Brides Helper: A Unique Alternative To Traditional Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids are typically the most important people in the lives of the couple getting married, such as best friends or close relatives. They are part of the wedding party and are expected to help plan and attend pre-wedding events, stand at the altar during the ceremony, and assist with other wedding duties as needed. However, some couples may choose to forego having bridesmaids altogether, opting for a more intimate wedding with a smaller squad or no bridal party at all. This can have its pros and cons.

On the one hand, not having bridesmaids can free up your schedule and save you money as you won't have to worry about coordinating with multiple people or covering certain costs for them, such as their day-of flowers, hair, and makeup. It can also help you avoid any potential drama or conflict among your friends and family members.

On the other hand, having bridesmaids means you'll have a built-in support system on your wedding day, with people who can help with last-minute tasks and provide emotional support. They can also lend a hand with planning and logistics, taking some of the burdens off your shoulders.

Ultimately, the decision to have or not have bridesmaids is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong choice. If you decide to forego bridesmaids, you can still find other ways to involve your closest friends and family members in your wedding.

Assist with wedding planning and pre-wedding events

Brides helpers or bridesmaids play a crucial role in supporting the bride. Here are some ways they can assist with wedding planning and pre-wedding events:

• Emotional support: Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important for bridesmaids to provide emotional support to the bride. This includes being available and present throughout the entire planning process and offering help early on.
• Communication: It is essential to have honest conversations about expectations and responsibilities from the beginning. Bridesmaids should also be mindful of their financial limitations and communicate if they are unable to fulfil certain duties.
• Pre-wedding event planning: Planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party are typically the responsibility of the maid of honour, but bridesmaids should support her efforts. This may include chipping in financially, helping with decorations, or greeting guests.
• Attire selection: Bridesmaids can provide input on ideas for bridesmaids' attire, hair, and makeup, ensuring that the bride's vision is adhered to while also considering their own comfort and preferences.
• Vendor selection: Bridesmaids can assist the bride in finding and selecting suitable vendors, such as caterers, photographers, bands or DJs, and florists. They can also accompany the bride to appointments and offer their opinions and support.
• Organisation and logistics: Creating a comprehensive wedding checklist, timeline, and schedule of events will help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day. Bridesmaids can take on tasks such as managing RSVPs, creating a seating chart, and handling last-minute details and on-site tasks.
• Guest management: Managing guest lists, creating and sending invitations and save-the-dates, and organising guest transportation and accommodations are all important aspects of wedding planning. Bridesmaids can assist with these tasks and ensure that guests' needs are met.
• Personal tasks for the bride: Bridesmaids should be prepared to help the bride with various personal tasks, such as holding her bouquet during the ceremony, ensuring she stays hydrated and well-fed, and assisting with outfit changes and bathroom breaks.

Provide emotional support

Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding party, and their role is crucial in supporting the bride. Here are some ways that bridesmaids can provide emotional support to the bride:

Be Emotionally Supportive

Planning a wedding can be stressful for the bride, so it's important for bridesmaids to be there for the bride and provide emotional support. This can include being available and present throughout the planning process, offering a listening ear, and helping to calm the bride's nerves.

Communicate Honestly

Bridesmaids should have honest conversations with the bride about their responsibilities and expectations. It's important to be communicative about any limitations or financial constraints to manage expectations and provide support effectively.

Help With Pre-Wedding Events

Bridesmaids typically play a significant role in planning and supporting the bride during pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They may also be involved in choosing the bride's attire and providing opinions and assistance.

Provide Reassurance and Encouragement

Bridesmaids can offer reassurance and encouragement to the bride, especially during moments of self-doubt or stress. They can remind the bride of her strengths and capabilities, validate her emotions, and provide a safe space for her to express her feelings.

Be Respectful of the Bride's Emotions

It is essential to respect the bride's emotions, even if you don't fully understand her perspective at the moment. Showing non-verbal signs of affection and simply being present can go a long way in providing emotional support.

Offer Practical Help

Bridesmaids can also provide practical help to the bride by taking on some of her tasks or responsibilities. This could include running errands, handling logistics, or just being there to provide a listening ear when the bride needs to vent or express her feelings.

By incorporating these strategies, bridesmaids can effectively provide emotional support to the bride and help ensure that her wedding journey is a positive and memorable experience.

Help choose the wedding dress

As a helper, one of your duties is to help the bride choose her wedding dress. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Before the Appointment

First, it's important to understand what the bride is looking for. Does she have a specific designer in mind? Or is she looking for something more local? It's also a good idea to help the bride find inspiration for her dress. This could be done by looking at pictures of dresses online or in magazines, or by checking out what celebrity brides are wearing. The bride might also want to consider the venue and theme of the wedding when choosing her dress. For example, if the wedding is going to be on a beach, a heavy ballgown might not be the most practical choice.

During the Appointment

On the day of the appointment, make sure to eat something beforehand and bring snacks and water for the bride. It's also important to be honest but sensitive when giving your opinion on the dresses. Don't tear down styles unnecessarily or make negative comments about the bride's body. Instead, focus on encouraging her and helping her find a dress that is both flattering and appropriate. It's also a good idea to wait for the bride to give her opinion on a dress before weighing in with your thoughts. This will help to avoid any awkwardness if you don't like a dress that she loves.

