There are a number of different responsibilities that your wedding party, family and friends may have on your wedding day to keep everything organized and on time. As a groom, it's your job to make these tasks clear to your groomsmen and best man. Ushers also play an important role in your ceremony and need to know exactly what you need them to do. By providing each person with a detailed description of the things that their position means, you'll have everything covered on your wedding day and avoid anything being forgotten or overlooked.

The best man has a central role in both your wedding preparations and the wedding day itself. He plans your bachelor party, helps you with any wedding particulars you need before the wedding, and assists you with getting ready on your wedding day. This includes checking that you and your groomsmen have their boutiennieres pinned on properly, that you have your wedding license, and that ushers are in place. He holds onto your wedding rings until they are requested by the officiant at the ceremony. At the reception, he usually gives a humorous speech and toasts you and your new bride.

The groomsmen are the bridesmaids' escorts for the walk down the aisle, the entrance to the reception, and often for a wedding party dance after the meal. If necessary, they help with moving chairs and tables, or any cleanup you may be doing after the fun is over.

Sometimes the groomsmen double as ushers, but in a lot of cases the groom will ask a few other friends or family members. It's a good role for younger brothers or friends who may not have been able to join in on the bachelor party. Ushers wear the same tuxedos as the groomsmen, or a formal shirt and tie. They should not be dressed casually, unless your wedding is informal.

You should plan on having one usher for each 50 guests or so. Ushers stand at the hall or church entrance and tell people where to sit for the ceremony. They help special guests find their seats at the front of the ceremony. Ushers may also take gifts at the door, and direct guests to restrooms, coat racks and parking.

Your best man, groomsmen and ushers should all be there on the night of the wedding rehearsal. Everyone needs a run through of what they will be responsible for on your wedding day, where to stand during the ceremony, and when to make announcements to guests.

The roles your wedding party will play on your big day vary depending on the size and style of your wedding. If it's a small wedding, you may not even use ushers, or if you have a ringbearer your best man will be responsible for him. Your wedding party will be a huge help to you during your ceremony and reception, so give them all the details they need to make your wedding day a success.