Wedding Roles

Choosing your best man, bridesmaid, ushers or witnesses can be an emotional time. Where possible be sure to pick someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Of course it is most acceptable in gay marriage for male partners to choose a best man each and indeed for lesbian couples to have a selection of bridesmaids. One of the great things about same-sex marriage is pretty much anything goes - boundaries are most definitely crossed and so if a lesbian couple wish to have a 'best man' then so be it. For a smooth running wedding it is important that everyone involved in the big day delivers their part. To ensure this happens everyone should know and understand what part they are expected to play.

Best Man
As well as organising the stag or hen party the best man is responsible for preparing a speech for the reception, ensuring any special seating arrangements for family members, checking timings and parking arrangements at the wedding venue. At the wedding ceremony itself the best man should assist the photographer in organising any photographs of the guests and ensure that everyone has transport to the reception venue. At the reception he should stand in line greeting the guests and announce the speeches and cake cutting as well as reading out any cards or email messages. The final thing (and commonly most nerve racking for the best man) is the final speech.

The Ushers
Ushers are chosen by the grooms and are commonly close relatives or friends. Traditionally the ushers are the responsibility of the best man who should ensure they know their duties on the day which include greeting guests, handing out buttonholes, order of service sheets and drinks. Bridesmaid The bridesmaid(s) is usually a sister or close friend of the brides or grooms. She will liaise with the brides on all the wedding preparations and ensure the bouquets are ready, help with hair and make-up, hold the brides bouquets during the ceremony and distribute slices of wedding cake to the guests.

Bridesmaid
The bridesmaid(s) is usually a sister or close friend of the brides or grooms. She will liaise with the brides on all the wedding preparations and ensure the bouquets are ready, help with hair and make-up, hold the brides bouquets during the ceremony and distribute slices of wedding cake to the guests.

Witnesses
The law requires you to be accompanied by at least two credible witnesses at your wedding, these will sign the register after the wedding ceremony. Witnesses may be relatives, friends or colleagues. Although there is no legal age limit to a witness, many civil ceremony attendances would prefer that the witnesses are 18 years or over. Your chosen witnesses should understand in advance that you have chosen them for this special responsibility.

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