Usher
The role of the usher was traditionally given to a family member
of the groom but in these modern times ushers have also been members
of the brides family or close friends. To every 50 guests there
should be an usher.
In this section
Leading up to the wedding day
- If the groom and the Best man are wearing morning suits
it is highly likely that you will be asked to do the same.
- Make yourself available for a fitting of your morning suit.
- If
morning suits are not going to be worn choose an outfit which
is smart and appropriate for the occasion, without upstaging
the groom.
- Follow the requests of the Best man
- The Best man may ask you
for help in arranging the stag night for the groom.
- Attend a
wedding dress rehearsal to finalise arrangements on the day.
Day of the wedding
- Arrive early, before the groom.
- Find out where the toilets facilities
are, in case guests ask.
- Collect the order of service sheets
from the minister, so you can hand them out to guests as they
arrive.
- Have the buttonholes ready to hand out at the entrance
to the church or venue for each of the guests.
- Greet all guests
as they arrive and direct family and friends of the groom to
seats on the right hand side of the aisle and
family and friends of the bride to seats on the left hand side.
- Ensure all family
members are seated close to the front.
- Ensure the bride’s
mother is escorted to her seat.
- Seat any elderly guests and mothers
with babies or very young children at the end of each aisle to
allow easy access to the entrance.
- Tell guests about any restrictions
concerning photography and confetti.
- Use your discretion when
seating guests if there are large differences in numbers so that
on both aisles there is a balance.
- Consider seating ladies with large hats
at the back of the church or venue so they do not restrict other
guests view during the ceremony.
- Before the bride and her father
arrive ushers should take their place at the back of the church
or venue.
- Direct any late guests to the nearest seat.
- After the ceremony
ensure all guests have left to go to the reception and have
not forgotten any of their property, before leaving yourself.
