The Role And Duties Of Bridesmaids Explained

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or family members, and their main role is to support the bride throughout the planning process and on the wedding day. Bridesmaids are typically responsible for assisting the Maid of Honour with wedding planning duties, offering emotional support to the bride, and helping with practical tasks such as addressing invitations and keeping records of gifts. On the wedding day, bridesmaids often help the bride get ready, ensure she has everything she needs, and provide support and assistance throughout the ceremony and reception.

Who are bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids are members of the wedding party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or relatives, and they play a significant role throughout the planning process and on the wedding day.

Bridesmaids are typically chosen from among the bride's friends and family, and they are often young women of marriageable age. The bride decides how many bridesmaids to ask, and their main role is to support the bride and assist the Maid of Honour with her duties. This includes helping to plan and pay for pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party, as well as providing emotional support to the bride.

On the wedding day, bridesmaids are expected to get ready with the bride and other members of the bridal party, and they may be asked to help with hair, makeup, and ensuring the bride's dress and veil are perfect. They will also walk down the aisle and stand at the altar during the ceremony, and they may be called upon to sign the marriage license as witnesses.

Bridesmaids are also expected to attend all pre-wedding events, including the engagement party, wedding shower, and rehearsal dinner. They may be asked to help with decorations, planning, and running errands, as well as keeping a record of gifts and assisting with thank-you cards. It is important to note that while bridesmaids have a long list of responsibilities, they are not obliged to participate in all activities or spend beyond their means.

In some cultures, such as in Norway, the Netherlands, France, and Victorian Britain, bridesmaids were traditionally young girls rather than grown women. In modern times, the role of a bridesmaid is often filled by adult women who are closest to the bride, offering support and sharing in the joy of the wedding celebration.

What do bridesmaids do?

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or relatives, and their main role is to support the bride in the lead-up to and on the day of the wedding.

Pre-Wedding

Bridesmaids are often involved in planning the wedding and pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They may also be asked to help with addressing invitations and other DIY projects. It is common for bridesmaids to attend the engagement party, wedding shower, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner.

On the Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, bridesmaids are expected to provide practical and emotional support to the bride. They may help the bride get ready, making sure her hair, veil, accessories, and dress are all perfect. They also often walk down the aisle ahead of the bride and stand at the altar during the ceremony.

Post-Wedding

Bridesmaids may also be involved in post-wedding activities, such as gathering personal items, transporting gifts, and participating in events like a next-day brunch.

Maid of Honour

The maid of honour, or chief bridesmaid, has additional responsibilities. She is in charge of leading the other bridesmaids and planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower. She may also be asked to hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony and keep the groom's ring safe until it is needed.

Financial Responsibilities

It is important to note that being a bridesmaid can come with significant financial responsibilities. Bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their own attire, including dresses, shoes, jewellery, and undergarments, as well as any travel and accommodation expenses. They may also be expected to contribute financially to pre-wedding events.

What do bridesmaids wear?

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or relatives.

Bridesmaids traditionally wear the same dress or outfit in the chosen wedding colour. This helps the bride stand out, creates visually cohesive photos, and helps other wedding guests identify the wedding party.

However, some couples are choosing to loosen the reins and let their bridesmaids choose dresses that reflect their individual styles and body types. This can be a more comfortable and cost-effective option, but it may result in a less cohesive look.

If you're letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, it's important to set clear guidelines about colour, length, material, and style. You may also want to make it a group activity to ensure everyone is happy with their choice and to maintain a level of cohesion.

Bridesmaids are also expected to purchase their own accessories, including shoes, jewellery, and undergarments, and to attend all fittings for their dresses.

On the morning of the wedding, it's become a trend for bridesmaids to wear robes, which can help to relieve stress and create fun photo opportunities.

How much does it cost to be a bridesmaid?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a big responsibility and a significant financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid can vary depending on the bride and the wedding, but it typically includes expenses such as the bridesmaid dress, travel costs, hair and makeup, accessories, and pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

The Bridesmaid Dress

The bridesmaid dress is often one of the most expensive parts of being a bridesmaid, with the average dress costing around $130-$150. Alterations to the dress may also be required, which can cost an additional $30-$100.

Travel Costs

If the wedding is not local, bridesmaids may need to budget for travel expenses such as flights, train tickets, or gas money. Accommodations such as hotel rooms may also be necessary, especially if the wedding is in a big city or tourist destination.

Hair and Makeup

Some brides may require their bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup professionally done, which can cost around $72 for hair and $60 for makeup. However, this is not always mandatory, and bridesmaids can sometimes choose to do their own hair and makeup to save money.

Accessories

Bridesmaids often purchase new shoes and other accessories to match their dress, such as jewellery, hairpieces, or nails. These costs can add up quickly, with bridesmaids spending an average of $120 on accessories.

Pre-Wedding Events

Bridesmaids are typically expected to attend and help plan pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. These events can be costly, especially if they involve travel or overnight accommodations. According to The Knot, about a third of bachelorette party-goers spend over $1000 on the event.

Gifts

In addition to all the other expenses, bridesmaids are also expected to purchase a wedding gift for the couple. This is usually something from the couple's registry, or bridesmaids may chip in to buy a larger group gift.

Budgeting for Being a Bridesmaid

The cost of being a bridesmaid can vary widely depending on the bride and the location of the wedding. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with the bride about expectations and budget before accepting the role of a bridesmaid. It is also helpful to set aside money in advance and be prepared for unexpected costs.

What are the origins of bridesmaids?

The tradition of bridesmaids has evolved over time, and its origins can be traced back to various factors, including socioeconomic class, status, family size, religious beliefs, and protection against evil spirits.

In ancient times, bridesmaids were not just the bride's friends or relatives but also her domestic workers, catering to her every need on the wedding day. Bridesmaids were chosen from unmarried young women of marriageable age, usually relatives or close friends, and their presence served as a symbol of the family's social status and wealth. The custom of having bridesmaids dress similarly to the bride, sometimes even veiling their faces, originated in ancient Rome and China. This practice was believed to protect the bride from evil spirits, jealous suitors, and potential kidnappers or robbers by creating confusion about the bride's identity.

The Biblical story of Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel, who were escorted by their maids, is also cited as an origin story for the bridesmaid tradition. In this narrative, the maids were servants or slaves, highlighting the different nature of the relationship between brides and bridesmaids in ancient times compared to modern days.

In the feudal era in China, bridesmaids took on a protective role, dressing like the bride to lower the risk of her being identified and kidnapped by rival clans or hooligans. As legal protections for marriage were established, the role of bridesmaids evolved from physical protection to a more symbolic function.

The influence of religion is also evident in the history of bridesmaids. In the Victorian era, the colour white was associated with both male groomsmen and female bridesmaids, a trend set by Queen Victoria and her bridesmaids, who wore white gowns during her wedding to Prince Albert.

Frequently asked questions