A Guide to Modern Wedding Party Roles for Houston Brides
Photos taken by Larissa Harris Photography.
When it comes to planning your Houston-area wedding, one of the first decisions you’ll make (after choosing your venue, of course!) is who will stand beside you on your big day. As a wedding venue owner, I’ve seen couples include everyone from just a maid of honor and best man to ten or more bridesmaids and groomsmen. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong number. In fact, in my experience, the fewer people you involve, the less complicated things become. Think about it: fewer schedules to coordinate for rehearsal, less stress about matching outfits, and fewer opinions on your timeline. Plus, there are fewer people who need to be at the venue hours before the ceremony.
That being said, I also know the other side of the story, because when I was a bride in 2012, I wanted to include as many people as possible to show how much everyone meant to me. And it worked out beautifully. The key, no matter the size of your wedding party, is having clear communication, setting expectations, and planning ahead. With that foundation, your wedding party can be a source of joy rather than stress, and your day will unfold just the way you imagined.
This guidebook will walk you through the most popular (and some modern) wedding party roles so you can confidently build your dream team. We'll cover what each role is all about and give you tips on choosing the people who will serve you best as you begin your life together.
Traditional Wedding Party Roles Explained
As customs evolve, these roles have been a part of Western weddings for a reason. They are a framework for support and celebration that guarantees the most vital responsibilities get done.
Maid/Matron of Honor (or Man of Honor)
This person is your second in command and largest supporter. Traditionally, their responsibilities include planning the bridal shower, helping you choose your wedding dress, and coordinating the bridesmaids. On the wedding day, they carry your bouquet, hem your train, and hold your hand at the altar.
One modern twist is that some couples now choose to have a "Man of Honor"; a brother, a cousin, or a best friend of either sex who assumes this important role. The title doesn't matter; what matters is the relationship.
Example of Maid of Honor Responsibilities:
- Helps the bride with planning and decision-making
- Organizes the bridal shower and/or bachelorette party
- Assists with getting-ready tasks on the wedding day (dress, veil, etc.)
- Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
- Gives a toast or speech at the reception
- Acts as the bride’s right-hand person throughout the day
Best Man (or Best Person)
The Best Man is the groom's equivalent of the Maid of Honor. He typically plans the bachelor party, maintains discipline in the other groomsmen, and holds the wedding rings during the ceremony. Offering an emotional toast at the reception is likely his most-appreciated duty.
In addition to accepting the Man of Honor, grooms themselves are also choosing a "Best Woman" or "Best Person." This could be a sister or closest lady friend who knows the groom best and can best offer him the kind of support he needs.
Example of Best Man Responsibilities:
- Plans the bachelor party
- Helps keep the groom on schedule
- Holds the rings (if not handled by the officiant or ring bearer)
- Gives a speech or toast at the reception
- Supports the groom with pre-wedding tasks and moral support
- Helps organize groomsmen for photos and ceremony lineup
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids are the bride's close relatives and friends who stand as a support group. They lend a hand in pre-wedding activities like mailing invitations and taking care of décor, but most importantly, they provide moral support. They typically contribute to a festive and celebratory ambiance at special wedding venues in the suburbs of West Houston, including ours.
Example of Bridesmaids' Responsibilities:
- Provide emotional support to the bride
- Help with pre-wedding events like showers or DIY projects
- Assist with décor or setup if asked
- Walk in the processional and stand by the bride during the ceremony
- Join in group photos and help bring fun energy to the day
Groomsmen
The groom's support group are the groomsmen. They assist with logistics, such as seating wedding guests and helping visitors feel at home. At bigger weddings common in the Houston area, they can greet visitors with welcoming smiles as hosts, answering queries and guiding visitors around. Of utmost importance, however, they are at the groom's side and ensure that all goes according to plan.
Example of Groomsmen's Responsibilities:
- Assist the groom with errands or tasks before the wedding
- Act as ushers, helping seat guests before the ceremony
- Walk in the processional and stand with the groom
- Participate in group photos
- Keep the atmosphere light and supportive for the groom
Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
These symbolic, sweet functions add an intimate and typically valuable aspect to the ceremony. The Flower Girl will typically proceed down the aisle scattering petals ahead of the bride, and the Ring Bearer will bring the rings on a pillow.
