The Essential Roles & Responsibilities of the Bridal Party: A Guide for Couples

Planning your Colorado destination wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but there is so much to think about! One of the most important steps is choosing the right people to stand by your side. Your bridal party will be your support system from the moment you get engaged to your walk down the aisle. These are your inner circle and they are 100% there for you. But what exactly are the roles and responsibilities of each bridal party member?

Photo Credit: Tippy Jordan

At La Joya Dulce, we’ve hosted over 125 Colorado destination weddings and worked with wedding parties of all shapes, sizes and genders. let us help you with this breakdown of what each member typically does, to make your planning easier and your day stress-free.

Photo Credit: Gillespie Photography

Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor

Usually, the honor of this position is the bride’s sister or best friend, the Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor (if she’s married) is the bride’s right-hand woman. Remember this is your day and who you choose to stand with you should be 100% about you and what you want.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helps plan pre-wedding events (bridal shower, bachelorette party)

  • These celebrations should be a reflection of your bride. If she is an introvert think more about her hobbies. Try glamping, spa days or a beach trip with her favorite people. Alternatively for our extroverted girl put some work in and think outside the box! Vegas is not the only option here!

• Assists with dress shopping and fittings

  • Make sure to take video of how the bustle is done to refer to on the wedding day.

• Supports the bride emotionally and logistically

• Holds the bouquet during the ceremony

  • Dont forget to give it back after the smooching is over.

• Helps bustle the dress for the reception

  • Remember that video we suggested you take? Use it here!

• Gives a toast at the reception (optional but traditional)

  • Pleas for the love of all things, be sober and remember that you were chosen and the roll you play should be honored. No slurred and stumbling embarrassing speeches ladies…. Keep it heartfelt and classy (a little humor or inside joke here and there never hurts - and if you forget your speech up at the wedding prep suite? Ask - we will run and get it for you!)

💡 Venue Tip: Your Maid of Honor can help coordinate with your venue's day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly. She can be your point person for anything unexpected that pops up.

Photo Credit: We The Light Photography

Best Man

The groom’s go-to guy—brother, childhood friend, or close cousin—the Best Man is there to support and organize.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans the bachelor party

  • Guys! Vegas is not the only option here. Think a weekend in the woods, fishing trips or a golf trip with the boys.

• Helps the groom with attire and getting ready

  • Now is a great time to learn to tie a tie - especially if it is black tie!

• Holds the rings (unless there’s a ring bearer that will be holding the actual rings…. by the way we don’t usually recommend this 😉)

• Gives a speech or toast at the reception

  • Make sure you remember the role you are honored with and keep upright until the open dancing starts! If public speaking is not your thing write it down or if you can memorize your speech, even better.

• Helps manage the groomsmen and keep things on schedule

  • Wedding days can be chaotic, do yourself and your buddies a favor and don’t forget to hydrate and have meals.

💡 Venue Tip: Assign your Best Man to liaise with your DJ or MC for announcements during the reception.

Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben Photography

Bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids are your inner circle—cheerleaders, confidantes, and helpers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in pre-wedding events

• Assist the bride with planning tasks

• Help with DIY projects, favors, or decor

• Offer emotional support and help calm nerves

• Walk in the processional and be photo-ready!

Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben

Groomsmen

The groomsmen support the groom and help keep the celebration fun and organized.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with bachelor party planning

• Help seat guests or usher if needed

• Stand by the groom during the ceremony

• Keep things running smoothly behind the scenes

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

These adorable members of the bridal party bring charm and cuteness to your ceremony.

Flower Girl Duties:

• Walks down the aisle before the bride, tossing petals (or just looking cute!)

  • we love seeing your unique spin on things. Incorporating flower grandmas, or scattering natural elements like lavender or leaves.

Ring Bearer Duties:

• Carries a pillow with symbolic rings (or real rings, if you're brave!)

  • There are so many fun twists you can add here with “ring security” or Flower dudes that will hand out beverages as they dance down the aisle.

💡 Venue Tip: Ask your planner about timing and music cues to help guide your littlest attendants. If the littles are not standing for the ceremony consider a little goodie bag to keep them occupied… quiet items only….. leave the whistles till after the ‘I Do’s’ - and at La Joya Dulce? Ask Kathie - she’s the master of bribing using the horses!

Photo Credit: Kimberly Mitiska Photography

Why a Clear Bridal Party Structure Matters

When everyone knows their role, your wedding day will feel organized, supportive, and joyful. A clear understanding of responsibilities also reduces stress and creates space for the magic to happen. While your wedding planner should have everything well in hand, having the people that know and love you best involved will add to the confidence you have moving into your wedding day.

At La Joya Dulce we love helping our couples and their bridal parties feel confident and ready. From pre-ceremony coordination to picture-perfect backdrops, we’re here to make your day unforgettable.

Planning a Wedding? Let’s Chat!

Our experienced team at La Joya Dulce is here to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Whether you're still picking your bridal party or finalizing your timeline, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to hear about the fun twist and plans you have with your wedding party!

about la joya dulce

At la joya dulce, we are proud in being an independently owned and operated, local wedding venue. When you choose la joya dulce in Steamboat Springs, you're not just booking a venue—you're working directly with the owners, who are dedicated to making your day perfect. You are not just a transaction to us - you become a member of our ranch family. We’re committed to creating memories and intentional moments for you and your family. We believe in supporting our community, which is why we collaborate with other independently-owned venues and businesses.

We also believe in being the “real deal.” Our photos that are shared by our wonderful photographers are the real deal - there is no AI involved in their creation. Come take a look for yourself - the reality is often better than the photos!

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Within Sodo, Valley Mills Farm, Legacy Lakes Venue, Laurel Haven Estate, and New Park Event Venue.