It’s here! You and your partner are about to commit forever to each other. The relationship has grown from dating, to engaged, and soon to be married. A wedding is a special day that should be shared with equally special people surrounding you as a couple.

Use this list of traditional wedding roles to honor those who have poured into your relationship. Take TIME to fill these roles, brides and grooms!

MAID/MATRON OF HONOR & BEST MAN

The maid or matron of honor is the bride’s go-to gal! The role will usually go to a best friend or sister of the bride. Standing next to the bride comes with great responsibility. Prior to the wedding they attend all dress fittings and plan the bachelorette party. Talking wedding, this girl is hands-on all day long. She is fixing the veil, the gown, and getting the officiant out of the way for the “I do” kiss pictures! The maid of honor also delivers a speech during dinner. This is usually deeply heartfelt with a few laughs throughout. Standing next to the groom is the best man, a best friend or brother. A few duties come along with the title of best man. They plan the bachelor party, deliver a speech at the reception, and hold onto the rings during the ceremony!

BRIDAL PARTY

The bridal party is made up of bridesmaids and groomsmen. These guys and gals are the closest friends and family of the couple. They get to attend the exciting events leading up to the special day. Did someone say bachelor and bachelorette party?! WOOHOO! These fun festivities are exclusive to the bridal party. As a future bride or groom, ask yourself “who are the people in my life currently that are going to pursue me in their future?” These are the special souls that get to stand with you on your wedding day.

THE PARENTS

Oh my, the parents of the bride and groom. Having parents present if able on the wedding day allows for such sweet moments to be shared. The mother of the bride is honored during the wedding. She is with the bridal party in the bridal suite and is often walked down the aisle by the groom or a groomsman (if she has a son in the bridal party). The father of the bride will walk his girl down the aisle as a sign of handing her off to her groom. He will also deliver a speech at the reception, along with the dearest father-daughter dance. Heading to the groom’s side, the mother will accompany her son down the aisle. The father of the groom does not traditionally have important responsibilities when it comes to the wedding, but that is not to say he can’t request a speech at the reception.

FLOWER GIRL & RING BEARER

A sweet flower girl is traditionally a special little girl to the bride and groom. Have a niece, little sister, or daughter of a friend? Give them the opportunity to sprinkle petals, and just look extremely cute! Most weddings have a ring bearer as well. This is often a young boy with a connection to the bride and groom. He has the important job of delivering the rings down the aisle and handing them off to the best man.

THE OFFICIANT

The officiant, religious or not, performs the ceremony. They need to match the style of the ceremony. Do you want a few jokes thrown in there? Don’t be afraid to be picky with who fills the role, couples! Religious ceremonies will limit the option for officiants. Some couples choose a family member or a mentor figure to marry them. Important tip: Make sure they are certified to legally marry you!

Brides, you’ve taken time to consider these roles for the wedding season and day. Now, soak it in. Invest in these guys and gals the way they invest in you. Pursue all relationships! But, most importantly, CELEBRATE alongside these hearts!

Need some help planning the ceremony, or need some inspiration on wedding party attire? Check out our Ceremony Checklist & Attire Guide!