Wedding Party Duties: What the Maid of Honor and Best Man Should Do

Being asked to stand beside a couple on their wedding day is a huge honor that comes with important responsibilities. If you’ve been chosen as the maid of honor or the best man, you may be surprised to learn your role goes far beyond wearing a great outfit and giving a memorable toast. We’ve put together a breakdown of the most important maid of honor duties and best man responsibilities before, during, and after the wedding.

Your enthusiastic support will help the couple with their wedding planning in the lead-up and keep the big day running smoothly!

Before the Wedding

Maid of Honor Duties:
The most important duty is being someone the bride can count on because the maid or matron of honor is often the bride’s right-hand person throughout the planning process. Although every wedding is different, common responsibilities include:

• Helping the bride shop for her wedding dress and accessories
• Assisting with wedding planning and vendor appointments
• Organizing the bridal shower
• Planning the bachelorette party
• Communicating with the bridesmaids
• Offering emotional support when wedding planning becomes stressful
• Helping address invitations or assemble favors

Best Man Duties:
The best man plays a similar role for the groom. For him, communication will be key. A best man who keeps everyone informed can help prevent last-minute confusion. Typical responsibilities include:

• Planning the bachelor party
• Helping coordinate the groomsmen
• Assisting with tuxedo fittings
• Offering advice and support during wedding planning
• Helping organize transportation
• Making sure everyone knows where they need to be and when

One Week Before the Wedding
As the big day approaches, there’s more involvement for both the maid of honor and best man, and it’s in their best interest to work together. Responsibilities may include:

• Confirming schedules with the rest of the wedding party
• Helping decorate or prepare any DIY items
• Attending the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Assisting with last-minute errands
• Packing supplies such as an emergency kit

On the Wedding Day

Maid of Honor Duties:
On the wedding day, one of the biggest responsibilities is simply helping the bride stay calm and enjoy the day! The maid of honor often helps with:

• Keeping the bride on schedule
• Helping with the dress, veil, and bustle
• Holding the bouquet during the ceremony
• Makeup fixes and hair touch-ups
• Signing the marriage license as a witness
• Giving a reception toast
• With the best man, helping guests and vendors communicate with the couple

Best Man Duties:
The best man will be the groom’s go-to person for solving small problems before they become bigger ones. His responsibilities on the wedding day often include:

• Holding the wedding rings
• Keeping the groom on schedule
• Coordinating the groomsmen
• Welcoming guests before the ceremony
• Signing the marriage license as a witness
• Giving a toast during the reception
• With the maid of honor, helping guests and vendors communicate with the couple

After the Wedding
The celebration doesn’t end when the reception is over. Even a few extra helping hands can make the end of the evening much less stressful for the newlyweds. The best man and maid of honor can help:

• Gather cards, cash envelopes, and physical gifts left at the reception.
• Load collected items into a designated person’s vehicle.
• Personally transport highly valuable items such as rings or heirlooms to a secure location.
• Do a last-minute sweep of the venue for left phones, clothing, and the marriage license.
• Pack centerpieces, the cake topper, custom signs, guest books, and any other sentimental items the couple may wish to keep.
• Preserve floral arrangements for post-wedding gatherings.
• Direct after-party stragglers and make sure the wedding party and any leftover attendees make it safely to their transportation.
• Gather and return rental clothing.
• Assist the newlyweds as they depart for their honeymoon.

Why Wedding Parties Attend the Wonderful World of Weddings
The maid of honor and best man do more than plan unforgettable parties and give heartfelt speeches. They support the couple every step of the way, adding an extra layer of magic to the planning and the big day.

Wedding planning is better as a team effort! When the wedding party attends the Wonderful World of Weddings show, the experience will be more fun, collaborative, and productive. Attending together is a simple but meaningful way to be there for the couple while helping turn their wedding vision into reality.

As you explore our bridal show, you can help with comparing vendors, asking questions, and gathering ideas for their big day. We look forward to seeing you at the 59th Annual Wonderful World of Weddings, January 30 and 31 at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park.