Bridal Party Roles: Who Does What (and Who's Just Here for the Champagne)?
So, you’ve said “yes” to your person—and now it’s time to say “yes” to your bridal party. Cue the matching robes, group chats, and happy tears. But once the glitter settles and the excitement kicks in, you might find yourself thinking… Wait—what exactly is everyone supposed to do? If you're not sure what the Maid of Honor actually does or whether your groomsmen are just there to look good in suits (spoiler: it’s more than that), don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down for you. Here’s your fun, no-fluff guide to bridal party roles and who does what.
The Bride: The Main Event Let’s be real—this whole party doesn’t happen without you! As the bride, you’re the one making the big decisions: the date, the vibe, the venue, and the dress of your dreams. You’ll also choose your bridal party (and possibly stress a tiny bit about whether to include your cousin you haven’t seen since 2012—don’t worry, we’ve all been there). Your job? Lead the vision, stay sane, and delegate like a boss. Because spoiler: you don’t have to do it all alone.
Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor: Your Ride-or-Die This is your person. Your go-to girl (or guy!) who will zip you into your dress, wipe your happy tears, and hold your bouquet while you say, “I do.” Traditionally, your Maid (or Matron) of Honor is in charge of planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party, managing the bridesmaids, helping with any “bride vibes only” tasks, and giving a toast that makes everyone laugh and cry. She’s basically your human wedding planner/best friend hybrid. Treat them well—their doing a lot!
Bridesmaids: Your Hype Squad Your bridesmaids are there to support you, cheer you on, and maybe stop you from sending that “I’m changing the seating chart again” text at 2 AM. They’ll be there for all the major moments: dress shopping, the bachelorette bash, and of course, dancing their hearts out at the reception. Their to-do list includes buying their outfits, showing up on time, helping with little projects (like DIY favors or envelope-stuffing parties), and making you feel like the most loved person on the planet. Bonus points if they bring snacks and champagne to planning sessions.
Best Man: The Groom's MVP The Best Man is the Groom’s right-hand guy. He’s there to keep the nerves in check, plan the bachelor party, and make sure the groom doesn’t forget the rings (or his vows) on the big day. He’s also expected to give a killer speech, coordinate the groomsmen, and maybe stop the groom from pre-ceremony tequila shots (unless that’s the vibe—you do you). Think of him as the glue that holds the guy crew together.
Groomsmen: The Party Starters Your groomsmen are more than just eye candy in suits (though… yes, also that). They’re there to help the groom get ready, support the Best Man, and lend a hand wherever needed. Whether they’re ushering guests, hauling chairs, or hyping up the dance floor, groomsmen bring the fun and the energy. They're also expected to suit up, show up, and maybe even \
Parents of the Couple: The OGs While not technically part of the bridal party, the parents often play a big role. They may help fund the wedding, host pre-wedding events, offer advice, and take part in special traditions like speeches, blessings, or first dances. Depending on your family dynamics, their role can be as involved or chill as you like. Just remember to keep them in the loop—they love you and just want to help (even if their idea of help is forwarding you 67 Pinterest boards).
Final Thoughts: Do It Your Way At the end of the day, your bridal party is there to celebrate YOU. Whether you're sticking with tradition or throwing the rulebook out the window, the most important thing is to communicate clearly and show some love along the way. Give your people the info they need, thank them often, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. (Pro tip: group chats, Google Docs, and wine are your best friends.)
