What is my Role?? Bridal Party Duties

So I was on one of my favorite wedding forums this morning (WeddingBee) and I came across this post, written by a frustrated bride who mentioned she was tired of the low expectations people had for their wedding party. I thought the responses to her rant were interesting because some people agreed and some people felt quite opposite. The people that disagreed mentioned that they thought it was selfish, unecesarry and unthoughtful to think that your bridesmaid/MOH would be willing to put their lives aside for the biggest day of YOUR life. What are your thoughts on this?? I listed below some of the "expected" bridal party duties.

If you've ever been a bridesmaid/groomsman what do you think is acceptable/unacceptable? Where do you draw the line? When is your bride considered a bridezilla? What are you WILLING/UNWILLING to do for the couple?? I thought this was interesting and would love to have some dialogue with you guys down in the comments! TALK TO ME!

Maid (Matron) of Honor

• Assists bride in choosing a bridal gown as well as in choosing attendants' gowns and jewelry.
• Purchase gown and accessories that she will be wearing.
• Helps bride address invitations.
• Plan and host bridal shower.
• Plan and host the bachelorette party.
• Records gifts received at showers as well as collecting all ribbons and bows for making the rehearsal bouquets.
• Helps the bride assemble and decorate wedding favors.
• Helps bride and bride's family decorate the reception hall, if necessary.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrive with at least 2 hours early to assist the bride in dressing.
• Organize bridesmaids and their gowns.
• Arrange bride's veil and train before and throughout the ceremony.
• Hold groom's ring during the ceremony if its not being carried by the ring bearer.
• Signs the wedding certificate as an official witness.
• Stands to the left of the groom in the receiving line.
• Dances when the music starts at the reception and asks other guests to dance.
• Be gracious and serve as an auxiliary hostess at the reception.

Best Man

• Plan and host the bachelor party.
• Rent or purchase wedding attire that is the same as the groom's.

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrange for transportation to ceremony for self and groom.
• Arrange for transportation of the couple as well as self to the reception.
• Arrives with the groom at least 1 hour before the ceremony.
• Helps keep the groom calm.
• Supervises groomsmen and ushers.
• Holds bride's wedding ring if not being carried by the ring bearer.
• Escorts the Maid (Matron) of Honor during the recessional.
• Forwards payment to musicians and officiate from the groom.
• Stands to the right of the bride in the receiving line.
• Makes the first toast at the reception and reads congratulations telegrams.
• Dances when the music starts and asks other guests to dance.
• Transport newlyweds to the honeymoon suite or airport after the reception.
• Organize the return of any rented wedding attire for all men in the wedding.

Bridesmaids

• Purchase gowns and accessories to wear in the wedding.
• Assist Maid (Matron) of Honor in planning and hosting bridal showers.
• Help with wedding favors.
• Run errands as needed by the bride.
• Help decorate the reception hall, if needed.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrive early at the wedding dressing site.
• Walk down the aisle before the Maid (Matron) of Honor, flower girl, and ring bearer.
• May stand in receiving line.
• Dance and are gracious at the reception.

Groomsmen and Ushers

• Purchase or rent wedding attire.
• Assist in planning and financing the bachelor party.
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrive dressed at least 1 hour before the wedding.
• Fold and distribute wedding programs.
• Ensure that all family members have corsages/boutonnières before being seated.
• Seat guests as follows:
  • Single females are escorted on the right.
  • Single males should walk along the left side.
  • Escort the female of a couple on the right with her date walking behind.
  • Guests of the bride are seated on the left.
  • Guests of the groom are seated on the right.
  • Leave first few rows unseated to accommodate family members.
  • Seat the mother of the groom.
  • Seat the mother of the bride.
  • Roll out the aisle runner.
• Light candelabras, as needed.
• Escort bridesmaids during the recessional.
• Check for any items left by guests at the ceremony site.
• Collect ceremony decorative items such as baskets, pew bows, and aisle runner.
• Dance when music starts and ask other guests to dance.
• Decorate the newlywed's car.

What do you guys think about these duties? Overkill? Not enough? Or somewhere in between?? Comment down below!

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