Deborah Chan
Being a bridesmaid is a big honour and a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. In the lead-up to the wedding, a bridesmaid may act as a pseudo-wedding planner, event host, unofficial therapist, and therapist. On the day, a bridesmaid's role is to support and entertain the bride, anticipating her every need and ensuring nothing goes wrong. This includes keeping the bride's phone close by to manage vendor calls, lost guests, or any other emergencies, and reminding her to enjoy the day. A bridesmaid should also be well-prepared with items for the bride and the rest of the bridal party, such as a sewing kit, deodorant, band-aids, and snacks.
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What You'll Learn
- Planning and preparation: creating a checklist, packing, and preparing an emergency kit
- Beauty and fashion: choosing an outfit, doing hair and makeup, and staying fresh throughout the day
- Gifts and expenses: buying thoughtful gifts, covering bachelorette party costs, and paying suppliers
- Support and assistance: helping the bride get ready, fixing her dress and veil, and providing emotional support
- Day-of logistics: greeting guests, tipping staff, and collecting cards and keepsakes
Planning and preparation: creating a checklist, packing, and preparing an emergency kit
Planning and preparation are key to being a great bridesmaid. Creating a checklist, packing in advance, and preparing an emergency kit are all essential parts of this.
Checklist
A clear, concise, and feasible day-of itinerary is vital to ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly. A checklist will help you to feel organised and ensure you don't forget anything. Some items to include on your checklist are:
- Your outfit, including your dress, shoes, and any accessories.
- Your purse, wallet, phone, ID, and phone charger.
- Any medications you may need.
- Makeup, including the lipstick shade you will be wearing, and other cosmetics for touch-ups.
- A small sewing kit for any last-minute repairs.
- A pair of sunglasses and sun protection for an outdoor wedding.
- A wedding gift for the couple.
Packing
It's a good idea to pack your bag a few days in advance, or at least keep it somewhere visible so you don't forget anything. Some items to pack are:
- A pair of flat shoes or sandals for when your feet get tired.
- Blotting sheets, waterproof mascara, and chapstick for touch-ups and to freshen up throughout the day.
- A water bottle and some snacks, such as energy bars or crackers, to keep your energy up.
- A pair of heels can be hard on the feet, so consider bringing insoles, deodorant, or Band-Aids to help with any discomfort.
Emergency Kit
It's a good idea to be prepared for any last-minute mishaps or emergencies. Put together an emergency kit that you can easily grab on the day. Some items to include are:
- A small sewing kit for any dress strap or hem emergencies.
- Hair ties, bobby pins, and a small hairspray for any hair touch-ups.
- Blotting sheets, waterproof mascara, and chapstick to ensure you always look your best.
- A bottle of water and some snacks to keep your energy up.
- Band-Aids and blister blocks for any foot discomfort.
- Tissues, wet wipes, and other hygiene essentials.
- Clear nail polish, nail clippers, and tweezers for any last-minute nail touch-ups.
- A tide-to-go pen or stain remover for any spills or stains.
- Pain relievers like Tylenol or Excedrin for any headaches or muscle tension.
- A phone charger so you can stay connected and capture all the special moments.
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Beauty and fashion: choosing an outfit, doing hair and makeup, and staying fresh throughout the day
As a bridesmaid, looking your best is important. Some fashion must-haves for the wedding include a comfortable yet stylish dress or outfit, appropriate shoes for the venue, and accessories that complement the wedding theme. It is also a good idea to carry a larger bag or a clutch to keep your essentials.
In terms of choosing an outfit, the couple will usually provide guidelines on what to wear, and there may even be a group shopping trip with all the bridesmaids. Whether it's matching bridesmaid dresses or individual attire, it's best to get this duty out of the way early before the wedding in case special items need to be ordered or alterations are required.
When it comes to hair and makeup, it is important to know if the bride has hired a makeup artist for everyone. If not, you may have to make other arrangements or do your own makeup. Regardless, it is a good idea to bring your own makeup for touch-ups throughout the day. Some essentials to have on hand include lipstick, mascara, concealer, eyeliner, and face blotting sheets. It is also recommended to wear sunglasses for an outdoor wedding, and to use sun protection to maintain your natural glow.
To stay fresh throughout the day, remember to eat and stay hydrated. Keep a snack and a water bottle in your bag, and consider bringing an energy bar or crackers. Additionally, pack some essentials like deodorant, tampons, and pain relievers. Finally, don't forget to break in your shoes before the wedding to avoid blisters, and bring a pair of flats or sandals to give your feet a break.
