GROOMSMEN & USHER RESPONSIBILITIES (part 2)

Ushers distribute any programs or ceremony handouts at the ceremony. Ushers direct those bringing gifts to the ceremony to a gift table. If there is a guest book at the ceremony, ushers direct guest to sign it.
After all guest are seated, the ushers escort the groom's parents to the front row on the groom's side (Unless they are part of the processional.) Lastly, they escort the bride's mother to her seat, unless she is a accompanying her husband in the processional.
Once everyone is seated, the groomsmen unroll the aisle runner in readiness for the processional. The Groomsmen may be part of the processional or they may take positions in the front with the best man or groom. They stand near the groom during the ceremony. They are in formal Photographs of the bridal party. They Escort the bridesmaids from the ceremony in the recessional. One of the ushers should be responsible to roll the aisle runner back up after the ceremony and have it cleaned and returned.
One of the ushers should collect any leftover handouts or programs and see that they get returned to the couple who may want to send them to family or friends who were unable to attend. At the Reception
Ushers may be part of the receiving lines in the very formal or formal weddings. Ushers may be seated at the head table or a table of honor at the reception. During the reception, groomsmen mingle with the guest. Groomsmen dance with the bridesmaids at the reception.
They assist by encouraging single young men to participate in catching the garter. Groomsmen or ushers pay for their own formalwear and accessories. If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own costs involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration. Although groomsmen may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. Groomsmen may share the cost of the bachelor party with the best man.

GROOMSMEN & USHER RESPONSIBILITIES (part 1)

Groomsmen:
Pays for their own wedding attire
Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Attends bachelor dinner if there is one
Escorts bridesmaids during the ceremony

Ushers:
Pay for own wedding attire
Make sure principles have flowers before being seated (unless this task is assigned to another).
Distribute wedding programs (unless this task is assigned to another).
Seat guests on appropriate side of church.
Assist elderly guests to seats.
After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet.
Check church or synagogue for any items left behind.

The number of ushers is usually determined by the size of the wedding. One usher can comfortably seat about fifty guests.

Ushers are usually brothers, relatives or best friends of the groom. In inviting people to serve as ushers, make sure that they are aware of the expenses involved.

While it is not necessary to have an equal number if ushers and bridesmaids, it does balance nicely if they walk in pairs in either the processional or recessional.

Groomsmen usually help the best man plan the bachelor party for the groom.
Groomsmen attend pre-wedding parties.
Groomsmen attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.

The main Job of the usher is to seat guests. They should arrive at the ceremony site at least one hour in advance and should have clear instructions on the seating plan. In Christian Ceremonies, the bride's family and guest sit on the left and the groom's on the right. In Jewish services, the seating is opposite, with the bride's family on the right. Female guests are escorted by having the usher offer his right arm to her. Her date or spouse walks behind. Male guests are lead to their seats. If there are pew cards being used or a special reserved section, ushers should pay special attention as they escort these guests to their seats.

BESTMANS RESPONSIBILITIES (part 3)

The Best Man is responsible to make the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding.
The Best Man is also responsible to make the first toast at the rehearsal dinner. PLEASE note…if you are the best man, you must give the first toast at the reception to the couple, not just the groom. If a person does not know the bride or groom and still wants to give a toast, they must acknowledge the other half, as in, “Though we’ve just met Tony, he seems like a wonderful guy and he obviously makes Samantha very happy … etc.” You can still tell the boating story from when you were 13, but it better end with them.

The Best Man should act as a host, making introductions when necessary and helping to make the guests feel welcome.

The Best Man should dance at the reception with the bride, both mothers and as many of the bridal attendants and guest as possible.

Help the groom change into his travel clothes after the reception. Find out when the bride is ready to leave and with the maid/matron of honors, help the bride and groom depart.

Return the groom's tuxedo to the tux shop or if it belongs to the groom, be responsible for taking it to the cleaners.

Order flowers for the bride and groom's room at the first stop of the honeymoon trip.

Another responsibility of the Best Man may include the signing of the marriage certificate. This is not only a legal document but also a beautiful keepsake for the couple. Many times, the Best Man is not aware that his signature may be required and he may be off with the guests.

Note about ring bearer: The Best Man has the responsibility of carrying the bride's wedding ring. However, many times the couple will also want to have a ring bearer. We recommend that the "real" ring be kept safe in the pocket of the Best Man. Why? Just remember the boy with stage fright who never made it down the aisle…or even better, the ring bearer who argued with the Best Man when he tried to remove the ring and then cried his eyes out when the Best Man took it away.