What makes a good Usher?

Probably the most important attributes for an Usher are a sense of humour and a lot of patience. During the wedding the Ushers have to deal with all of the guests and some of them can be quite awkward customers. Guests will range from close family members and friends to people who have had to be invited because it’s expected. The ushers are there to help with the organisation of the wedding, keeping the guests happy and smoothing any difficulties.

The first thing the Usher should do is ensure he arrives early at the wedding venue; typically an hour should be enough time. Check out the facilities like parking and toilets, you’re sure to be asked about some or all of them. Find the minister and get the service sheets ready to hand them to the guests as they arrive. The Usher is usually given the buttonholes to present to the key guests as they arrive, be sure to know who gets them, it’s usually just the close family members and friends.

Direct the guests to their seats ensuring that the family of the Groom is on the right and the family of the Bride is on the left. The first two or three rows are usually reserved for close family and friends. If the number of people on one side is becoming overlarge, direct new guests to the small side, to keep the venue balanced.

The Brides mother and any elderly guests should be escorted to their seats. The elderly guests and women with children will appreciate being seated at the ends of the seating to allow easy access if there are any toileting problems likely to occur.

During the greeting of guests the ushers should inform them of any local rules concerning photography or confetti and ladies with big hats should be directed to the rear of the seating unless they are family members in which case ensure they are not standing in front of children or small people.

After the wedding ceremony, if it is raining, the ushers should stand ready at the entrance to escort any ladies to the cars with an umbrella to protect their hair and clothing.

The last duty of the Usher at the wedding venue is to do a thorough check to ensure that no belongings have been left behind by any of the guests.

Wedding Gifts for Ushers

One of the best gifts for ushers is a pair of usher cufflinks. Cufflinks are a great way to complete your wedding suit and are a good way to provide cohesion in the attire of groups of men such as ushers, groomsmen and page boys.