The Bridal Party: Supporting Roles 101

It used to be that the duties of the bride's backup cast were set in stone, but no longer. With friends living all over the world, it can be difficult for a bridesmaid to participate as fully as she might want to, and the duties that come along with the role have become more flexible. Here are the lists of expectations that come with each role in a wedding. But not to worry, each of these duties can be tweaked to fit any schedule and any wedding. 

The mother of the bride is an obviously important role, and her duties depend on her relationship with the bride and whether she lives far away or nearby. She could be heavily involved in the wedding planning process or standing by and lending a hand when asked. She'll definitely be involved in the getting-ready process and placing the veil on her daughter, as is the tradition. But there's one activity pretty much all mothers of the bride participate in: shopping for the wedding dress. You know what they say, mother always knows best, and most of the time, as much as you may hate to admit it, she really does!

Some traditional duties include providing the guest list and contact details for the bride's side of the family, sourcing family heirlooms for something old, borrowed, and blue as well as letting guests know registry info when they request it. Last but certainly not least, she stands at the head of the receiving line postvows or welcomes guests to the reception. 

Not all mother-in-laws are monster-in-laws, and in reality, most of the time she just wants to be involved in the wedding process and feel included. Her son obviously loves you and she'll love you too now that you're officially part of the family. 

The mother of the groom provides the guest list and contact details for the groom's family, supplies registry info to those who ask, and shares a special dance with the groom at the reception. One of her most important jobs, however, is hosting the rehearsal dinner along with the father of the groom.

This role is pretty heavy duty and usually goes to a bride's sister or close friend. She is always there for the bride whenever she may need help or extra support. Most MOHs will throw the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and of course give a toast at the wedding and help the bride get ready pre-ceremony. She'll hold the bride's bouquet and the groom's rings during the vows and often serves as the witness when the bride and groom sign the marriage certificate. But there are other duties that come along with this all-important role as well.  

She helps out with all wedding-related shopping, including the bride's dress and bridesmaids' dresses and accessories. Tradition dictates that she helps with assembling and addressing the stationery, escort cards, welcome bags, and other various details, although this duty is really for the MOH whose schedule allows for that kind of involvement. She serves as the liaison between bride and bridesmaids and keeps track of all the gifts given to the bride at the shower. Plus, if the bride has a different dress for the reception, the MOH will help her change into it, and of course help her go to the bathroom.

While this role isn't as time consuming as the maid of honor, the bridesmaids will help the MOH plan the shower and bridal party and of course, attend all the pre-wedding events. The bridesmaids are there to boost morale and get the bride excited for her big day!