AOL

Organising the biggest day of your life takes careful planning - the good news is that there are plenty of people to help! Check out the traditional roles and duties for friends and family on the day...

Chief bridesmaid

Traditionally, there's one adult bridesmaid and a couple of younger flower girls. The chief bridesmaid's duties include:

- Keeping the bride stress-free
- Organising the hen night
- Looking after money for payments to be made on the day, such as florist's fees
- Helping the bride to dress
- Looking after any young flower girls
- Arranging the veil before the entrance
- Holding the bouquet during the service

Find out how to choose your bridesmaids

Best man

The groom should choose a responsible friend or brother. His duties include:

- Arranging the stag night and taking responsibility for the groom
- Looking after money for payments to be made on the day, such as church fees
- Making sure the groom arrives at the venue at the right time
- Looking after the wedding rings
- Making announcements at the reception for the cake-cutting and the speeches if there's no official toastmaster
- Making a best man's speech and reading out telegrams
- Organising transport for the newlyweds after the reception
- Making sure any hired outfits are returned after the wedding

Ushers

A groom can ask as many of his male friends or family as he likes to be an usher. The ushers' duties include:

- Handing service sheets to the guests and showing them to their seats
- Making sure one of them pays special attention to seating the bride's mother and the groom's parents
- Helping the best man to organise the transport

Mother of the bride

This is very important role - and some mothers may even say it's the most important! Her traditional duties are:

- Helping the bride plan the wedding
- Sending out the invitations and keeping a list of RSVPs
- Helping to dress the bride on the big day

Speeches

Traditionally, there are three different speeches at receptions, but more brides than ever are also taking the stand - so don't be shy to stand up and thank people. Watch expert video tips on how to give a good wedding speech.

Remember, speeches usually include the following:

Father of the bride

- Welcome guests
- Toast the groom's parents
- Offer advice to the newlyweds
- Welcome his son-in-law to the family
- Say a few lovely things about his daughter
- Toast the bride and groom

Groom

- Talk about his new wife
- Thank all the guests who've helped put the big day together
- Thank both sets of parents
- Toast the bridesmaids

Best man

- Thank the bridesmaids on behalf of the bride and groom
- Read telegrams from any guests who've been unable to attend the wedding
- Tell a few jokes about the groom/couple - but nothing too embarrassing
- Toast the host and hostess and the bride and groom