Bridesmaids At Indian Weddings: Who Are They?

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, elaborate rituals, and family drama. Traditionally, bridesmaids are not part of the ceremony, but some couples are now choosing to include them. Bridesmaids at Indian weddings have a variety of duties, including providing emotional support to the bride, planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower, assisting with outfits, and coordinating with wedding planners. They also play a role in pre-wedding ceremonies such as the henna ceremony and post-wedding activities like taking care of gifts. While there is no set number of bridesmaids, it is important to choose people who can actively support the bride and take on specific responsibilities. Ultimately, the decision to have bridesmaids or not is a personal choice, and Indian weddings can be inclusive celebrations with or without them.

Indian bridesmaids' duties before the wedding

Indian weddings are often multi-day events, with numerous rituals and ceremonies taking place over several days. Bridesmaids have a range of duties and responsibilities before the wedding, which include:

• Providing emotional support to the bride throughout the wedding planning process.
• Planning the bridal shower and/or bachelorette party.
• Assisting the bride with choosing outfits, hair, and makeup.
• Participating in the Mehndi ceremony, where the bride and her female family members and friends gather for henna.
• Helping with wedding planning and preparations.
• Being the bride's point of contact for other guests and vendors.
• Ensuring the bride is well-fed and hydrated throughout the celebrations.

Indian bridesmaids' duties on the wedding day

Indian weddings are often multi-day events, so bridesmaids should be prepared to take time off work and bring a variety of outfits for the different parties.

On the wedding day itself, bridesmaids should be there for the bride all day, from getting dressed in the morning to keeping her nerves at bay and handling any mishaps. They should also be on hand to help her change outfits and ensure she is well-fed and hydrated.

Before the wedding, bridesmaids are responsible for participating in the wedding preparations, planning the bachelorette party/bridal shower, and offering the bride assistance. They act as the bride's emotional support system and provide advice when asked for it.

• Wake up early and be on time for the wedding morning preparations.
• Keep the atmosphere upbeat with some music.
• Ensure the bride eats breakfast.
• Keep an eye on the time.
• Make sure hair and makeup artists are running on time.
• Introduce yourself to key people such as the photographer, videographer, or florist.
• Field any questions from guests and suppliers and keep any issues away from the couple.
• Ensure the prep room doesn't get too hot or crowded.
• Help the bride into her dress and with her shoes and jewellery.
• Help her in and out of cars or down stairs if she needs assistance.
• Fix her dress and veil throughout the day, such as at the top of the aisle or during photos.
• Take her bouquet for the ceremony.
• Help round up family members for photos.
• Carry an emergency kit and the bride's lipstick for touch-ups.
• Assist her when going to the bathroom, if required.
• Keep the bride hydrated and fed—make sure she drinks water and have snacks handy.
• Assist with any little members of the bridal party.
• Make a speech.
• Encourage guests to sign the guest book or visit the photo booth.
• Help the bride into her second dress if she has one for dancing.
• Be first on the dance floor and keep it filled all night.
• Arrange for candles, rose petals, and bubbly in the bridal suite.
• Help with any send-offs, such as a sparkler exit.
• Take the wedding bouquet and put it in water for preserving.
• Tip any staff the couple wants to tip.
• Help the bride out of her dress and pack it up so it doesn't get damaged.

Indian bridesmaids' duties after the wedding

Indian weddings are often multi-day events, so bridesmaids have many duties and responsibilities to fulfil before, during, and after the wedding.

Post-Wedding Duties

After the wedding, bridesmaids should take the initiative to ensure that all the wedding gifts are collected and taken to a secure place until the newlyweds return from their honeymoon. Bridesmaids should also be mindful of the couple's wishes when it comes to giving speeches and toasts, making sure to honour and respect their requests.

As part of the bridal party, bridesmaids are also responsible for mingling with the guests after the ceremony, making them feel welcome and at ease. They may also be required to perform dances after the newlyweds have had their first dance.

Bridesmaids should also take lots of photos of the happy couple and share them as soon as possible so that they can enjoy and relive the memories on their honeymoon.

Other Responsibilities

Bridesmaids should also be aware that their duties don't always end after the wedding. For example, they may be expected to attend a bridal shower or bachelorette party, which can take place in the week of the wedding or even months before the big day.

General Duties

Indian bridesmaids are also expected to provide emotional support to the bride, as well as practical support with wedding planning and preparations. They should also be on hand to help the bride get ready on the day, and to assist her with her dress, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day.

Financial Duties

Bridesmaids may also be expected to cover the costs of their outfits, which can be expensive, as well as any travel and accommodation costs.

What Indian bridesmaids wear

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics, and intricate craftsmanship. Bridesmaids' attire will depend on the preferences of the couple getting married, as well as the region of origin.

Traditionally, Indian weddings do not include bridesmaids. However, some couples are now choosing to incorporate this aspect of Western weddings into their celebrations. In these cases, bridesmaids typically wear sarees or lehengas, which are long skirts with a matching top and scarf. Sarees are a long wrap that encompasses the body and is often made of silk, while lehengas come in two pieces, typically a cropped top and a full skirt.

When choosing what colour to wear, it is important to avoid black and red. Black is not considered a celebratory colour, and red is often worn by the bride. Instead, jewel tones are a popular choice, such as emerald green or royal purple. Bright colours like hot pink, rich blue, and yellow are also common at Indian weddings. For evening events, darker shades are preferred, while pastel colours are more appropriate for daytime events. Accessories are also key to the traditional Indian look, with bracelets, bangles, and necklaces often worn.

Some brides may request that their bridesmaids wear matching outfits, or outfits of the same colour but different styles. In these cases, the bride usually provides guidance on the attire. However, bridesmaids will likely need to choose their own outfits for any pre- or post-wedding activities, as well as for the reception.

The role of Indian bridesmaids in wedding entrances and exits

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, elaborate rituals, and intense family drama. Bridesmaids are usually close friends or family members handpicked by the bride to be by her side during her wedding ceremonies. While traditionally, bridesmaids were not a part of Indian weddings, they are becoming increasingly common.

The Role of Indian Bridesmaids in Wedding Entrances

Bridesmaids often escort the bride down the aisle to the Mandap, a canopy under which the wedding ceremony takes place. They may also be involved in the bride's entrance if she is hoisted off the ground on a small carriage. It is common for the bridesmaids to arrive before the bride, creating a sense of excitement and reverence for the upcoming ceremony. During the reception, the bridesmaids may be involved in a choreographed dance, chosen by the bride, ranging from Indian to American pop or a fusion of both.

The Role of Indian Bridesmaids in Wedding Exits

After the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids have a variety of duties, including taking care of the gifts, mingling with guests, and performing dances at the reception or after the wedding. They also play a crucial role in the post-wedding clean-up process. Additionally, the bridesmaids are responsible for taking photos of the happy couple and sharing them as soon as possible, allowing the newlyweds to relive the memories on their honeymoon.

Overall, Indian bridesmaids have a range of responsibilities that extend beyond the wedding entrances and exits, ensuring that the bride's special day is a success.

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