Maid/Matron of Honor: This is your closest female friend, be it your sister, your mother or your best friend. If she is married, she is called the Matron of Honor (MOH). The MOH handles the rest of the bridesmaids by making sure that they all go to their fittings, help the bride pick out her wedding dress (or at least go with her while she finds one), she pays for her own outfit and jewelry for the wedding. She is the shoulder to cry on when the bride feels overwhelmed. She is also in charge (or helps) with the cost and planning of bridal shower and the bachelorette party. On the day of the wedding, she keeps the bride cool and collected, makes sure she is fed, and keeps her on track (if there is no wedding planner). She signs the marriage license with the Best Man. MOH duties not only vary by bride’s expectations, but in these modern times, can also be a man instead of a woman .
Best Man: The best man is the groom’s closest male friend, be it brother, father or best friend. The Best Man handles some of the MOH duties: Help organize the groomsman, get the tuxes, keep the groom calm. Give a toast during the rehearsal dinner and during the reception. He oversees the payments for the vendors and he holds the marriage license, he and the MOH also sign the license afterwards. He decorates the escape car or the limo and keeps an eye on the gifts. He is responsible for the bachelor party. His duties vary by the groom’s expectations and again, this position can be a female, instead of a male.
Bridesmaids: You can have as many bridesmaid as you want in your bridal party. These women can be your friends, your family, your cousins, etc. The bridesmaid help the MOH, they are the first ones on the dancefloor, they are the ones that can run quick errands for the brides, they can even help with prewedding planning by addressing envelopes.
Groomsmen: They often act as ushers during the ceremony. They stand up with the groom at the alter and they walk the bridemaids down the aisle. They help decorate the getaway car and dance with the bridesmaids and other single women at the wedding.
Junior Bridesmaids/Junior Groomsmen: If there is a younger member of the family that wants to be a part of the wedding, this would be their role. Usually between the ages of 8 to 14, the girls wear more modest versions of the bridesmaids and the boys can usually wear a sports coat.
Flower Girl: Usually ages 1 to 7, this member walks up the aisle scattering petals before the bride. Most end up sitting with their parents during the ceremony.
Ring Bearers: Also ages 1 to 7, they usually carry a small decorative pillow with two wedding bands tied to it (usually fakes, in case they are lost).
Mother of the Bride : This role is entirely up to the bride. The MOTB can act as wedding guest planner (Although you were smart and hired one already), reception hostess, and shoulder to lean on .
Father of the Bride: He normally is the one that pays for most, if not the whole party. He schedules the toasts and helps the mother of the bride with hosting duties. He walks the bride down the aisle. He can dole out additional tips to the wait staff.
Mother of the Groom: She assists the Mother of the Bride with hosting duties. She gets to have a Mother/Son dance with the Groom.
Father of the Groom: He pays for the rehearsal dinner and helps out with the Mother of the Groom duties.