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Gifts and expenses: buying thoughtful gifts, covering bachelorette party costs, and paying suppliers
As a bridesmaid, you are expected to give thoughtful gifts to the couple. You may also send the couple a celebratory gift shortly after their engagement, even if you have not been officially asked to be a bridesmaid. Bridesmaids often know the bride better than anyone, so you can select a gift that reflects her preferences and personality. You can also order off their registry and have it shipped directly to them.
As a bridesmaid, you are also expected to help plan and pay for the bachelorette party, which usually takes place a few months before the wedding. All bridesmaids will be invited and will pay for their own expenses while also pitching in to cover the bride's expenses.
On the wedding day, you may be asked to pay any suppliers. It is a good idea to have your credit card with you.
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Support and assistance: helping the bride get ready, fixing her dress and veil, and providing emotional support
Being a bridesmaid is an important and meaningful role, and it's a huge honour to be chosen. It's also a lot of fun, but it can be hard work too. In the lead-up to the wedding, a bridesmaid's role is to support and entertain the bride, anticipating her every need and ensuring nothing goes wrong.
On the day of the wedding, a key part of being a bridesmaid is helping the bride get ready. This might include going with her to wedding dress shopping appointments, offering an opinion on different outfit options, and attending fittings. It's important to stay positive and not offer any negative feedback, which could confuse or stress out the bride. Bridesmaids might also be expected to help plan and pay for the hen party and the bridal shower, as well as the bachelorette party.
During the wedding, bridesmaids should be on hand to fix the bride's dress and veil throughout the day, for example, at the top of the aisle or when posing for photos. They can also help her in and out of cars or downstairs if she needs assistance, and they can take her bouquet for the ceremony. It's a good idea to carry an emergency kit, including the bride's lipstick, and let her know if she needs touch-ups. Bridesmaids can also assist the bride when going to the bathroom and help her stay hydrated and fed. They can also round up family members for photos, and pay any suppliers they've been asked to pay.
Bridesmaids can also offer emotional support to the bride. They should keep her phone close by for selfies and fun items, but remind her that any last-minute calls or emergencies are their worry, not hers, and she should enjoy her day. Bridesmaids are also expected to give thoughtful gifts, and it's a good idea to have their credit cards with them on the day.
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Day-of logistics: greeting guests, tipping staff, and collecting cards and keepsakes
As a bridesmaid, you will likely be responsible for greeting guests, tipping staff, and collecting cards and keepsakes on the wedding day. Here are some tips to help you with these tasks:
Greeting Guests
It is customary for the bridal party to arrive early to greet guests, especially if you are the maid of honour. You can also offer to be a person of contact on the day for any issues that may arise. Ensure you are well-prepared and know the layout of the venue, as you may need to direct guests to their seats or other areas.
Tipping Staff
Tipping any staff that the couple wants to tip is an important task. Discuss with the couple beforehand who they would like to tip and the amounts, so you are ready with the correct cash on the day.
Collecting Cards and Keepsakes
At the end of the night, collect any cards from a safe or designated area for the couple. Box up keepsakes, such as framed photos, guest books, and photo booth snaps, ensuring nothing is left behind. If there is a guest book, encourage guests to sign it throughout the event so that no one forgets.
Other Day-of Logistics
Other tasks you may be responsible for on the day include:
- Helping the bride in and out of cars or down stairs
- Fixing her dress and veil throughout the event, especially when posing for photos
- Carrying an emergency kit with items like bobby pins, safety pins, a sewing kit, and the bride's lipstick for touch-ups
- Assisting the bride when using the bathroom
- Keeping the bride hydrated and fed by offering her water and snacks throughout the day
- Helping to round up family members for photos
- Paying any suppliers you've been asked to pay
- Making a speech if you are the maid of honour
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Frequently asked questions
Some essential items a bridesmaid should bring on the wedding day are:
- A pair of sunglasses for an outdoor wedding
- A small sewing kit
- A pair of flat shoes
- Makeup essentials for touch-ups
- Tylenol or other common medications
- A deodorant stick
- A small bag or purse
A bridesmaid's duties on the wedding day include:
- Helping the bride get in and out of cars or down stairs
- Fixing the bride's dress and veil throughout the day
- Carrying the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
- Ensuring the bride stays hydrated and well-fed
- Helping round up family members for photos
- Tipping staff on behalf of the couple
- Collecting cards from the venue's safe for the couple
A bridesmaid has several duties before the wedding, including:
- Helping the bride choose her wedding attire
- Planning the hen party
- Visiting the wedding venue to help make decisions on layout and decor
- Assisting with any wedding DIY sessions
- Making herself available for the bride's dress shopping and fittings
- Supporting the bride through the wedding planning process
