Everything You Need to Know About Being an Usher

Red on Blonde Photography

At a wedding, an usher or groomsman is one of the male attendants to the groom. Usually, the groom selects a handful of close friends and relations. It’s generally considered an honour to be chosen.

From this group, the groom tends to single out one usher to be his best man, although it’s becoming much more common for multiple friends to take on this role. Female ushers, sometimes called ‘usherettes’, are also starting to appear at contemporary weddings.

The role of an usher may not be as central to the wedding as that of the best man, but they still have important duties to carry out.

Here’s everything you need to know about being an usher…

Pre-Wedding

• Co-operate with the bride and groom as they source suits and accessories. Attend fittings if necessary.
• Attend the groom’s stag night. Although you’re not obliged to organise the occasion, the best man will probably appreciate a little help and support throughout the planning process.
• Make sure you know what’s expected of you at the wedding. Tasks may include ensuring everyone knows where to park, or you might be asked to show people where they’re supposed to sit during the wedding breakfast.
• Compile and store a list of important phone numbers. It’s a good idea to have the number of the venue, the photographer and other key suppliers on your phone so you can update people or deal with any issues as they arise.   

On-the-Day

• You may be asked to get ready with the groom and his best man. Make sure you arrive on time and have everything you need to bring.
• Do your best to keep the groom calm. Be on hand to help any page boys or younger members of the groom’s party get ready.  
• Arrive early at the ceremony venue and prepare to greet the first wedding guests. If the weather is bad, it’s handy to have umbrellas on hand to shelter people as they dash inside.
• Ensure any reserved seating is clearly identified.
• Welcome guests, direct them to their seats, and hand out orders of service.  
• Before the ceremony begins, escort the groom’s parents and the bride’s mother to their seats.
• Traditionally, ushers also escort the bridesmaids out at the end of the ceremony.
• Make sure everyone knows where they need to go for the reception. This may be close by, but it sometimes involves pre-arranged wedding transport or a car journey.
• Herd up stragglers and make sure nobody is left behind.
• At the reception, you’ll be expected to round up guests for the group wedding photos. Work with the photographer to call out relevant names when asked.
• When it’s time for the wedding breakfast, make sure guests know where they should be sitting.
• Keep an eye out for any overly drunk guests and be ready with water or strong coffee.
• At the end of the night, help guests call local taxi firms to get home.

Post-Wedding

• Make sure you return any hired clothing or accessories.
• Offer to help tidy up or remove decorations at the reception venue.

Don’t miss our posts detailing everything you need to know about being a best man or bridesmaid.

Until next time,

Happy planning!

Val x     

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