After the Appointment

If the bride didn't find a dress during the appointment, don't be afraid to suggest looking at other boutiques or considering a custom-made dress. It's also important to keep track of the budget and not encourage the bride to look at dresses that are out of her price range. Finally, be prepared for multiple appointments and try to space them out to avoid exhaustion.

Be available for random phone calls

Being a bridesmaid or a bride's helper is a big job with lots of duties and responsibilities. One of the key aspects of this role is being available for random phone calls about wedding-related stress or queries. Here are some tips to ensure you're providing the best support through phone calls:

Be Available and Responsive

Make sure your phone is always on and that you're able to take calls, especially as the wedding day draws closer. The bride may need urgent advice, a listening ear, or help with a last-minute task. Being available and responsive will help ease the bride's stress and show your dedication to supporting her.

Offer Solutions and Assistance

During phone calls, actively listen to the bride's concerns and queries. Offer solutions and practical help whenever possible. For example, if she's feeling overwhelmed with last-minute details, offer to create a checklist together or connect her with a specific vendor. If she's stressed about family dynamics, offer to mediate or keep an eye on tricky guests during the wedding.

Be a Sounding Board

The bride may call you seeking advice or a second opinion on various wedding decisions. Be a sounding board for her ideas, offering honest and constructive feedback. Whether it's about colour schemes, dress choices, or seating arrangements, provide your input and help her feel confident in her choices. Remember, it's her day, so respect her final decisions even if they differ from yours.

Provide Emotional Support

Wedding planning can be emotionally draining, and the bride may call you when she's feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. Be a calm and supportive presence during these calls. Listen empathetically, offer words of encouragement, and remind her that you're there for her. Sometimes, simply having someone to vent to can make a big difference in managing wedding-related stress.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Encourage the bride to reach out whenever she needs to. Share your availability with her and let her know that you're happy to take calls or texts at any time. Additionally, be proactive in checking in with her. Send periodic messages or give her a call to see how she's doing and if there's anything she needs help with.

Remember, being available for random phone calls is just one aspect of being a supportive bridesmaid or bride's helper. Other duties may include attending pre-wedding events, helping with wedding admin, and providing moral support throughout the entire process. Your presence and assistance will contribute to making the bride's journey to the altar a memorable and joyful one.

Plan the hen party

Planning a hen party can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect celebration for the bride-to-be:

Step 1: Check in with the Bride

Ask the bride some important questions to get an idea of what she wants. Does she want a surprise hen party or to be involved in the planning? Is she looking for a wild celebration or something more low-key? Does she want to go abroad, have a weekend city break, or keep it simple with a night out on the town? Knowing her preferences will make it easier to decide on a budget and choose a location.

Step 2: Create a Guest List and Get Key Dates

Ask the bride to provide a list of people she wants to attend the hen party, including any must-have guests. This will ensure that no one is left out. Also, get the bride to give you the dates that she is available so you can start planning accordingly.

Step 3: Set Up a Group Chat

Create a WhatsApp group or Facebook event with all the attendees to facilitate communication and planning. This will make it easier to share ideas, dates, and costs. It's also a good idea to give everyone a general idea of the month the hen party will take place so they can consider it when planning their schedules.

Step 4: Set a Budget

Budgeting is crucial and should be done before researching activities and locations. Consider the financial situation of the attendees and try to set a budget that allows as many key people to attend as possible. Communicate the budget clearly to the group, providing a range if there are multiple accommodation or activity options.

Step 5: Choose a Theme (Optional)

If you plan to have a themed hen party, decide on it now as it will influence your choice of accommodation and activities. For example, glamping and a flower crown workshop would be perfect for a festival theme, while a quirky hotel and 1960s makeover would suit a vintage theme.

Step 6: Book Accommodation (If Required)

Decide on the type of accommodation based on the budget and number of attendees. Options include hotels, B&Bs, renting a hen party house, glamping, or traditional camping.

Step 7: Research Activities

Choose activities that the bride will love and that match her personality. Options range from craft and beauty treatments to high-adrenaline adventures and dress-up photoshoots. If there will be a mix of ages in the group, consider activities that will suit everyone.

Step 8: Don't Forget the Food

Food is essential, especially if there will be drinking involved. Include meals or snacks in your itinerary and check with guests about any specific dietary requirements to avoid last-minute surprises.

Step 9: Decor and Accessories

Add some extra touches to make the hen party memorable, such as sashes, a veil for the bride, party bags, bunting, and balloons.

Step 10: Plan Some Games or Icebreakers

Hen party games are a great way to break the ice and make the celebration more personal. Try a "Who Knows the Bride Best?" quiz or games like Prosecco Pong. You can also ask each guest to bring a photograph of themselves with the bride-to-be and share a story about her to get everyone talking and build excitement.

Remember to stay organised, keep the bride and guests happy, and have fun with the planning process!

Frequently asked questions