Traditional bridal parties usually consist of a Best Man, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer, Ushers, Junior Bridesmaids/Groomsmen, Father of the Bride, Mother of the Bride, Father of the Groom, Mother of the Groom, Pages/Train Bearer, and the Officiant.  It is up to you on who you want to choose for these positions, and how many you will have.   Most positions can be either gender, any age, and as many as you want.

To help you choose how many attendants to have, think about how many guests will be at your wedding.  A general rule is to have one groomsman and bridesmaid for every 50 guests.  Usually the number of bridesmaids equal the number of groomsmen, but that doesn’t have to be the case.  If you are having a small wedding, you might want to lessen the number of attendants.  If you are having a big wedding, a dozen attendants would be fine.  Also keep in mind, the greater number of attendants you have, the more expensive for bouquets/boutineers, and the more difficult task of having everyone decide on a dress, shoes, hairstyle, etc.

When choosing attendants, think about their schedules, where they live, etc.  You might have certain people who won’t be able to attend your bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding rehearsal.  With pre-wedding tasks such picking up your dress or tux from the cleaners, addressing invites, planning bridal shower, planning bachelor/bachelorette party, someone who lives out of state or has a demanding work schedule might not be able to help you out.

Bridemaids/Groomsmen

• Close friends/family
• Can be female or male
• Helps bride/groom in planning and preparing for wedding

Best Man/Maid of Honor

• Close friends/family
• Can be male or female
• Highly dependable
• Helps bride/groom in planning and preparing for wedding
• Holds bride/groom’s ring
• May make first toast

Junior Bridesmaid

• Usually age 9-16
• Attends all functions
• May help bridesmaids with organizing

Flower Girl

• Usually age 3-8
• May have two for encouragement
• Walks down isle before bride, scattering flower petals

Ring Bearer

• Usually age 3-8
• Walks down isle before flower girl, carrying rings on pillow

Mother of Bride/Groom

• Helps with wedding planning
• Helps with guest list

Father of Bride/Groom

• Traditionally pays for most major things (i.e. wedding, rehearsal dinner)
• May toast
• May give directions for guests
• May pick up out-of-town guests from airport

Officiant

• Cleric or city official
• Performs marriage ceremony
• Signs marriage certificate

Ushers

• Male or female
• Escort guests to their seats before ceremony
• May hand out programs
• May roll out isle runner

Pages/Train Bearer

• Usually age 6-9
• May be boys or girls
• Carry the bride’s long train as she walks down the isle