A beginner's guide to who does what at a wedding.

Best Man

Arrange the stag night (preferably at least a week before the wedding) and make sure the groom gets home safely.

Check that the ushers know what are their duties on the day.

Make sure the buttonholes and service sheets are at the church, ready to be handed out by the ushers.

Check that the groom's going-away clothes are left at the hotel or reception venue on the morning of the wedding or the day before.

Make sure the groom arrives at the church in good time and that all necessary fees are paid on arrival.

Check the rings are close at hand and hand them to the groom or minister at the appropriate time.

Organise, with the ushers, lifts for everyone from the church to the reception.

Announce the cake-cutting ceremony and speeches.

Read out cards and messages.

Make a brief speech, remembering to thank the groom for his toast to the bridesmaids.

Take charge of the groom's clothes if he is changing to go away and return hired formal dress.

Chief Bridesmaid

Help the bride to dress on the day of the wedding.

Wait in the church porch for the bride to arrive and organise any younger attendants.

Arrange the bride's veil and train before processing up the aisle.

Take the bride's bouquet from her when she reaches the chancel steps.

Hold the bouquet during the service, take it into the vestry for the signing of the register and give it back to the bride for the procession back down the aisle.

Keep an eye on the younger attendants at the reception.

Take charge of the bride's dress after she has changed into her going-away outfit.

Ushers

Hand out service sheets to guests on arrival and show them to their seats.

Help the best man organise lifts for guests to the reception.

Pay special attention to the bride and groom's mothers, including escorting them to their seats at the church and the reception.