You've chosen each other, now it's time to pick your best man and maid of honor. Will you choose your brother, sister, best friend since kindergarten or college room-mate? The roles of best man and maid of honor are special. And...a big responsibility.

Once you've selected your attendants, be sure to ask these individuals if they wish to participate! They'll be involved in many aspects of your wedding. Are they aware of the time and expense their positions require?

You already know that the best man pays for his tuxedo and the maid of honor pays for her gown. The maid of honor and best man are each also responsible for arranging for a gift from the other attendants. Each one contacts the bridesmaids or groomsmen and arranges for a special, joint wedding gift from that group. It is the duty of the best man and maid of honor to collect the money from the attendants and choose a gift they know their friends will love.

You've explained this to your friends. They're delighted to accept! "What else can we do?", they ask. Well, the maid of honor helps the bride pick out the perfect bridesmaids' dresses, while the best man assists the groom in choosing the appropriate tuxedos.

Parties! The maid of honor will have a full calendar; she attends all pre-wedding showers and parties given for the bride. Couples' showers are very popular, and both the best man and maid of honor are expected to attend. They also plan and are financially responsible for any bachelor or bachelorette parties. The maid of honor will also be busy helping to address invitations and make favors.

The big day has arrived. Your attendants are there to "get you to the church on time!" They help you get dressed and ready for the ceremony. The best man is in charge of arranging transportation to and from the church, and to the wedding night location. He may even drive the couple, himself. The best man and maid of honor have the privilege of acting as witnesses to your marriage. By signing the license they verify that they heard the spoken vows and witnessed the ceremony.

If there is no ring  bearer the maid of honor wears the groom's ring on her finger and the best man carries the bride's ring in his pocket. The best man also presents the checks to the clergy and organist at the church. He doesn't assume the financial responsibility, just delivers the envelopes!

The ceremony is over and guests have gathered at the reception. If the wedding has a larger receiving line, your attendants will be standing there with you and your parents. Your best man and maid of honor act as host and hostess at the reception. They cordially greet guests, dance and mingle. Both the best man and the maid of honor toast the happy couple.

Is there a money dance? The best man starts it by dancing with the bride while the maid of honor dances with the groom. The best man can also take the role of master of ceremonies.

It's time to leave for the honeymoon. Did the best man and maid of honor remember to decorate the car? That's part of the fun! The maid of honor assists the bride in changing from her bridal gown into her going-away clothes. The best man must remember to take the tuxedos back to the store the next day. The maid of honor does a final sweep of changing or dressing areas, too, to check for any forgotten items. The wedding is over and your friends helped to make your wedding a cherished and special memory. That's what friends are for.