the ushers

It is the duty of the groom and the best man to choose the Ushers. Traditionally, they would be brothers or close friends of either the groom or the best man. It is suggested that there should be one usher for every 50 guests. Ushers are under the wing of the best man whose duty it is to give them all their duties for the day. However, below we have provided a timeline for Ushers which we advise they follow in the lead up to the wedding.

4 months

Arrange the purchasing of any hired items of clothing and ensure you know who will be paying for them.

1 week before

Confirm with the best man and groom the travel arrangements for the day
You will need to ask the groom to give you a list of all guests that will need to be escorted to their seats by the ushers
If necessary, attend any wedding rehearsals
Gather some large umbrellas in case of rain on the day
Get your hair cut

The day before

Pick up any hired clothing

On the day

Collect all buttonholes and order of service sheets from the best man
You need to arrive at the church at least half an hour before the ceremony is due to start

At the church

Help any guests with their parking arrangements
As the guests enter the church, greet them and supply them with buttonholes and order of service sheets
Be sure that the officiant is given an order of service sheet as well as the bride and groom
Any guests that have children need to be seated at the back of the church
Help any guests that require it to their seats and also assist the mother of the bride
Give any necessary assistance to the photographer
Help the other Ushers clean out the church and ensure that it is left in a tidy condition
Check that all guests have transportation from the church to the reception

At the reception

Assist any guests with parking their vehicles
Greet all guests and offer them a beverage
Help out with any elderly guests

After the wedding

If you have hired out any items of clothing, ensure that they are returned in the appropriate condition and on time.