How to Be an Usher at a Wedding

Ushers greet guests and help on the day of the wedding.

An usher is part of the larger wedding group, but not part of the ceremony. It's typically a job assigned to men who are close friends when the wedding party isn't large enough to accommodate everyone. Ushers seat guests, hand out programs, assist with parking, manage gifts and help with general logistics the day of the wedding, relieving the families of the bride and groom of much of the running around on the wedding day.

Things You'll Need

• To be available
• Formal wear

Instructions

1. Find out what you should wear. Some weddings require formal tuxedoes that match the wedding party, others weddings require a good suit. Talk with the bride or groom to ensure you know what you should wear on the day of the ceremony.

2. Determine which, if any, of the various wedding activities before and after the wedding you are required to attend. Some of these activities include dinners, parties, wedding rehearsals, photography sessions and the reception or after-party, if there is one.

3. Arrive at the church or wedding venue at least an hour before the wedding. Make sure you are dressed as asked, pick up your boutonniere and head to your designated station. The head usher will tell you where to go and how to get people seated.

4. Seat guests properly. The bride's family and friends sit to the left and the groom's family and friends sit to the right. When a woman comes in, offer her your right arm and ask her if she is a friend of the bride or groom. Lead her to her seat, with her escort walking behind. If she is friends with both sides of the wedding, seat her as close to the front as possible. If a group of women arrive together, offer the oldest woman your right arm and lead them to their seats. If a man arrives alone, you don't need to offer your arm, unless he needs the assistance.

5. Help dismiss the guests row by row at the end of the service. Stand at the center aisle, one usher on each side, and gesture to let people know they may leave. This helps manage the crowd once the ceremony concludes.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun.

• Don't catch the garter.

References

• The Knot: Ushers: Their Duties in Detail