female relatives or friends who are close to you but not bridesmaids. Their job is to make sure the guests sign the guestbook at the ceremony and pass out the programs as guests enter the venue for the ceremony.
That is your bridal party and their responsibilities. When you ask your bridal party to be a part of your wedding, it’s important to discuss their responsibilities with them. Make sure they’re comfortable and willing to help you prior to and on your big day.
In Table 2-1, write in the names of the people in your bridal party. Down the road when we plan your ceremony, it will be helpful to have all the names in one spot.
TABLE 2-1 Your Bridal Party
| Title | Name |
|---|---|
| Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor | |
| Best Man/Men | |
| Bridesmaids | |
| Groomsmen | |
| Flower Girl(s) | |
| Ring Bearer(s) | |
| Mother of the Bride | |
| Father of the Bride | |
| Mother of the Groom | |
| Father of the Groom | |
| Ushers | |
| Guestbook/Program Attendant(s) | |
Standing by your side
Now that you have picked your bridal party, it’s time to figure out where everyone is going to stand and sit during your ceremony. In Chapter 12, when we create your ceremony, we’ll talk about how your bridal party processes or enters and recesses or exits the ceremony. For now, we’re going to work through the order of your bridesmaids and groomsmen and discuss where the parents sit during the ceremony.
I have a fun assignment for you to do together. Actually, because it’s fun, let’s call it a team-building opportunity. In Table 2-2, write the name of your bridesmaids and groomsmen in order, and then parents and grandparents. A few things to note when you do this:
Where you see “Bride” and “Groom,” that’s you.
Make it your own. The chart can say “Bride” and “Bride” or “Groom” and “Groom.” But the “bride” is always on the left.
Imagine standing at the front of the church. As you go down the chart, write in the names closest to you. The maid/matron of honor will be first, followed by the bridesmaids. Same thing for the groom’s side; the best man will be first followed by the groomsmen.
Fill in the names of your parents and grandparents. They will not be standing at the altar with you, but this will help you visualize which side of the ceremony seating they will be on.
TABLE 2-2 Your Bridal Party Order
| Bride’s Side | Groom’s Side |
|---|---|
| Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor | Best Man/Men |
|
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