Dear bridal couple, Are you wondering who’s responsible for what on your wedding day? I’ve created a list of traditional wedding roles to help you understand who typically takes care of which tasks.Of course, these aren’t strict rules — you can decide freely who takes on which responsibilities (or not at all). Your day, your choices.
Bride & Groom
Naturally, the main responsibility of the bride and groom is to get married — but before that, there are countless decisions to be made!Ideally, both partners share the planning process to balance the workload and ensure both are happy with the outcome.Here are the key tasks for the couple:
- Setting the wedding budget
- Choosing the wedding date, venue, and style
- Deciding on the type of ceremony (civil, church, or symbolic)
- Coordinating invitations, flowers, photography, and more
- Purchasing wedding rings
- Writing personal vows (if desired)
- Sending thank-you cards after the wedding
In addition, the couple traditionally makes sure that their families prepare guest lists.
The bride selects her bridesmaids and maid of honor, hosts a bridesmaids’ luncheon, thanks her attendants, and buys a gift for the groom.
The groom chooses his groomsmen and their attire, buys thank-you gifts for his best man and the bride, arranges and pays for the marriage license and officiant fee, and reserves hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Parents of the Bride
Traditionally, the bride’s parents hosted the engagement party and paid for most of the wedding. Today, costs are often shared between both families and the couple, but certain responsibilities remain.
The parents of the bride:Host the engagement partyHelp with the guest listOffer advice and emotional support throughout the planning process
The mother of the bride chooses her outfit first, then informs the groom’s mother so that both looks complement each other.
The father of the bride escorts the bride to the ceremony (sometimes with the mother on the other arm), walks her down the aisle, and is the last to leave the reception — ensuring all guests are thanked and all outstanding payments are settled.
Parents of the Groom
Traditionally, the groom’s parents contact the bride’s parents after the engagement, help with their portion of the guest list, and host the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.They also coordinate attire with the bride’s parents and contribute to wedding expenses.
Maid of Honor
Reliability is the most important quality for the maid of honor — she’s the bride’s right hand and emotional support throughout the planning journey.
Before the wedding, she coordinates the bridesmaids’ activities, helps select dresses, and organizes the bachelorette party. She may also assist with addressing invitations and keeping track of gifts.
On the wedding day, she helps the bride get dressed, holds her bouquet during the ceremony, signs the marriage license as a witness, and ensures the bride looks perfect throughout the day. She dances with the best man and helps organize group photos. After the celebration, she assists the bride in changing and keeps the wedding dress and bouquet safe.
Bridesmaids
Dear Bride, you can have as many bridesmaids as you wish — though traditionally, twelve is the limit. They can be single or married, and of any age.
Their main role is to assist the maid of honor and support the bride. Bridesmaids often help address invitations, plan the bachelorette party, and cover their own attire, travel, and accommodation costs.
During the reception, they typically dance with the groomsmen and key guests.
Flower Girl
The flower girl is usually between four and eight years old, depending on maturity. During the ceremony, she walks ahead of the bride, scattering petals or carrying a small bouquet.She should participate in the rehearsal so she feels comfortable with her role. Her parents cover her outfit and transportation.
Best Man
Just like the maid of honor, the best man is the groom’s main support — typically his brother or best friend.
Before the wedding, he organizes the bachelor party, coordinates attire for the groomsmen, collects the groom’s outfit, and confirms honeymoon arrangements.
On the big day, he ensures the groom arrives on time, holds the wedding rings, and signs the marriage certificate as a witness. He also gives a speech, dances with the maid of honor, and makes sure the getaway car and luggage are ready. Afterward, he returns all rented suits.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen (also known as ushers) have only a few tasks before the wedding — mainly helping the best man organize the bachelor party.
On the wedding day, they arrive early to greet and seat guests.
They pay for their own attire, travel, and lodging.
Ring Bearer
These traditional roles can help you structure your wedding — but remember: There are no strict rules. Every couple is unique, and you can assign roles however they feel right for you.
These traditional roles can help you structure your wedding — but remember: There are no strict rules. Every couple is unique, and you can assign roles however they feel right for you. If you’d like personalized guidance on dividing responsibilities for your own wedding, feel free to get in touch — Eternal Love is happy to help you plan your day with structure, heart, and style.
With love, Christin 💖
Eternal Love (https://stuttgarter-hochzeitsplaner.de/kontakt/)
