Maybe you’ve got a big family and want to make sure everyone feels special and included in your big day. Or maybe you’ve got members that are ringing your ear over what they can do – and it’s adding to your stress. Whichever way your loved ones are leaning, we’ve got you covered.
There are roles and responsibility each of your favorite people can take on to both feel special and help you out when it comes to your wedding. So, have no fear, just take a peek at our quick guide below! Take notes and decide who and what needs to happen next throughout the planning process.
Roles Your Family Can Play in Your Wedding
Mother of the Bride & Groom
The lines between mother of the bride and mother of the groom can get tricky. But that’s okay because a lot of their responsibilities can be either shared or separated to make them each feel extra special and thought of.
Here are some roles and responsibilities that can be specifically “hers.”
- Help scout venue locations
- Host a congratulations dinner
- Offer financial assistance – when/if appropriate
- Help make the guest list
- Attend the bridal shower and buy a gift
- Help keep track of RSVPs
- Plan & host the rehearsal dinner (groom’s mom with help from groom’s father)
- Go wedding dress shopping (if asked)
- Help the bride get dressed on the wedding day (bride’s mom)
- Stand in receiving line to greet and thank guests for the wedding
Father of the Bride & Groom
A lot of men, typically, don’t know up from down when it comes to the weddings. Aside from the traditional, “the parents of the bride pay for the wedding,” it seems as though some roles and responsibilities can get tossed under the rug.
Here are some roles and responsibilities that can be specifically “his.”
- Offer to help out with the finances (traditionally, father of the bride)
- Plan & host the rehearsal dinner (groom’s father with help from groom’s mother)
- Offer a toast
- Join the groomsmen for the “getting ready” portion of the wedding day
- Help escort family members to their seats for the ceremony
- Dance with the bride
- Stand in receiving line to greet and thank guests for the wedding
Aunts & Uncles
If you’re close with your extended family, you may want to have them involved as well. A lot of aunts and uncles can become the most helpful of the bunch!
Here are some roles and responsibilities that can be specifically “theirs.”
- Help escort family members to their seats for the ceremony
- Stand in as “parents” if one has lost a member
- Look after any children throughout the wedding
- Act as a greeter at the ceremony or reception
Siblings & Cousins
For our younger family members, things can be a bit more casual and carefree. From the pre-festivities to the dance floor, your brothers, sisters, and cousins can be the most fun guests on your list.
Here are some roles and responsibilities that can be specifically “theirs.”
- Ask them to be a part of the bridal party
- Help to plan the bridal shower and/or bachelor/bachelorette party
- Help escort guests to their seats for the ceremony
- Stand in receiving line to greet and thank guests for the wedding (if part of the bridal party)
- Offer up a toast
- Ask them to be your “hype” people and get everyone out on the dance floor
Grandparents
Your grandparents shouldn’t be expected to do a lot of planning or stressing. Instead, have them enjoy the big day. Even if they insist on helping with the finances, include them in the process, but don’t give them jobs that they have to worry too much about.
Here are some roles and responsibilities that can be specifically “theirs.”
- Ask them to be VIP members at the wedding (sitting in the front row at the ceremony, family table at the reception)
- Help with finances – when/if appropriate
- Stand in receiving line to greet and thank guests for the wedding
- Have a special dance for the grandparents to participate in
