The Ushers

The ushers (or groomsmen), are there primarily to conduct people to the right seats, and to hand out the Order of Service sheets. As a general guide, there should be about one usher for every 25-30 guests, although there is no hard and fast rule on this.

It is usual for the groom to choose the ushers from both his and the bride's brothers and friends. It is important that each side of the family should be represented in order that as many of the guests as possible will be recognised and received by name.

Dress for the ushers should be similar to that worn by the bridegroom and best man: morning dress or dark lounge suits, with buttonholes, such as roses or carnations, in their coat lapels.

A chief usher should also be appointed: his most important duty is to take responsibility for greeting the mother of the bride when she arrives and conducting her to the front left-hand row of seats, thus signalling the start of the ceremony, and the entrance of the bride.

The Ushers' Duties

• Arrive at the venue early, before the groom, and at least half an hour before the ceremony is to start.
• Distribute buttonholes.
• Ensure that service sheets are left at the end of the front rows for the bridesmaids, and that the officiant also has a copy.
• Assist with parking arrangements.
• Escort guests into the venue with an umbrella (if it is raining).
• One usher should stand by the door and give out service sheets.
• A second usher should stand at the top of the aisle and, if he does not recognise a guest, should ask whether they are a guest of the bride or the groom. Bride's relatives and friends should be directed to the seats on the left of the aisle facing the chancel steps or the place where the ceremony will take place, and those of the bridegroom on the right. However, discretion should be used if there is a large difference in numbers between the two families.
• A third usher should stand halfway down the aisle and direct the guests to their seats, escorting any lone guests and offering their left arm in the case of a lady. The first two rows of seats are reserved for close family members. The groom and best man are in the front row on the right, with the groom's parents directly behind them on the second row. The mother of the bride sits on the front row on the left, with a space beside her for the bride's father. Where parents have remarried, then the mother sits in the usual position with her new partner and the father and partner in the row behind.
• Couples with young children or babies may feel happier seated near the exit, so they will find it easier to leave if necessary.
• Make sure that the parents of any young attendants are seated near the front of the church, so that the child can sit with them during the ceremony.
• The elderly should be seated near the aisle.
• When the ceremony starts, ushers should sit near the back of the church, so that they can quietly escort any latecomers to the nearest seats,...

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