Being a wedding usher is more than just an honor, it’s a big responsibility that helps ensure guests are comfortable during the ceremony. Here are a few of Barnwood Events tips for being a great wedding usher!
Arrive Early
Guests typically start arriving at a wedding ceremony 30 minutes before it starts, so we recommend ushers arrive even before that. You will want to be in your designated spot when the first guest arrives at the wedding ceremony location.
Share Materials
If the couple has programs, fans, water bottles, bubbles, bird seed, or any other items that guests may need during the ceremony, make sure to hand them out. When there is a lull in guests arriving, it’s good to check with the seated guests to make sure they didn’t sneak through the cracks, and that they have what they need.
Help Guests Find Seats
One of the biggest jobs of a wedding usher is to help guests find a seat. Different group sizes arrive in a short amount of time, and it can be stressful for them to find a spot to sit. When ushers aren’t guiding the guests, a lot of them linger toward the back of the ceremony location. Help them find a spot – it will make the guests more comfortable, and the photos more cohesive.
One way to do this is to make sure there aren’t empty seats between different parties. When it starts to fill up, ask each row to scoot close to the aisle – this will free up groups of seats toward the ends of the row. It will make it easier for you to see where there are openings, and guests don’t have to climb over strangers to be seated in the middle of a row.
Assist with Special Requests
There may be guests who need special accommodations – a chair removed to be replaced with a wheelchair, help getting to their seat with a walker, a parent and baby needing to be on the end of a row – an usher should be ready to help troubleshoot those requests. When in doubt, ask the wedding venue staff for help with these situations.
Set the Tone
You will be the first person guests see and interact with when they arrive at the wedding ceremony. Set the tone for the day – be welcoming, cheerful and helpful – it’s your family or friends best day of their life, after all.
Photos by Azena Photography.