Planning a wedding is a bit like putting together your own personal version of The Avengers, where you choose all your favourite heroes to form a team that can tackle your wedding day without any stress or dramas. It’s part logistics experts, part emotional support crew and part professional party‑throwers who are happy to get stuck in to make sure you have the most amazing wedding day ever.
Everyone has a role to play, whether it’s helping you into your dress, wrangling family members for photos, or making sure the DJ doesn’t accidentally play that one song you associate with your ex.
Sometimes, especially if you have a big family or a wide circle of friends, it can be hard to figure out who’s supposed to do what. Who do you need in your wedding party? Are ushers still a thing? Does the maid of honour really hold your bouquet and fix your veil? And what exactly does a best man do besides plan a hopefully-not-too-messy stag do?
On the day itself, you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of vows, confetti and dance‑floor bangers, so having your team in place (and knowing who’s handling what) is really important. It keeps everything running smoothly and makes sure everyone you hold close has a role to play in your special day.
And there are a lot of roles to fill. Some have a starring role (well, besides you, of course), while others play a smaller role – but no less important. So, to help you figure out who’s best for what sort of role, here’s your guide to who does what and exactly who deserves an extra slice of cake at the end of the night.
Roles in the wedding
The Couple
Now’s your time to shine as the star of the show!
After months or even years of planning, your main job on the day is to turn up, look fabulous and get married. During the lead-up to the big day, you played loads of different roles, including menu-planner, cake-taster, favour-maker, hotel-booker, seating-planner, decor-crafter, playlist-chooser and more. So, now that all of that stuff has been taken care of, you can let everyone else look after you and make sure you have an extra special wedding day you’ll remember forever.
On the day itself, your only responsibility is to soak it all in and enjoy it. Smile, take deep breaths and let all the professionals you’ve hired and family and friends you’ve recruited take care of the rest.
Who is this role perfect for?
You, of course! And nothing is required of you except to get married.
Maid of Honour / Person of Honour
This is your right‑hand lady (or man, if you like – it’s your wedding, after all!). They’re the calm in your pre‑ceremony storm, the keeper of tissues, lipstick and even your phone if you’ve decided a clutch doesn’t go with your dress. In the months before the big day, they’re also your go-to when it comes to hen party planning, dress fittings and countless calming conversations.
On the day, they’ll help with everything from keeping your train straight before you walk down the aisle to giving a heartfelt speech that makes everyone laugh and cry at the reception. They’ll literally be with you every step of the way, from helping you get ready in the morning to sitting beside you on the head table.
Who is this role perfect for?
Your sister, your best friend since school, or that cousin who knows your life story and never panics under pressure.
Bridesmaids / Wedding Party
This is your squad of gals (or guys) whom you adore and who have stuck by you through thick and thin – including during the prep for your big day.
They’re the ones helping you address invitations at midnight, lending a hand with DIY decor, and making sure you’re eating something on the morning of the wedding. They’ll also come with you to dress fittings and be there on your hen do (so make sure they’re all great at keeping secrets!).
On the day, they’ll help with last‑minute errands, round up family for photos and act as your cheerleaders from ceremony to reception. It’s not a always glamorous job (despite them looking – ironically – glamorous), but it’s a hugely important one. And of course, they’ll be first on the dance floor when the band starts up.
Who is this role perfect for?
Your closest friends, siblings or cousins. Basically, anyone who’s fun, reliable and up for anything.
Best Man / Best Person
The best man is traditionally the groom’s go‑to, but this role can be filled by anyone close to you, so long as you trust them to stick with you and keep you calm. That being said, there’s something else they have to keep, too… the rings! It’s a matter of life and death that, on the big day, they protect those precious rings like they’re being hunted down by Sauron himself. But just as important, they’re also a source of reassurance, keeping pre‑ceremony jitters in check (maybe sneaking you a finger or two of brandy to steady your nerves) and giving a toast. That means, they need to be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, with a perfect best man speech that’s part comedy routine, part heartfelt tribute.
During the run-up, they’re often in charge of the stag do and may help with suit fittings or last-minute errands. So, it also helps if they’re great at organisation!
Who is this role perfect for?
Your brother, best mate or anyone with a sense of humour but equally as happy with taking on a bit of responsibility (yes, both are essential).
For more information, read our article that covers all the best man’s duties.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen are the groom’s inner circle and closest confidants. They’re there for suit fittings, stag‑do planning and moral support in the run‑up to the big day. On the day itself, they help the groom get ready, keep the vibes calm (or fun!) and stand proudly by their side during the ceremony. Later, you’ll find them leading the charge on the dance floor or making sure no one has an empty glass.
But, you can also rely on them if you’re in a pinch. They’re a bit like the handymen of the wedding, there to do some heavy lifting or fix something last-minute.
