Calls of duty

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You know you’d like your sibling or closest friend to be your maid of honor or best man. But, beyond standing beside you on the big day, what is fair to expect these important peeps to do for you as part of the job?

According to Kate Chynoweth, author of “The Bridesmaid Guide: Modern Advice on Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous” (Chronicle Books, 2011), standard maid of honor tasks include:

• purchasing the bridesmaid dress and shoes,
• paying for professional makeup and hairstyling unless she can adequately do her own,
• attending at least one of the bride’s gown fittings,
• helping plan, co-host and contribute financially to the shower and bachelorette party,
• helping the bride on the wedding day in every way possible, including attending hair and makeup appointments;
• making sure the bridesmaids have the correct bouquets;
• holding the bride’s bouquet and groom’s ring during the ceremony;
• arranging the dress and veil during the vows, and
• bustling the bride’s train afterward; and being prepared to dance with a groomsman and/or give a toast at the reception.

As for the best man, Yolanda Crous, features editor for Brides magazine, says you can expect him to:

• organize the bachelor party;
• coordinate the groomsmen’s rental tuxedos, and, if necessary, pick them up before the wedding;
• help the groom look his best on the big day, and make sure he gets to the ceremony on time;
• carry the bride’s ring down the aisle and either hold it or hand it to the officiant;
• keep track of the signed marriage license if the officiant gives the couple a copy;
• hold onto any checks given to the couple at the event;
• perform the first toast at the reception; and help give vendors tips and payments at the wedding, unless the bride’s father is handling it.
Also perfectly reasonable: asking your besties to sign the wedding license and stand in the receiving line if there is one.

Tags: Brides365, planning, maid of honor, best man, duties, tradition, traditions