On your wedding day, your bridal party is the group of
people who will be by your side. They will also assist you in planning all
pre-wedding events leading up to your big day. Continue reading to find out
who's who in a bridal party and everything you need to know about the roles
each person will play.
What Exactly Is a Bridal Party?
A bridal party is a group of loved ones who participate
actively in the events leading up to and on the day of your wedding. They
include the best man, maid of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and other
important people who will assist with everything from the rehearsal dinner to
the reception. You'll pose with them for wedding photos, follow them into the
reception, and rely on their help to make your special day as stress-free as
possible.
Historically, the term "bridal party" referred to
the bride's side of the wedding party. However, in recent years, it has become
more of a catch-all term for the entire wedding party. Though the terms can be
used interchangeably, it's become more common now that people feel less social
pressure to adhere to rigid gender norms for their weddings.
Do You Need a Bridal Party?
A bridal party is not required, but it often makes the
festivities more memorable and less stressful. Key members of bridal parties,
for example, can take the lead on specific aspects of the wedding planning
process.
However, there are times when a large bridal party is not
necessary. People planning small weddings, for example, may forego a
traditional wedding reception in favor of a more intimate gathering.
How Many People Are in a Bridal Party?
Bridal parties can be as small or as large as a couple
desires. In the United States, it is customary for each partner to have three
to five people (bridesmaids or groomsmen) standing beside them during the
ceremony. This includes the maid of honor and the best man. Some couples may
choose to have more or fewer guests.
Feel free to take a DIY and nontraditional approach to
selecting wedding party members for your nuptials. For example, if the bride
wants her brother or a close male friend to stand by her side, she can choose
him as a man of honor. When it comes to putting together a bridal party, the
only non-negotiable is that it be a group of people you love and who love you.
9 Roles in a Bridal Party
Putting together the right bridal party will make your
wedding day even more memorable. Here are nine wedding party roles to consider
when putting together your own:
1. The best man: The best man, who is frequently the groom's
best friend or brother, plays an important role at any wedding. His primary
responsibilities include organizing a bachelor party for the groom and
groomsmen and toasting the newlyweds at the wedding reception. It's become something
of a tradition for these speeches to be lighthearted, humorous, and tender at
the same time.
2. Bridesmaids: Close friends, sisters, and cousins of
the bride are the most common bridesmaid candidates. They attend the
bachelorette party, give the bride gifts at her shower, and sometimes accompany
her as she shops for her wedding gown in the run-up to standing by her side at
the altar. They also wear bridesmaid gowns of the same color and style.
3. Flower girl: Some couples have a young girl spread
flowers at the beginning of the wedding ceremony before the bride walks down
the aisle. This could be the daughter of a niece or a friend. If the couple
already has a child, she or he may serve as the flower girl. Some brides may
also include younger relatives as junior bridesmaids in their wedding parties.
4. Groomsmen: The groomsmen are usually his closest friends
and family members. They attend the bachelor party, the rehearsal dinner, and
the ceremony. As part of the wedding party, they will stand on the groom's side
of the aisle.
5. Maid of honor: The maid of honor (or matron of honor
if she's married) is responsible for planning the bridal shower and
bachelorette party, as well as giving a speech in honor of the couple at the
wedding.
6. Officiant: In religious ceremonies, the officiant may be
the congregational leader to which the bride or groom belongs. Anyone vested
with power by the state to perform this role can do so in more secular
weddings. Without an officiant, you may have a pleasant symbolic ceremony but
not a legal wedding. You'll need one to get a marriage license there.
7. Parents of the couple: The bride's and groom's
fathers and mothers play an important role in the wedding party. The father and
mother of the bride and groom will join their children on the dance floor to
sentimental songs. Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the engagement
party and the wedding itself, while the groom's parents pay for the rehearsal
dinner.
8. Ring bearer: On their wedding day, the newlyweds may hire
a young nephew or a friend's son to march the wedding rings down the aisle. To
avoid mishaps, some couples may provide alternative wedding bands to the ring
bearer.
9. Ushers: Other close family members and friends may
be asked by the bride and groom to usher everyone else on the wedding guest
list to their seats. They can relax and enjoy the rest of the wedding as
spectators once they've ensured that everyone is where they need to be.