Who is this role perfect for?
Close friends, brothers or cousins who know how to keep things light and be supportive.
Ushers
Ushers are the friendly faces making sure your guests know where they need to go. They hand out orders of service, guide people to their seats and answer those ‘where’s the loo?’ questions. They also help keep things on schedule and can assist with little tasks throughout the day. That means, they need to be great at admin!
Who is this role perfect for?
Outgoing friends or family members who don’t mind being on their feet and chatting with guests as they arrive.
What’s the difference between ushers and groomsmen?
There are a few key differences that mean ushers and groomsmen are actually two separate roles in a wedding.
Ushers help guests find their seats and hand out things like the order of service. Meanwhile, groomsmen are part of the groom’s ‘team’ and help with the overall logistics of the day – they’ll also usually appear in the photos, while ushers might not.
For more information, read our article covering the difference between ushers’ and groomsmens’ duties at a wedding.
Parents of the Couple
Traditionally, parents have always been important figures in a wedding, but these days, their roles are flexible and personal to each family. It really depends on your dynamic as a couple and if you want to be really traditional or do things a little differently.
Here, we’ll run through the traditional roles played by parents in a wedding, which you can adapt in any way you like.
Mother of the Bride
Often one of the most involved parents during the lead‑up to the wedding. She might help with dress shopping, offer input on everything from cake design to colour schemes and assist with guest lists. On the day, she’s usually busy greeting guests, helping the bridal party get ready and sometimes giving a speech or toast.
Who is this role perfect for?
A mum who loves being part of the details and is happy to step in as support and sounding board.
Father of the Bride
Arguably, one of the most famous roles in a wedding besides the couple (after all, they even made some movies about it!).
Traditionally, it’s a big role for a dad: walking the bride down the aisle. He may also give a heartfelt father of the bride speech at the reception and be part of the first dance (if you’re including that tradition). Beyond the formalities, he’s often the calm presence who steadies nerves and enjoys celebrating alongside you, despite maybe feeling plenty of nerves on the inside.
Who is this role perfect for?
A dad who’s comfortable in the spotlight for a few key moments, and always ready with a reassuring word or hug.
Mother of the Groom
Traditionally, the mother of the groom plays a smaller role in the wedding, but it’s still one that has a big impact. Her role often focuses on helping the groom feel supported and celebrated, especially during the build-up in the morning. She might help coordinate outfits or family logistics and act as a go-between with the bride’s parents. On the day, she often greets guests, mingles during the reception, and may also choose to give a speech or blessing.
Who is this role perfect for?
A mum who loves bringing people together and supporting behind the scenes.
Father of the Groom
Traditionally, the father of the groom might host the rehearsal dinner or contribute financially, but his main role on the day is simply being present and welcoming. He may also give a speech or toast, sharing wisdom and well‑wishes for the couple’s future.
Who is this role perfect for?
A dad who’s happy to play host and add warmth to the day with a few well‑chosen words (and plenty of smiles).
Of course, parents can play a big role during the planning of a wedding, too, especially when it comes to the payment side of things. For more information, read our article on who traditionally pays for what at a wedding.
Flower Girl and/or Page Boy
The official cuteness ambassadors. Flower girls sprinkle petals down the aisle ahead of the bride, while page boys might carry the rings, hold a sign or simply toddle ahead looking adorable. Their role is brief, but it helps them feel included, and they’ll love being the centre of attention for a few moments.
Who is this role perfect for?
Nieces, nephews, godchildren or any little ones in your family who love dressing up.
Ring Bearer
Sometimes a little one (traditionally, this might be either the page boy or another child), sometimes a furry friend (yes, we’ve seen plenty of dogs do this job!), the ring bearer’s role is to deliver the rings safely to the couple or best man.
Who is this role perfect for?
A child who can handle a little responsibility, or a well‑behaved pet who won’t instantly bolt for the door.
Officiant / Celebrant
The person who makes it all official. Whether it’s a registrar, a religious minister or an independent celebrant, they’re the voice guiding you through vows, promises and that magical ‘I now pronounce you…’ moment.
Just remember, a registrar makes sure your marriage is all legal and official, so you still need one even if you’ve decided to also hire a celebrant to make sure things are a little more personal.
Who is this role perfect for?
A licensed professional registrar, and possibly a celebrant who understands your vibe and makes you feel at ease.
Readers
A chance to involve more loved ones in the ceremony. Readers share a poem, scripture or meaningful excerpt that adds a personal touch. Their words often bring tears, smiles and a moment to reflect.
Who is this role perfect for?
Friends or family with a lovely speaking voice and a flair for reading in front of a crowd. They also need to be able to hold it together when reciting some beautiful words.
