| Traditionally a wedding party is composed of the bride, the groom, maid (or matron) of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer. Each member of the wedding party has certain attendant duties, and sometimes even financial responsibilities, which they are responsible for in an effort to be of assistance to both the bride and groom during the wedding planning process.
 Typically, the maid (or matron) of honor is either the bride's sister or best friend. If she is unmarried, she is called "Maid of Honor" and if she is married, she is referred to as the "Matron of Honor". Of all the female wedding attendants, this role brings the most duties and responsibilities. Bridesmaids are usually close friends and other sisters. A junior bridesmaid is usually a young girl that is too old to be a flower girl and too young to be of a marriageable age, and a flower girl is typically between the age of four and eight years old.
Also known as ushers, the groomsmen are the groom's male attendants and are usually composed of his brothers and closest friends. Of the groomsmen, one is selected to be the Best Man. He is most often the groom's closest friend and, like the maid of honor, he will have the vast majority of duties and responsibilities. Young boys in the wedding party are referred to as page boys and accompany the junoir bridesmaids in the wedding procession. Of the page boys, one is selected to be the ring bearer, and he, just like the flower girl, is typically between the age of four and eight years.
Explore the Wedding Party section of Country Weddings to learn more about selecting your wedding party attendants, what your attendants' duties are, how to deal with the sometimes unpredictable nature of young children in your wedding party, and other frequently asked questions.
You will also find a Wedding Party Planner, Bridesmaids Attire and Groomsmen Attire planners, great attendant gift ideas and suggested toasts for the rehearsal and reception.
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