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The
Ushers
Have you
been asked to be an usher? What are the the responsibilities of an usher?
What do you need to do and when do you do it?
Ushers are
traditionally the best man's helpers, but the selection, appointment and
organisation of the ushers is usually undertaken by the bride and groom
together, possibly in consultation with their parents. The responsibilities
of an usher will vary from wedding to wedding and are not usually demanding.
However, the ushers duties include ensuring the smooth running of certain
parts of the day, particularly directing guests to the right seats at
the wedding ceremony venue.
Ushers are
usually brothers or good friends of the bride and groom. There is no limit
of the number of ushers, but it is usual to have at least two ushers.
Usually one usher is appointed as a chief usher.
The
Usher's Duties - Before the wedding
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The
ushers should make themselves available for fittings if suits are
to be hired for them (hired suits are usually the financial responsibility
of the groom).
When a wedding requires the wearing of lounge suits, it is usual for
the ushers to provide their own suit. The choice of outfit is important,
do not overshadow the groom. |
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The
chief usher should liase with the bride and groom, and the parents
of the bride and groom to establish any prefered seating positions
at the ceremony venue. Respect any family tensions that exist and
pay close attention to close family and friends or disabled guests.
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The
Usher's Duties - On The Day
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The
chief usher is usually responsible for ensuring that the order of
service sheets are taken to the wedding ceremony venue. He may also
need to take care of the
buttonholes for the groom, best man, other ushers and guests (if
appropriate). |
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The
chief usher should ensure that all ushers are at the church in good
time before the service is due to start and before any guests arrive.
It will be advisable for the ushers to know where to direct guests
for toilets or refreshments. |
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The
ushers will need to direct guests to their seats.
Family and friends of the groom are traditionally seated on the right
hand side of the aisle (or wedding ceremony room). The bride's family
and friends will be seated on the left. The closer the relationship
with the bride and groom's family, the closer they are seated to the
front. If the guests of one of the families is greater in number than
the other it may be advisable to seat the friends of the bride and
groom so that each side of the room balanced. |
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Consider
seating guests with young children or babies close to the entrance
doors so that that can easily leave the service if any child cries
or becomes disruptive. |
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The
chief usher's will escort the groom's parents to their seats and the
bride's mother, especially if she has no other male escort. |
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During
the service, at least one usher should be located close to the entrance
doors. This will enable them to seat any latecomers and to be available
to assist with any problems. |
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After
the service the ushers traditionally escort the bridesmaids in the
recessional. |
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Outside
the ceremony venue, ushers are sometimes required to assist the best
man in organising guests for photographs. The photographer will
not know which guests belong to which side of the family. Ushers should
also ensure everyone has transport to the wedding reception, arranging
lifts where necessary. |
The
Usher's Duties - At the reception
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Upon
arrival of the guests at the wedding reception venue the usher(s)
should direct them to the assembly room.assemble. |
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If possbile,
each usher should dance with a bridesmaid. You should join the bride
and groom mid way through the first dance (immediately after the best
man and chief bridesmaid have made their way to the dance floor).
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