duties of the groomsmen and ushers
Billy Langhenry
You have the honor of being asked to participate in your friend or relative’s wedding, but what exactly are your duties? Here is a handy checklist from Mister Tuxedo to help you coordinate the big event.
Best Man
Coordinates the groomsmen and ushers’ gift to the groom.
Organizes the bachelor party for the groom.
Makes sure that the groom’s wedding-related payments are prepared; delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants, musicians, and singers at the ceremony.
Sees that the groomsmen and ushers arrive on time and are properly attired.
Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests.
Keeps the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony.
Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.
Drives the bride and groom to the reception if there’s no hired driver; has the car ready for the couple to leave after the reception or drive them to their next destination.
Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception; dances with the bride, the mothers, the maid of honor, and other single female guests.
Gathers and takes care of the groom’s wedding clothes (returns the rental items to Mister Tuxedo on the next business day).
Groomsmen and Ushers
Attend the bachelor party.
Contribute to the ushers’ gift to the groom.
Lay the aisle runner, if one is used, before the processional.
Greet guests and escort them to their seats.
Know the seating order; review special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony.
Hand each guest a program.
Remove pew ribbons, close windows, re-roll the aisle runner, retrieve any programs or articles left behind after the ceremony.
Help guests who need directions to the reception site.
Be on hand to assist any guests who are disabled and need assistance.
Dance with the bride, the mothers, the bridesmaids, and other single female guests.
Coordinate the return of rental tuxedos and shoes with the head usher or best man.