Toastmaster / MC
The day’s cheerleader and timekeeper. A toastmaster announces speeches, cues up the first dance and keeps guests informed about what’s happening next. Some venues may provide one, but plenty of couples ask a charismatic friend to do the honours, or even hire outside help.
Who is this role perfect for?
That confident, funny friend or relative who loves a microphone and thrives on keeping things running smoothly. Alternatively, you can hire one who has experience and can command attention with ease.
Witnesses
You need two witnesses to make a marriage legal. They sign the register and will always be a part of your history. This can be anyone; they don’t even have to be in the wedding party. That being said, traditionally, many couples choose the maid of honour and best man as their wedding witnesses.
Who is this role perfect for?
Trusted friends, family or anyone with a steady hand and neat signature.
Guests
While they’re not there to perform a duty, they’re still there to fill an important role… to celebrate! They set the mood, fill the dance floor and create the buzz that brings the party and makes your day unforgettable. Their job is simple: show up, celebrate and bring the love.
Who is this role perfect for?
Anyone in your life who you want to spend your amazing day with, including family, friends, co-workers and even the milk man if you like.
Are there are any other roles in a wedding?
While the above wedding roles are seen as some of the most traditional, you can always recruit more. There are always jobs to be done! So, if you’d like to give someone something to do but you don’t want to give them something traditional, below are a few more roles in addition to the vendors or suppliers you’ll hire along the way, like photographer, cake maker, food truck supplier and so on.
Wedding Planner / Wedding Coordinator
Loads of couples choose to hire a wedding planner, who will work with you to make sure all your ideas come to life (and help save you some money along the way). But, they can also be there on the day, which is useful especially if you’re going for a larger wedding with a lot to organise. They’ll help manage timelines, liaise with vendors, and fix problems before you even notice them.
Who is this role perfect for?
A hired planner or that ultra‑organised friend who lives for to‑do lists.
Wedding Content Creator / Social Media Helper
If you want to share your special day online as it happens, a wedding content creator can make that happen. They capture Insta-worthy behind‑the‑scenes moments and quick snaps, and share Stories for instant memories.
Who is this role perfect for?
A professional content creator, or a friend or relative (perhaps in their late teens or early 20s) who loves social media and knows how to take a great picture.
Guest Book / Polaroid Attendant
If you have a guest book for people to sign or a photobooth used to capture memories, you could recruit someone to oversee it for you. They encourage guests to sign, snap pictures, or leave audio notes so no message is missed.
Who is this role perfect for?
A chatty cousin or close friend.
Card & Gift Table Attendant
They keep an eye on cards and presents and help move them somewhere safe. They’re not a security guard, just someone to point guests in the right direction and organise everything so it’s kept safe and in order.
Who is this role perfect for?
A trusted family member.
Pet Handler
If your furry friend is part of the ceremony, you’ll need someone to take care of walks, treats and bathroom breaks, because you’ll certainly be too busy to do it yourself.
Who is this role perfect for?
A reliable, pet‑loving friend (ideally one whom your beloved little family member is already close with and trusts).
Decor Crew
If you’ve got a lot of decor to hand, you might want a little help making sure it’s set up correctly on the big day. You can also recruit someone to help set up or move decorations between the ceremony and reception.
Who is this role perfect for?
Crafty friends or relatives who love pitching in.
MC or Games Host
Not every wedding has one, but if you’re planning games or surprises, a host keeps the energy high and encourages everyone to get involved.
Who is this role perfect for?
A confident, funny family member who loves a microphone.
These roles aren’t essential, but they’re great ways to involve loved ones and keep things running smoothly.
A modern mix of wedding roles
While many of these wedding roles are traditional, none of them are set in stone. Loads of couples choose to honour the traditions, but give them a bit of a modern twist at the same time. So, if you want two maids of honour, a female ‘best man’, no speeches, or your pet parrot to fly the rings down the aisle, you can do just that. Your wedding, your rules.
At the end of the day, every person involved is there for one reason: to help you celebrate one of the best days of your life. So, hand out those roles, share the responsibilities, and get ready to say ‘I do’ with your favourite people there to cheer you on every step of the way.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
If you’re planning your wedding, you might have realised there’s a lot to juggle. From venues and photographers to guests and finances keeping on top of everything is tricky. Sign up to Bridebook today to help streamline your planning, keep it all in one convenient place, and get all the inspo and advice you need.
You Might Also Like…
- Maid of Honour Duties: Your Complete Guide & Wedding Day Timeline
- Everything You Need to Know about Page Boys
- Everything You Need to Know about Flower Girls
- Wedding Traditional Speech Order: Who Says What & When
Happy Planning!
Related articles