If you don't have young children at home, there are numerous other innovative possibilities. Some brides and grooms have their sweet pets walk down the aisle, and others ask a little sibling or even a grandmother to fill these ceremonial roles. It's your wedding day, so do what brings you joy.
My sister actually used my own sons and her future nephews as Bubble Boys in her wedding, and it was absolutely precious if I do say so myself.
Beyond Tradition: Modern & Unique Roles
With increasingly personal weddings, couples are creating new positions that are appropriate for their own specific relationship and situation.
Officiant
Instead of hiring clergy, couples are asking a close friend or relative to become ordained and conduct the ceremony. This brings the vows an incredibly personal feel. Or, maybe your don’t belong to a particular church or know anyone who would be good at performing the duties. This is something Brandt 1910 can help couples organize and hire.
Example of Officiant Responsibilities:
- Leads the ceremony
- Makes it legally binding
- Helps the couple craft vows or readings
Personal Attendant
This person is your event-day helper, dashing about with small but vital details like handing out programs, fixing your dress, or seeing that you have a drink in hand. Brandt 1910 brides, if this is something you are looking for, let us know! We’d be happy to assist in hiring someone for your big day!
Junior Bridesmaids/Groomsmen
This is an excellent way to include older teenagers who are too old to serve as a flower girl or ring bearer but aren't quite ready yet to have full bridesmaid or groomsman duties.
Example of Junior Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Responsibilities:
- Walk in the processional, either before or after the bridesmaids/groomsmen.
- Escort grandparents or other honored family members down the aisle.
- Join group photos and help add to the excitement.
- Assist with passing out programs or wedding favors.
- Help gather guests for send-off moments (sparklers, bubbles, etc.).
- Assist the flower girl or ring bearer (if younger) by walking with them.
- Help hand out ceremony programs or water bottles on a hot Houston day.
- Carry a sign down the aisle (“Here comes the bride”).
Ushers/Guest Experience Team
For larger outdoor wedding venues in Richmond, Texas, an exclusive guest experience team to greet and escort guests from ceremony to reception areas facilitates a seamless process.
Honorary Roles
If you want to celebrate friends and family without asking them to formally take part, consider giving them an honorary role. They could possibly give a reading during the ceremony or just be mentioned in the ceremony program.
Tips for Selecting Your Wedding Party
Choosing your wedding party ought to be enjoyable, not traumatic. Begin by thinking about personality, not convention. Choose the individuals who you know will reduce your stress level, not elevate it. You need good, supportive individuals in your corner. Second, keep group dynamics in mind. Your groomsmen and bridesmaids will be spending a lot of time together at showers, parties, and on the wedding day. Choosing those who are compatible will make everyone's experience that much better.
The perfect wedding venue doesn't just provide a beautiful backdrop; it caters to your entire wedding party. At Brandt 1910, we've designed our venue with you in mind. Our bridal suite and groom's lounge offer comfortable, elegant spaces for you and your party to get ready and unwind.
We also provide ample room for vendor coordination and offer unlimited photo opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, for parties of all sizes. The smooth transition between our ceremony garden and reception ballroom makes it easy for your wedding party to guide guests and keep the celebration flowing. Having a facility that understands these needs can make managing your wedding party second nature.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Understanding these wedding party positions allows you to plan with confidence and gather a group that really cares for you. From elegant wedding venues in Sugar Land, TX, to those countryside-chic wedding venues out on Houston's west side, your celebration will be characterized by the people you invite to join you.
If you're looking for a Houston-area wedding venue that's perfect for you and your wedding party, discover how Brandt 1910 can help make your day hassle-free and one you'll always treasure. Our old-world ambiance and modern amenities provide an eternally enduring atmosphere for the start of your new life together.
Ready to take the next step in your wedding planning and tour venues? Contact Brandt 1910 to get started!
(979) 217-1772 (Call or Text)
info@brandt1910.com
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910. #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910
