Maid of honor duties
13 jobsThe maid (or matron) of honor is the couple's right hand: they run the bridesmaids, host the hen or bachelorette, and on the day they're the one person who always knows where the couple is and what's next.
In the months before
- Plan and host the hen or bachelorette partyAgree a budget with the group before booking anything.
- Keep the bridesmaids in one group chat and answer their questionsSo the couple isn't fielding dress and hotel questions themselves.
- Go to dress fittings and help choose the bridesmaid outfits
The month before
- Help with DIY: favors, place cards, welcome bags
- Write your speech, if you're giving oneFive minutes. Read it aloud to someone who doesn't know the couple.
The week of the wedding
- Confirm hair and makeup times with every bridesmaid
- Pack the emergency kitSafety pins, plasters, painkillers, tissues, phone charger, snacks, stain pen.
On the day
- Keep the getting-ready room on scheduleYou're the one watching the clock, so the couple doesn't have to.
- Hold the bouquet and fix the dress or train at the altar
- Sign the register as a witness, if asked
- Bustle the dress before the first dance
- Make sure the couple eats and drinks water
Afterwards
- Take the dress home or to the cleanerAgree who takes it before the day, not at midnight.
Best man duties
11 jobsThe best man (or best person) organizes the stag or bachelor party, looks after the rings, gives a speech, and acts as a calm problem-solver for the couple on the day.
In the months before
- Plan and host the stag or bachelor partyAgree a budget with the group before booking anything.
- Make sure the groomsmen are fitted for suitsChase the ones who haven't sent measurements.
The month before
- Write your speechFive minutes, one or two stories, end with a toast. Nothing the grandparents shouldn't hear.
The week of the wedding
- Collect the rings and keep them somewhere you won't forget
- Confirm transport for the wedding party, with times and addresses
On the day
- Get the couple to the ceremony on time
- Hand over the rings at the right moment
- Sign the register as a witness, if asked
- Hand vendors their final payments or tip envelopesThe couple prepares them; you carry them.
- Give your speech and the toast
Afterwards
- Return rented suits on time
Bridesmaid duties
9 jobsBridesmaids help the maid of honor with the hen or bachelorette and the shower, get themselves ready on schedule on the day, and are a spare pair of hands whenever something needs carrying, fixing or finding.
In the months before
- Order your outfit and get it altered in time
- Chip in for and help plan the hen or bachelorette
- Help plan the shower, if there is one
The month before
- Help with DIY projects, if asked
The week of the wedding
- Know your hair and makeup slot, and be early for it
On the day
- Help the couple into the dress or outfit
- Walk in the processional and hold the bouquets
- Get people onto the dance floor
- Help pack up decorations and gifts at the end
Groomsman duties
9 jobsGroomsmen help the best man with the stag or bachelor party, show guests to their seats, and handle the practical jobs on the day — decorations, transport, and packing up.
In the months before
- Get fitted for your suit or order it
- Chip in for and help plan the stag or bachelor party
The week of the wedding
- Pick up your suit and try it on
On the day
- Help set up chairs, signs or decorations if the venue doesn't
- Show guests to their seatsFamily in the front rows. Know who is who.
- Walk in the processional
- Get people onto the dance floor
- Load gifts and decorations into the car at the end
Afterwards
- Return rented suits on time
What the parents of the couple do
9 jobsParents often host, welcome guests, give a speech and help with family logistics — rounding up relatives for photos, and making sure the older guests are looked after.
In the months before
- Agree what you're contributing, if anything, and say it clearly
- Send the couple your guest list and addresses, on time
The month before
- Write a welcome speech, if you're giving one
The week of the wedding
- Help with welcome bags or out-of-town guests
On the day
- Greet guests as they arrive
- Round up your side of the family for group photosThe photographer has a list; you know the faces.
- Look after grandparents and older relatives — seats, shade, a lift home
- Give the welcome speech or toast
Afterwards
- Host or help with a day-after brunch, if there is one
Usher duties
6 jobsUshers welcome guests at the ceremony, hand out programs, seat people in the right place, and keep the aisle clear — often the same people as the groomsmen.
The week of the wedding
- Learn who sits where, and which guests need help
On the day
- Arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony
- Hand out programs, confetti or order of service
- Seat guests, family in the front rows
- Make sure the aisle and the front stay clear
- Point guests to the drinks and the toilets afterwards
Flower girl and ring bearer — and their parents
5 jobsThe children walk the aisle; their parents do the actual job — getting them dressed, rehearsed and at the start of the aisle on time, with a plan for if they won't go.
The month before
- Try the outfit on, and buy spare tights or socks
The week of the wedding
- Bring them to the rehearsal
On the day
- Have them fed, napped and at the start of the aisle on time
- Sit near the front with a snack and a quiet toy
- Have a plan for if they won't walkA parent walks with them. Nobody minds.
Give every job a name and a deadline
In the app, you assign each job to a person with a date and instructions. They open a link — no account needed — and see only their own list. You see what's done without having to ask.