Manners Monday: Wedding Etiquette -- Bridal Party

With wedding season rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a good time to introduce a new column: Manners Monday.  And what better way to kick off the new series than with wedding etiquette?  I'm going to break this down into two posts: the bridal party and wedding guests.  This week we are looking into the  specific duties of the bridal party.  Who is responsible for what?  When I decided to do this, I quickly turned to Emily Post and Lauren Conrad to start my research.  Along with The Knot, here's what they had to say:

The Bride and Family:

• Pay for the venue of the ceremony
• Pay for floral arrangement of venue, bridesmaid bouquets and flower girl flowers
• Pay for photos and videos
• Pay for all invitations, announcements and wedding programs
• Host the reception

The Groom and Family:

• Pay for officiant and marriage license
• Pay for bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
• Pay for honeymoon
• Hosts the rehearsal dinner

Maid/Matron of Honor:

• Helps the bride with wedding shopping including bridesmaid dresses and accessories
• Helps with party favors and addressing invitations
• Oversees bridesmaids and make sure they have proper attire
• Pays for her dress and accessories
• Carries an "emergency kit" throughout the day
• Arranges veil and train after bride 
• Holds the groom's ring and bride's bouquet during ceremony
• Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate
• Gives speech during reception
• Helps during and after the reception: dancing, bouquet toss, gathering guests for cake cutting, collects cake topper
• Helps bride change into going away clothes and takes care of the wedding dress and accessories after the reception
• Plans and hosts bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Keeps a record of gifts received
• Responsible for a shower and wedding gift
• Be there to help out however, whenever and wherever she can

Bridesmaids:

• Assist MOH with bridal shower
• Help MOH however possible
• Greets guests and encourages mingling at the reception
• Supervise the flower girl and ring bearer
• Pay for their dress and accessories

Best Man

• Organizes the bachelor party
• Helps groom however possible
• Seats mother of the bride at the ceremony
• Holds the bride's ring during ceremony
• Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate
• Gives a speech at the reception
• Encourages dancing at reception
• Helps arrange getaway car for the bride and groom
• Oversees groomsmen and makes sure they are on time 
• Delivers wedding presents to the newlywed's house
• Pays for own attire and transportation

Groomsmen

• Help best man in whatever ways possible
• Escorts guests to their seats
• Helps decorate the getaway car
• Pays for own attire and transportation

Ushers

• Help set up ceremony and light candles
• Greet and help seat guests
• Hand out programs