Wedding Duties: Who Handles What on Your Big Day

Planning a wedding feels like juggling a lot of balls. Knowing who should catch each ball saves time, stress, and arguments. Below you’ll find the most common duties broken down by who usually takes charge. Use this as a quick reference while you work through your timeline.

Core Duties for the Couple

The bride and groom are the project managers of the whole event. Your top tasks include setting a budget, picking a date, and deciding on the overall style. Once those basics are locked, you’ll move on to choosing the venue, signing contracts, and creating a master checklist. Keep your communication open – a shared Google Sheet works wonders for tracking who’s doing what.

Next up are the guest‑related duties. Pick your guest list together, then decide who will send the invites. If you’re handling the invites yourself, you’ll need to gather addresses, design or order cards, and mail them out about 8‑12 weeks before the wedding. If a family member prefers to manage this, set clear deadlines so the RSVP window opens on time.

Fashion duties also fall on you. The bride’s dress shopping, fittings, and accessories are her responsibility, but the groom should pick his suit, shoes, and any needed alterations. Schedule appointments early to avoid last‑minute rushes.

Finally, the couple usually picks the photographer, videographer, and any entertainment. Book them early, verify the hours needed, and confirm payment schedules. Having a written contract with a deposit and final payment date protects both sides.

Family and Guest Responsibilities

Parents often pitch in with financial help, but it’s best to discuss expectations up front. Traditionally, the bride’s family might cover the dress, flowers, and ceremony costs, while the groom’s side handles the reception venue and food. Modern couples split costs based on budget, so treat it as a conversation, not a rule.

The best man and maid of honor have clear duties too. The best man usually organizes the bachelor party, helps the groom with suit rentals, and holds the rings during the ceremony. The maid of honor assists the bride with dress fittings, plans the bridal shower, and helps with the day‑of timeline.

Grandparents and older relatives may offer to pay for specific items like the wedding cake or transportation. If someone offers a gift, thank them promptly and let them know how their contribution fits into the overall plan.

Guests themselves have duties: return RSVPs on time, read the invitation for dress code clues, and bring a gift or card if they wish. Simple reminders in the invite (e.g., “please RSVP by June 1”) keep things moving.

When the big day arrives, the duties shift to execution. Assign a trusted friend to be the point person for any vendor questions, another to oversee the seating chart, and someone else to collect gifts. A short “day‑of coordinator” checklist can be printed and handed out the night before.

Remember, the goal isn’t to follow a rigid rulebook but to share the workload in a way that feels fair. If a task feels overwhelming, ask for help or consider hiring a planner for that piece. Clear boundaries, early communication, and a written list keep the wedding duties from turning into drama.