Hiring Bridesmaids: Is It Possible To Outsource Your Bridal Party?

Yes, you can hire a bridesmaid. Jen Glantz, the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, is a professional bridesmaid and author who fills in for bridesmaids at weddings. She offers a range of services, from helping to plan the bachelorette party and giving advice to the bride, to walking down the aisle in a bridesmaid dress and giving a speech. Glantz also offers services for maids of honour, such as speechwriting. She has been hired by brides and grooms from all over the world and has helped hundreds of clients over the years.

The role of a hired bridesmaid

Hiring a bridesmaid is a relatively new concept, with the world's first professional bridesmaid company, Bridesmaid for Hire, founded by Jen Glantz, starting about a decade ago. The role of a hired bridesmaid is to provide support to the bride, be it in the form of emotional support, wedding planning, or practical help.

A hired bridesmaid can be expected to help with wedding planning tasks such as dress shopping, planning the hen party, and collecting various items. They can also be there to provide emotional support to the bride and be a shoulder to lean on during stressful moments. On the wedding day, a hired bridesmaid will typically wear the chosen dress, walk down the aisle, give a speech, and help with any challenges or drama that may arise. They can also be called upon to return any hired clothing or accessories after the wedding and help with tidying up.

One of the unique aspects of hiring a bridesmaid is the ability to keep it a secret. A hired bridesmaid can pretend to be a friend of the bride and create a fake name and identity to maintain confidentiality. This adds an element of discretion to the service, allowing the bride to have the support she needs without having to reveal that she hired a professional.

A hired bridesmaid is also a problem solver and a calming presence during a complicated and often stressful time. They can offer unbiased and non-judgmental advice, provide a listening ear, and help navigate challenging situations. In addition, a hired bridesmaid can be a source of energy and fun at the wedding, encouraging guests to dance and ensuring everyone is having a good time.

Overall, the role of a hired bridesmaid is to provide comprehensive support to the bride before, during, and after the wedding. They can be a friend, a therapist, a planner, and a helper, ensuring that the bride's experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

The cost of hiring a bridesmaid

So, you can hire a bridesmaid! It might sound like an unusual concept, but it's a legitimate service that's been covered by various news outlets. Bridesmaid for Hire, founded by Jen Glantz, is the world's first professional bridesmaid company.

Hiring a bridesmaid is like hiring a friend, a professional problem solver, and a support system all in one. But, how much does it cost? Well, that depends on the package you choose and the level of involvement you require.

Jen Glantz's company, Bridesmaid for Hire, offers various packages, with prices starting at £1,865 and going up from there. The cost includes pre-wedding vent sessions, dress shopping, attending bachelorette parties and other events, and providing on-the-day support.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, Glantz also offers tutorial videos on "How to Be a Bridesmaid" for just $35.

Another professional bridesmaid, Hannah, charges an average of £5,500 for her services. This includes being available to her clients day and night, providing emotional support, and helping with all aspects of wedding planning.

Factors affecting the cost

Cost comparison to a traditional bridesmaid

It's worth noting that being a traditional bridesmaid can also come with significant costs. According to a WeddingWire study, the average cost of being a bridesmaid is about $1,200 per wedding, but it can quickly increase to over $1,800 when you factor in expenses such as the dress, travel, hair, makeup, and pre-wedding events.

So, while hiring a professional bridesmaid may seem expensive, it's not that far off from the costs that a traditional bridesmaid might incur. Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional or rely on friends and family will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

The backstory of the hired bridesmaid

In some instances, the hired bridesmaid may be introduced as a friend from a different stage of the bride's life, such as a childhood friend or a college roommate. This allows for a plausible explanation as to why the bridesmaid may not be known to all the guests. The backstory is tailored to fit the unique context of each wedding and may involve some creative and imaginative elements.

Additionally, the hired bridesmaid may adopt a different name and identity to further enhance the authenticity of the backstory. This adds an extra layer of discretion and ensures that the hired nature of the bridesmaid remains confidential. The backstory and fake identity are carefully constructed to ensure that the hired bridesmaid can blend in effortlessly and provide the necessary support to the bride on her special day.

The creation of a backstory is just one aspect of the unique and personalised services offered by professional bridesmaids. It showcases the lengths they go to in order to provide a seamless and stress-free experience for the bride, ensuring that her special day is memorable and enjoyable.

The demand for professional bridesmaids

Professional bridesmaids fill a unique role, focusing entirely on the well-being of the bride and providing a listening ear for any wedding or personal concerns. They act as a therapist, confidante, and problem solver, extinguishing any fires that may flare up between family members or dealing with a difficult mother-in-law. They also lend a helping hand with specific tasks such as dress shopping, planning bachelorette parties, and writing maid-of-honor speeches.

Additionally, professional bridesmaids offer unbiased and non-judgmental support, providing honest advice without any incentives to lie or upcharge. They can also serve as a buffer between problem relatives or inject a spark of personality into a staid social environment.

The demand for this service is evident in the success of companies like "Bridesmaid for Hire," founded by Jen Glantz, which has been hired by over 150+ brides, grooms, and maids-of-honor worldwide in the past eight years. Glantz's business took off after she posted an ad on Craigslist, receiving hundreds of emails from people around the world interested in her services. This indicates a strong demand for professional bridesmaids and a willingness to pay for this unique service.

The challenges of being a bridesmaid

Being a bridesmaid comes with a unique set of challenges, and while it can be a fun and exciting role, it also has its fair share of difficulties. Here are some of the common challenges faced by bridesmaids:

Financial Burden

One of the biggest challenges of being a bridesmaid is the financial burden that comes with it. From the bridesmaid dress to travel expenses, gifts, and beauty treatments, the costs can quickly add up. It is not uncommon for bridesmaids to spend thousands of dollars on a single wedding, which can be a significant financial strain, especially if they are part of multiple weddings in a short span of time.

Time Commitment

Being a bridesmaid requires a considerable time commitment. From the planning stages to the bachelorette party and the wedding day itself, bridesmaids are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to their duties. This can be challenging for those with busy schedules, demanding jobs, or other commitments. Striking a balance between bridesmaid responsibilities and everyday life can be tricky and lead to additional stress.

Dealing with Bridal Party Drama

Bridesmaids often find themselves in the middle of bridal party drama. Whether it's mediating conflicts between the bride and other bridesmaids, dealing with difficult family dynamics, or managing challenging guests, the role of a peacemaker often falls on the bridesmaid's shoulders. Navigating these interpersonal relationships and maintaining harmony within the bridal party can be a delicate and challenging task.

Managing the Bride's Expectations

Every bride has her own vision and expectations for her wedding, and it is the bridesmaid's job to support and bring that vision to life. However, this can sometimes lead to pressure and stress, especially if the bride has high or unrealistic expectations. Understanding and managing the bride's wishes while also ensuring the bridal party's well-being can be a challenging tightrope to walk.

Handling Unexpected Situations

Weddings rarely go exactly according to plan, and it is often the bridesmaids who are tasked with handling unexpected situations. This could include last-minute changes to the schedule, dealing with vendors, or even stepping in to prevent a potential disaster. Being able to think on their feet and adapt to unforeseen circumstances is a crucial skill for bridesmaids.

Emotional Support

Being a bridesmaid also involves providing a tremendous amount of emotional support to the bride. Weddings can be emotionally charged events, and the bride may experience a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to and on the big day. A bridesmaid needs to be a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board for worries, and a source of encouragement and reassurance. Providing this level of emotional support can be challenging, especially if the bridesmaid is also dealing with their own personal issues or stress.

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