The Best Honor

This post will be directed to the recipients of the greatest honors bestowed at a wedding - the best man/groomsmen and the maid of honor/bridesmaids! If you are new to wedding planning or being part of a lucky couple's big day is a mystery to you, don't worry! We will outline the responsibilities and expenses that traditionally occur for the wedding party. We will start with the maid of honor's, then the best man's responsibilities followed by the bridesmaid's and groomsmen's financial responsibilities.

Maid of Honor

Pre-wedding day

First and most importantly, your biggest job is to keep the bride happy and relaxed. This can be achieved simply by being you. She chose you because you are special to her and she can rely on you.
Plan/Host bridal shower/s
Write down gifts received and who gave them at all wedding/bridal showers
Gown shopping with the bride
Schedule dress fittings for yourself and other bridesmaids
Spread the word about where the couple is registered
Coordinate other bridesmaids and their duties
Be the bride's right-hand man
Give a short and sweet toast at rehearsal dinner or reception
You should know ALL that is going on when it comes to wedding day. That way all questions can be sent to you so the bride can enjoy her big day.
Plan bachelorette party
Help bride plan and prep for entire pre-wedding season
Coordinate hair and make up for all bridesmaids and bride (if bride doesn't have someone already)
Attend ALL pre-wedding appointments with bride including cake and menu tasting
Coordinate accommodations and transportation for out of town bridesmaids or for all bridesmaids if wedding is out of town
Help decide on decor and favors
Address invitations
Write out place cards
Create music playlist for ceremony and reception if no DJ is coming or have access to bride's playlist that she has created and know what song is for what activity.

On Wedding Day

Act as a messenger for the bride
Play hostess - guide guests and answer questions
Make sure all vendors are in place and organized
Arrange bride's train and veil for ceremony
Hold bouquet during exchange of vows
Sign marriage license as a witness (if requested by bride)
Bustle dress for reception
Make sure that the bride and groom have eaten
Help bride with bathroom breaks
Collect gifts and cards and store them for safekeeping until bride and groom return from honeymoon (Best Man also has this duty. Coordinate who is doing it before the big day and make sure one of you is assigned this task. Don't just assume the other is doing it!)
Help bride change and store dress until after honeymoon
Timeline Tracker! Keep the wedding day on-schedule and going smoothly
Run interference! Many people will want to congratulate the bride or sneak a peek before the ceremony. Your job is to keep them out with kind words and a gentle, yet firm push.
Encourage dancing and fun at the reception
Prepare for send-off after reception

Best Man

Pre-Wedding

Your biggest task is to keep the groom relaxed and happy on his big day
Help choose tuxes
Organize groomsmen fittings and keep them on schedule for wedding day
Plan and give bachelor party
Help arrange accommodations for out of town groomsmen
Organize gift for groom and bride
Keep groomsmen in the know about any last minute schedule changes
Organize the couple's departure from the reception
Decorate getaway car!
Confirm honeymoon travel reservations if groom requests
Attend rehearsal dinner and/or wedding rehearsal
Organize toasts at rehearsal dinner

On Wedding Day

Help groom get dressed if needed
Get any final payments for officiant from the groom
Take charge of wedding rings (give to groom during ceremony if there is no ring bearer)
Make sure groom has marriage license with him
Make sure all groomsmen are dressed and ready on time for ceremony, including boutonnieres
Guide ring bearer so he or she knows what is expected of them during the ceremony
Stand by groom while waiting for ceremony to start
Escort maid of honor down aisle after ceremony
Deliver fee envelopes
Sign marriage license as a witness (if asked by the groom)
Drive couple from ceremony to reception if in different locations
Keep groomsmen in line and accounted for for wedding pictures
Organize toasts for reception
Dance with maid of honor and bride (and in some cases, the mothers of the bride and groom)
Help groom change into honeymoon clothes
Take gifts and cards for safekeeping until after couple returns or touch base with maid of honor to make sure that she is taking them
Return groom's tux back, cleaned and in great condition
Do NOT let the Groom get wasted at any point on his wedding day!