Thursday, 3 Apr 2008
Ah, the Usher -no, not the Usher (artist/singer/composer), the wedding usher! Ushers are those wedding party members that sometimes seem to get left out of the general madness that accompanies the rest of the wedding party.Â
The “rules” state there should be one usher for every 50 guests. While traditionally, ushers were chosen from the groom’s family, in modern times, they can be anyone you choose. (If you’re considering female family & friends to fill this role, check out this discussion at Topweddingquestions.com and The Knot.com.)
What if you’re asked to fill this role? Head over to Believers.org and Weddingchaos.co.uk for some guidance. Of course, if you’re planning a smaller wedding, then the groomsmen will usually double up on “usher” duty. Some things you might be asked to handle as an usher?
- Help out with the bachelor party if the best man asks
- Attend rehearsal so you know where to direct guests for seating, restrooms, etc.
- Greet & seat guests
- Escort parents to assigned seating
- Check the area after guests have left for any items they may have left behind
See? A little coordination and you’ll be all set to help your favorite bride & groom usher in a new chapter in their lives.
~Kristen
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Sooo…what about using the Groomsmen as Ushers? Is that allowed? Or too hard to coordinate?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Hey Kate,
You can use groomsmen as ushers. The only thing is, that most times the Ushers are responsible for seating people at the wedding, which can get complicated if you are actually in the wedding.
But you could do it where the groomsmen sat everyone and then they walk down the aisle with their bridesmaids. Or enter through a side door, with the priest, groom and best man.
It is totally up to the bride and groom.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Great advice, Shafonne!
I am a big fan of the do it your way way
I was surfing forums on the whole women as ushers thing too. While most were naysaying the idea, I think it would be kind of fun to have some of your lady friends in the “tux” look act as ushers along with the guys. It would rather fit a very modern or artsy wedding I think. Très Chic, no?