Ushers vs. Groomsmen: What are the role differences?
Hi! My fiance and I are confused about the role differences between groomsmen and ushers.
We have read that, to include more friends/family in our wedding, we can distinguish between groomsmen and ushers. So, we have come up with 6 groomsmen, and are considering having 2 other friends be ushers. Our question is, once they have dressed in the "groomsmen" attire, receive a boutinaire, and escort guests down the aisle, what next?
do they sit with the groomsmen during the ceremony?
do they walk down the aisle after the ceremony with a bridesmaid?
do they ride the limo with the wedding party?
do they get announced at the reception?
ultimately, are they actually a part of the wedding party, or aren't they? is there really a difference? please help us clarify this!! thank you SO much!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jun 27, 2006, 10:14 AM
Post #2 of 2
(4634 views)
Re: [fiorilll] Ushers vs. Groomsmen: What are the role differences?
[In reply to]
Dear Confused,
The confusion is understandable because ushers can be treated differently from groomsmen. Many do not distinguish between ushers and groomsmen. They are all groomsmen or ushers. Some only use their ushers to seat guests and then they are treated as helpers during the reception.
Here are a few excepts from one of my wedding planning booklets:
"The usher’s primary job is to seat guests at the wedding. .....The ushers also attend all pre-wedding parties the groom attends. They are not expected to give gifts at each one. They may participate and co-host the bachelor party. ......During the reception, ushers may sit at the head table, but do not stand in the receiving line. They may be announced after the best man and honor attendant to the guests. .......Their main job during the reception is to mingle with the guests and dance with unescorted women."
So, if you are treating your ushers as part of the bridal party, they would be just the same as any of your groomsmen. Sometimes they just stand in the back during the ceremony and wait to take the pew ribbons down. Sometimes they walk with the bridemaids.
None of the groomsmen sit during the ceremony. They may ride in the limo. I would include them if it were me. They may feel left out if not.
Ushers vs. Groomsmen: What are the role differences?
