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Ushers are an important element of the religious ceremonies at a wedding. Most traditional ceremonies have designated places for the guests to sit. For instance, the first pews are reserved for immediate family of the bride and Groom, and the parents sit in the front pew. It is the responsibility of the ushers to welcome guests and ensure that they are located at the correct place with a minimum of fuss.
The number of ushers at a wedding ceremony depends on the number of expected guests. Usually two ushers are sufficient if there are less than sixty guests. However, as the number of guests increases, so should the number of ushers in order to ensure that all the guests are welcomed and shown to their seats. If there are few ushers, then the groomsmen can also be asked to take on the task of ushering in the guests.
While typically the ushers tend to be from the groom's side of the family, it is a good idea to pick them from both sides of the family. This way there will be someone who recognizes a guest no matter which side of the family the guest belongs to.
It is important that the ushers arrive at the wedding location well in advance of the start of the ceremony. In fact, ideally the ushers should be there about 45 minutes to an hour before the ceremony begins. At the location, the ushers should familiarize themselves with the guest list, seating plan and also be aware of all the seating rules. For instance, typically, the family and friends of the bride are listed on the left side of the aisle, where the Groom's family and friends are listed on the right.
Once the guests start arriving, it is the responsibility of the usher to greet and welcome them to the ceremony, and then escort them to their respective seats. If a guest can not be recognized, it is appropriate for the usher to ask them whether he or she belongs to the bride's side or the Groom's side. Traditionally, the usher offers his right arm to a woman, but it is also acceptable for the ushers to walk the guests to their seats without offering their arm. The ushers also give the guests copies of the Order of Service or the appropriate Marriage Service and hymn book.
The parents of the groom are located after all the other guests are at their places followed by the bride's parents. However, there are no fixed rules on who escorts them. Sometimes they accompany the Groom or the Best Man. At other times, they are escorted in by one of the ushers. During the service, the ushers sit toward the back of the church so that they are in a suitable position to greet any latecomers and to open the doors for the bridal procession, if necessary.
The role of the ushers is equally important after the ceremony is completed. The ushers help escort or direct the guests out of the church beginning with the front pews and working their way back. Once the happy couple have left for the reception venue, the ushers can relax, enjoy the reception and the rest of day.
When it comes to dress, the ushers usually dress in the same style as the Groom and Best Man. However, sometimes the ushers dress less typically than the groom and the groomsmen. It's up to the bride and groom. If the ushers wear tuxedos, like the Best Man and groomsmen, a nice way to thank them for all their help is to present them with a gift of engraved cufflinks at the rehearsal dinner or sometimes before the wedding. Your ushers can be younger members of the family, friends of the bride or groom and even members of the congregation at the church where your wedding ceremony will take place. Be sure to take lots of pictures for your wedding album! You might be able to return the favor someday and be in their wedding party.
Shirley Tan is the owner and operator of My Groomsmen Gifts, an online website where you'll easily find great gifts for the groom and all the best, new groomsmen's gifts .
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Source by Shirley Tan
