Franklin Dean
Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. Bridesmaids are there to support the bride and ensure everything goes smoothly for her, the maid of honour, and the wedding guests. Bridesmaids are expected to plan and attend pre-wedding parties, help with wedding planning, and be present and available to the bride on the wedding day and the days leading up to it.
On the wedding day, bridesmaids are usually expected to get ready with the bride, help her with her dress, shoes, jewellery, and veil, and make sure she eats and stays hydrated. They also need to be in place at the ceremony venue on time, ready for their cues to walk down the aisle. During the ceremony, they may be asked to hold the bride's bouquet, make sure her dress and veil are smooth and fluffed, and pass her tissues or give her an encouraging smile. After the ceremony, they may be asked to help with rounding up family members for photos, paying suppliers, and assisting the bride with bathroom breaks.
Bridesmaids also play an important role in making sure the reception goes well. They should mingle with guests, dance, and generally be the life of the party. They may also be asked to give a speech, witness the special dances, and help with the couple's send-off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-wedding | Plan the hen party, help with wedding planning tasks, attend the rehearsal dinner, offer emotional support |
| Wedding day | Get ready with the bride, walk down the aisle, hold the bride's bouquet, assist with the bride's dress and veil, participate in wedding photos, give a speech, be available for the couple |
| Post-wedding | Attend the farewell party, organise leftover items, settle outstanding payments |
What You'll Learn
Help the bride get ready and keep her calm and relaxed
One of the most important roles of a bridesmaid is to help the bride get ready on the morning of the wedding and ensure she stays calm and relaxed. Here are some tips to help you with this:
Before the Wedding
As a bridesmaid, you can help the bride with various wedding planning tasks. Offer to assist with specific tasks that play to your strengths and interests, such as crafts, design, or collecting RSVPs and categorising menu choices. You can also support the chief bridesmaid or maid of honour with pre-wedding celebrations, like the hen party or bridal shower.
On the Wedding Morning
Wake up early and be prepared and punctual. Help create a calm and fun atmosphere for the bride by playing upbeat music. Ensure the bride has eaten and stays hydrated. Keep an eye on the time to make sure hair and makeup appointments are on track. Introduce yourself to key people, like the photographer, videographer, or florist, and be a point of contact for any questions or issues. Keep the preparation room calm and cool, and not too crowded.
During the Ceremony
You will likely be expected to walk down the aisle and stand at the altar during the ceremony. You may also be asked to hold the bride's bouquet, fix her dress and veil, and ensure her train is fluffed and her veil is smoothed. Be available to provide emotional support and a smile if the bride needs encouragement.
After the Ceremony
You can help the bride with any outfit changes and bathroom breaks. Keep the bride hydrated and ensure she has something to eat. You can also assist with rounding up family members for photos and encouraging guests to sign the guest book or visit the photo booth.
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Assist with the bride's dress, shoes, jewellery and veil
As a bridesmaid, you will be expected to assist the bride in getting ready for her wedding ceremony. This includes helping her with her dress, shoes, jewellery, and veil. Here are some detailed instructions for each of these tasks:
The Dress
The bride's dress is one of the most important aspects of her wedding day, and you, as a bridesmaid, can play a crucial role in ensuring it looks perfect. Before the wedding day, attend any dress fittings or shopping trips that the bride organises. On the day of the wedding, help the bride put on her dress, making sure it fits well and looks flawless. If the dress has a train, you may need to help fluff it before the bride walks down the aisle. During the ceremony, be prepared to adjust the dress as needed, such as smoothing out any wrinkles or fixing the train. If the bride plans to change into a different dress for the reception, assist her with the outfit change.
The Shoes
The bride's shoes are another important part of her wedding ensemble. Before the wedding, offer to go shoe shopping with the bride to help her find the perfect pair. On the wedding day, assist her in putting on her shoes and make sure they are comfortable and secure. During the ceremony, keep an eye on the bride's shoes and be ready to provide assistance if needed, such as providing extra padding or helping her adjust the height of her heels. If the bride changes into different shoes for the reception, help her with the switch.
The Jewellery
The bride's jewellery can add a touch of sparkle and elegance to her overall look. Before the wedding, attend any jewellery shopping trips with the bride to provide your opinion and help her choose pieces that complement her dress and overall wedding theme. On the wedding day, help the bride put on her chosen jewellery, ensuring it is secure and does not detract from the dress. During the ceremony, keep an eye on the jewellery and be ready to make any necessary adjustments, such as tightening a necklace or fixing a loose earring. If the bride plans to change her jewellery for the reception, assist her with the transition.
