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You
have been asked to be an usher but what does this mean? What
do you do and when do you do it? Read on to find the answer
to these and other questions about being an usher.
Although ushers are traditionally the best man's helpers,
their appointment and organisation is usually undertaken by
the bride and groom in consultation with their respective
parents. Their responsibilities are not demanding but they
are important in ensuring the smooth running of certain parts
of the day, particularly directing guests to the right seats at the ceremony venue.
Ushers are most often brothers or good friends of the bride
and groom. There is no limit to the number of ushers but it
is usual to have at least two. It is also normal to appoint
one usher as a chief usher who will keep the others advised
of their duties.
If suits are to be hired you should make yourself available
for fittings (hired suits are the financial responsibility
of the groom if his finances permit), or in the case of weddings
that require the wearing of lounge suits, you must provide
your own suit. Do remember that you are regarded as 'leading
men' so be sure that what you choose to wear is appropriate
and you do not overshadow the groom.
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, especially for close
family and friends or disabled guests. It is also advisable
to ask about any inter-family tensions that exist in case
certain guests need to be seated apart.
 |
The
chief usher is responsible for ensuring that the order
of service sheets are taken to the ceremony venue together
with the buttonholes for the groom, best man, other
ushers and guests. |
|
The
chief usher should ensure that all ushers are at the
church at least 45 minutes before the service is due
to start to look after and assist any early arrivals
(it would be helpful if you know where to direct guests
for toilets or refreshments). |
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The
ushers' main duties are literally to usher the guests
to their seats. Traditionally family and friends of
the groom are seated on the right hand side of the aisle
(or marriage room) with the bride's on the left. Also,
the closer the relationship with the bride and groom's
family, the closer they are seated to the front. If
one of the families is greater in number than the other,
consider seating the friends of the bride and groom
so that each side looks balanced. |
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Consider
asking guests with babies or young children to be seated
close to the entrance doors. Therefore, if any child
cries or becomes disruptive during the service, the
parent can take them out swiftly thus minimising the
disturbance. |
|
It
is the chief usher's duty to 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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Be
aware of any obstructions such as columns or pillars
so that guests are not seated where they will have their
view blocked. |
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During
the service, at least one usher should remain close
to the entrance doors to seat any latecomers and to
be on hand to assist with any problems such as crying
babies. |
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After
the service the ushers traditionally escort the bridesmaids
in the recessional. |
|
Outside
the ceremony venue, you will required to assist the
best man in organising guests for photographs if required
and ensure everyone has transport to the reception,
arranging lifts where necessary. |
At the reception venue, there are just two further duties
to perform:
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Upon
arrival of the guests at the reception venue, direct
them to the room where the hosts would like them to
assemble (usually for refreshments prior to passing
along the receiving line into the reception room). |
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Finally,
each usher should dance with a bridesmaid, joining the
bride and groom mid way through the first dance (immediately
after the best man and chief bridesmaid make their way
to the dance floor). |
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