What Do Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Do? Wedding Party Roles, Numbers & Attire

When planning a wedding, apart from securing the venue, bridal gown, and banquet, your groomsmen and bridesmaids are essential helpers for the Big Day. From the door games and safeguarding the rings to greeting guests and keeping track of the schedule, every member of the bridal party has their own specific responsibilities.

Below is a comprehensive guide to common duties and practical tips, making it easier for the couples to organize their wedding day itinerary.

What Do Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Do?

The best man and maid of honor usually act as the primary points of contact for the bridal party. Besides following closely to the bride and groom, they are responsible for keeping track of the wedding timeline, delegating tasks, and handling any unexpected situations.

What Do Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Do Before and On the Wedding Day?

Before the Wedding

Before the wedding, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can help with:

• Familiarising themselves with the Big Day rundown

• Confirming the meeting time and location for the wedding party

• Planning the door games and preparing the necessary items

• Reminding everyone to prepare their outfits

• Confirming each person’s roles and responsibilities

If the wedding takes place across multiple venues, the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen should also familiarise themselves with the transport arrangements and schedule in advance.

Best Man Duties on the Wedding Day

Common best man duties include:

• Helping the groom get ready and change outfits

• Keeping the wedding rings, red packets, and other important items safe

• Leading and coordinating the groomsmen

• Assisting with picking up the bride

• Reminding the groom of the wedding schedule and timings

• Welcoming guests and assisting with photo sessions

Maid of Honor Duties on the Wedding Day

Maids of honor usually provide more hands-on support to the bride, including:

• Accompanying the bride while she gets her make-up done and prepares for the day

• Adjusting the wedding dress, train and veil

• Keeping the bride’s phone, tissues, and makeup essentials safe

• Coordinating the bridesmaid group

• Assisting with the tea ceremony, wedding ceremony and photo sessions

• Helping the bride change outfits and keeping her on schedule

How Many Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Do You Need?

There are no strict rules on the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids, nor do they have to be an even number.

An intimate wedding might only require one best man and one maid of honor. If you are hosting a large banquet with multiple segments like the door games, tea ceremony, vow exchange, outdoor photoshoots, and the dinner reception, it's wise to recruit a larger bridal party for support.

When deciding on the number, consider:

• The number of wedding guests

• The complexity of the wedding itinerary

• Whether multiple venues are involved

• The amount of work that needs delegation

The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids doesn't have to match perfectly. Rather than inviting distant friends just to make up the numbers, it's far more important to choose reliable friends and family who are genuinely willing to help.

How Much Should the Groomsmen and Bridesmaid Red Packets (Lai See) Be?

Giving red packets is a way for the couple to express gratitude to the bridal party for their hard work, but there is no standardized amount.

Couples can decide based on the following factors:

• Your relationship with the person

• Their workload on the wedding day

• Whether they are helping out for the full day or just half the day

• Whether the couple is paying for their attire, makeup, or transportation

• The wedding budget

If the bridal party members need to pay for specific outfits or transportation themselves, the couple can factor these expenses into the red packet amount.

What Are the Attire Requirements for Groomsmen and Bridesmaids?

The attire of the bridal party should ideally match the wedding theme while maintaining a cohesive look.

Groomsmen Attire

Groomsmen typically wear suits in a similar color palette to the groom, such as black, navy, grey, or beige. They can be distinguished from the groom through different neckties, boutonnieres, or suit styles.

If the groomsmen are sourcing their own clothes, the couple should provide clear instructions on color, style, and shoe requirements in advance.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Bridesmaids can wear identical dresses or adopt a "mismatched" approach—wearing the same color but different styles. This maintains a unified look while flattering different body types.

When selecting dresses, consider:

• The wedding theme color

• Whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors

• Dress length and ease of movement

• The different body shapes of the bridesmaids

• Shoe and accessory arrangements

As for whether the couple or the bridal party pays for the attire, there is no set rule. The most important thing is to communicate the arrangements and budget beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

Big Day Checklist for Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

The bridal party can prepare a simple wedding emergency kit in advance:

• Wedding Rundown

• Mobile phones and power banks

• Tissues and wet wipes

• Makeup touch-up kit

• Bobby pins and safety pins

• Band-aids

• Bottled water

• A bag for collecting red packets

• Ring box

• The couple's important personal belongings

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids FAQs

Q1. Must groomsmen and bridesmaids be unmarried?

Not necessarily. Nowadays, many weddings no longer restrict the marital status of the bridal party. If your family strictly follows traditional customs, it’s best to consult with the elders first.

Q2. Does the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids have to be the same?

Not at all. You can arrange the numbers based on the actual needs without deliberately trying to match them.

Q3. Does the bridal party have to be an even number?

There are no hard rules. Some families might prefer even numbers due to traditional customs, but the actual needs of the wedding should always take priority.

Q4. Do the newlyweds pay for the bridal party's attire?

There is no fixed practice. The couple can choose to buy or rent the outfits, provide a clothing allowance, or ask the party to prepare their own attire. Just ensure the requirements and cost arrangements are clearly communicated early on.

Q5. Do groomsmen and bridesmaids need to give wedding gifts?

This depends on personal habits and your relationship. Since the bridal party already invests a significant amount of time and effort into helping with the wedding, giving a gift is not strictly required.