The Veil
The veil is a traditional and iconic part of a bride's wedding attire. Before the wedding, attend any veil fittings or shopping trips to ensure the veil complements the dress and suits the bride's style. On the wedding day, help secure the veil in place, ensuring it is comfortable and does not obstruct the bride's vision. During the ceremony, be prepared to adjust the veil as needed, such as lifting it during the kiss or moving it out of the way for photos. If the bride chooses to remove the veil for the reception, assist her in doing so without causing any damage.
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Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
Holding the bride's bouquet is an important duty for a bridesmaid during the ceremony. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure you fulfil this role effectively:
Before the Ceremony
As a bridesmaid, you may be asked to hold the bride's bouquet during the wedding ceremony. In the lead-up to the big day, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the bouquet's design and weight. Ask the bride about any specific details or features of the bouquet, such as its size, shape, and any delicate or fragile elements. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when it comes to holding it during the ceremony.
During the Processional
As the bridal party walks down the aisle, the maid of honour or a bridesmaid usually carries the bride's bouquet. Hold the bouquet in front of your waist with both hands, positioning it slightly away from your body. This ensures the bouquet is visible and doesn't get accidentally bumped or damaged. Keep a relaxed posture and walk with grace and poise.
During the Ceremony
Once you reach the altar, you will typically take your designated place alongside the bride and other bridesmaids. At this point, you may pass the bouquet back to the bride or continue holding it for her, depending on her preference. If you're holding it, position the bouquet in a way that complements the bride's posture and stance. For example, if the bride has her hands clasped in front of her, you can hold the bouquet at waist level, slightly off to the side. Ensure you stand in a way that showcases the bouquet, as it is an important part of the overall bridal look.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, you may be tasked with returning the bouquet to the bride or placing it in water to preserve its freshness. If the bride has a second outfit for the reception, you may also be asked to help her with any outfit changes, ensuring she looks picture-perfect while carrying her beautiful bouquet.
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Help seat guests at the wedding breakfast
One of the most important duties of a bridesmaid is to support the bride. This can include providing emotional support, helping with wedding planning tasks, and being available to the bride on the wedding day.
Bridesmaids are often distributed across the table plan to 'host' the guests. This involves greeting guests, showing them to their seats, and making conversation.
- Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the seating plan and table numbers.
- Be friendly and welcoming to guests as they arrive.
- Offer to take coats and bags from guests and direct them to where they can be stored.
- Assist guests with special requirements, such as elderly guests who may need help reaching their seats or guests with young children who may need extra space.
- Be mindful of the bride and groom's wishes for the seating arrangement. For example, they may want certain guests seated together or apart!
- Stay organised and efficient to ensure all guests are seated in a timely manner.
- Once guests are seated, inform the ushers or wedding coordinator so that the wedding breakfast can begin.
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Be available for wedding photos
Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it also comes with a long list of responsibilities. One of the most important duties is to be available for wedding photos. Here are some tips to ensure you're photo-ready and able to support the happy couple on their big day:
Before the Wedding
As a bridesmaid, you'll want to be well-prepared for photos. This includes knowing the timeline of the day, including when the ceremony and photo sessions will take place. Make sure you're clear on the specific duties you'll be performing during the ceremony, such as holding the bride's bouquet or helping to arrange family members for photos. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the wedding venue, so you can easily guide guests to the right spots for photos.
On the Wedding Day
On the day itself, arrive early at the designated getting-ready location. This will give you time to ensure your own hair, makeup, and outfit are photo-ready, as well as help the bride with any last-minute preparations. Throughout the day, be mindful of the photographer's needs, cooperating with them to ensure the couple gets the photos they want.
During the Ceremony
During the ceremony, it's crucial that you're in the right place at the right time. This may involve processing down the aisle with the other bridesmaids, standing at the altar, or fulfilling any other assigned duties. Remember to keep chatter to a minimum during the ceremony and be respectful of the wedding planner or officiant.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, stick around for group portraits. The photographer will usually take these photos right after the ceremony, so it's important that you don't wander off. By staying together with the rest of the bridal party, you'll make it easier for the photographer to gather everyone for shots, allowing the couple to enjoy their cocktail hour.
Throughout the Day
Remember to keep an eye on the happy couple and ensure they always have something to eat and drink. Offer to touch up the bride's makeup or help her with any outfit changes. Be mindful of the couple's wishes for preserving the wedding bouquet and cake, and assist with gathering these and other items for safe transport.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to capture beautiful memories for the happy couple and ensure their wedding day is truly special.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridesmaids are usually expected to walk down the aisle and stand at the altar during the ceremony. They may also be asked to give a reading, make a toast, or act as witnesses during the signing of the register.
Bridesmaids are also expected to help the bride get ready on the morning of the wedding, provide emotional support throughout the planning process, and attend pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
If you're asked to be a bridesmaid, it's important to have honest conversations about what's expected of you and be communicative about your ability to fulfil those expectations. Remember that each bride is different and may have distinct expectations, so it's crucial to understand your responsibilities early on.
