The Groom Squad – Who does what?
Planning a wedding is a pretty daunting task for any couple, which is why traditionally the bridal party has a number of jobs to help with the process and to ensure smooth wedding planning at all times…This month I am focussing on the traditional roles of the Groom Squad.
The Groom
In addition to the groom and his partner’s joint responsibilities, each traditionally has tasks to handle on their own. The groom chooses his Best Man and Ushers and picks their outfits. He may buy thank you gifts for his attendants and his bride.
Traditionally the Groom will also arrange and pay for the marriage license and the officiant’s fee and will also handle all the cash payments on the day to various suppliers. He may also reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Groom’s Parents
In past traditions, the bride’s parents have always paid for the majority of the wedding, but today the cost is usually distributed between mainly the couple, the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents. However, there are still certain responsibilities for the groom’s parents to take care of.
- Help the couple with the guest list
- Offer assistance and moral support with the wedding details
- Attend any wedding rehearsals
- Help the happy couple make all their guests feel welcome by doing plenty of mingling and chatting
Best Man
The role of the best man is to be there to support the groom on the big day and during the wedding planning process. If the groom wants some extra advice when it comes to suit shopping, choosing gifts, or writing his speech, then the best man is by his side to help. Of course, the best man will typically organise the stag do, and there is also the traditional best man speech to write.
Ushers
The ushers are usually close friends or relatives of the groom and their main role is to help the wedding day run smoothly, help to seat guests, distribute the order of service and point people in the right direction throughout the day. The ushers can also help the best man with planning the stag do and they can be the perfect test audience for the best man’s speech.
Page Boy
The page boy is typically a boy under the age of seven, maybe a nephew, a younger brother, or the son of a close friend. The page boy traditionally walks down the aisle with the flower girl and his main goal is to look super adorable in the wedding pictures! He might also double up as the ring bearer, carrying the rings down the aisle.
Ring Bearer
The ring bearer has one of the most important jobs of the ceremony as they are required to present the wedding rings to the couple. Who you entrust with that role is totally up to you – it could be the Best Man, a flower girl, a page boy, or even a pet!
There you have it. Who will make the cut in your squad?
