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"ARGGH! I'm in a wedding! What do I do? What are my responsibilities?"

At one time in your life, you'll probably be faced with this dilemma. I recently agreed to be the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding, but with the wedding bells soon to be ringing, I find myself singing a different tune. Now I'm wondering why I'm considered a member of the "wedding party" when I feel like a wedding workhorse instead! Do this, plan that — does it ever end?!

So before you say "I Do" to that wonderful friend who may soon transform into Bridezilla, take a look at who's who in the world of those who aid the blushing brides and grimacing grooms.

•And the Honor goes to ... Yes, it is a tremendous distinction, but the maid of honor has a great number of duties attached to her title — why do you think they call her a maid? Not only is she responsible for helping the bride get ready on the day of the wedding, but she's expected to host a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. She may also deliver a toast at the rehearsal dinner. Other duties include attending countless dress fittings, acting as a witness to the signing of the marriage license, mailing a wedding announcement to local newspapers, and returning rented bridal items.

•Simply the Best. The best man doesn't have quite as many duties as his female counterpart. He gets the exciting job of throwing the infamous bachelor party, and he attends to any last minute details the day of the ceremony. He may be asked to stand witness to the signing of the marriage license, hold the rings for safekeeping, drive the bride and groom to the airport, and return all rented items for the groom and ushers. At the reception, he leads the guests in wishing the couple a bright future.

•Always a Bridesmaid. Bridesmaids help prepare for the wedding ceremony and reception. They attend pre-wedding parties — tough job, but someone's got to do it! They also help the bride tend to matters of the day, and may step in to pinch hit for the maid of honor if she's unable to go with the bride for any appointment. At the reception, they partner with their assigned groomsmen during the first dance.

•Nothing like a Good Grooming. The groom asks a number of his close friends to serve as groomsmen. They're responsible for helping attend to pre-ceremony matters. This may include picking up out-of-town guests from the airport or hotels and escorting them to the ceremony. They're expected to decorate the getaway car — tastefully, of course! At the ceremony, they escort the bridesmaids down the aisle and accompany them during the first dance.

•Usherly Charming. Ushers escort guests to their seats before the ceremony. Usually they arrange for the bride's friends and family to be seated on one side and the groom's friends and family on the other. Immediately prior to the wedding party's entrance, they seat the mother of the groom and then the mother of the bride.

•Ring Around the Rosies. The flower girl scatters flower petals in the aisle. Or she may carry a small bouquet of flowers. The ring bearer is traditionally a young boy who either precedes or escorts the flower girl down the aisle. He carries a pillow on which the wedding rings are tied.

Written by Jordan Meffert

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