The Maid and Matrons of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids and the rest of the “supporting cast” of the wedding ceremony each have specific duties they should expect to perform. Here’s a brief summary of what they should do to make the event go smoothly.

MAID OF HONOR

Prior to the wedding:

• Help with the wedding invitations.

• Help with the party favors, gifts and decorations.

• Host the pre-wedding shower and bachelorette party with the bridesmaids.

• Inform bridesmaids of their fitting appointments and when they may pick up their gowns.

• Double check with bridesmaids that they’ve had their fitting and received their formalwear for the wedding and let them know when to attend the rehearsal.

On the Day of the Wedding:

• Help the bride get dressed.

• Tend to the veil and train, if the bride is wearing one.

• Hold onto the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.

• Sign as a witness on the marriage certificate.

• Toast the bride and groom during the reception.

• Help the bride change out of the gown and deliver it where it needs to go.

• Collect together the mementos from the reception for safe keeping.

BRIDESMAIDS

• Help with the hosting of the bridal shower and, if one is held, the bachelorette party.

• Be at the ceremony promptly and be available throughout the event for photographs.

• Help with any cleanup duties before leaving for the reception.

• Stand in the appropriate place in the receiving line.

• Be social at the reception, mingling with guests and making introductions.

BEST MAN

Prior to the ceremony:

• Accompany the groom to the ceremony.

• If there is no ring bearer, keep the bride’s ring until the ring exchange.

• Ensure that the marriage official or clergyman has the marriage license.

• Sign as a witness on the marriage certificate.

• Bring the groom’s going away clothing to the reception location.

• Escort the maid or matron of honor in the ceremony and reception.

• Socialize and mingle at the reception.

• Hold a toast in the honor of the newlyweds.

• Help move gifts from the reception to a suitable location.

• Ensure the vehicle taking the bride and groom away is ready.

• Coordinate the return of the men’s formalwear.