Rhiannon Hendricks
Being a bridesmaid in Singapore comes with a lot of responsibilities and duties. From providing emotional support to the bride, acting as her right-hand woman, and helping with wedding planning and errands, bridesmaids are expected to be constantly at the bride's beck and call. This includes assisting with pre-wedding tasks such as choosing a dress, addressing invitations, and planning the bachelorette party, as well as being present at all pre-wedding events and rehearsals. On the wedding day itself, bridesmaids are often tasked with hosting the event, receiving and ushering guests, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They may also be expected to contribute financially to the bachelorette party and wedding gifts, making it a role that requires a serious time and money commitment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-wedding tasks | Organising the program, ceremony, invitations, and other small tasks |
| Bachelorette party | Planning the party, including hosting, place, food, activities, and other small tasks |
| Rehearsals | Ensuring rehearsals take place, informing everyone who needs to be present, and preparing necessary items |
| Wedding day errands | Being participative and assistive, acting as the bride's right-hand woman |
| Wedding presents | Working with the other bridesmaids to buy a gift for the couple |
| Emotional support | Providing a listening ear, calming nerves, offering solutions, and keeping the bride smiling |
| Stress bank | Absorbing stress and frustration so that the bride and groom are not directly affected |
| Hostess duties | Greeting guests, showing them where to deposit gifts, and notifying them of their table numbers |
| Maid of Honour duties | Managing the bride and group of bridesmaids, lacing or hooking up the bridal gown, and attending dress fittings |
| Attendance | Attending all wedding-related events, including bridal luncheons, dress fittings, and the wedding day |
| Decision-making | Understanding that the bride's decisions are final, including the choice of bridesmaid dress |
| Financial contribution | Being prepared to pay for the bridesmaid dress and accessories, and contributing to the bachelorette party |
| Post-wedding tasks | Tidying up loose ends, such as ensuring vendors collect their items and gifts are delivered safely |
What You'll Learn
Planning the bachelorette party
Planning and Preparation
First, it's important to understand the bride's preferences. Most brides will want a surprise party, but they may drop hints about their ideal celebration, so keep your ears open! It's also a good idea to involve all the bridesmaids in the planning process and ensure a consensus on the chosen activities. This makes splitting the bill easier, as the bridesmaids typically cover the expenses.
Party Ideas
If the bride enjoys more relaxed and intimate gatherings, a spa day, a baking party, or a cosy meal could be perfect. For a spa experience, Spa Estheva offers four signature parties, including the Chocolat party, which includes a thermal gommage polish, a chocolatier's massage, a chocolate fondue wrap, and a luxurious BodyLife rub. For a baking party, Palate Sensations Culinary School offers private parties with customisable menus and themes, followed by a fun photo booth session.
For a unique and creative experience, consider an edible art painting session at The Art Nooq, where you can paint macarons. Alternatively, for a nature-themed party, glamping is a great option. Several companies in Singapore can help organise a luxurious outdoor stay with all the necessary amenities.
Outdoor Adventures
If the bride loves the outdoors, a sunset cruise or yacht party could be a fantastic choice. Marina at Keppel Bay offers yacht charters for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations, with a sunset cruise to Lazarus Island for swimming and kayaking, followed by a pyrotechnics show and a barbecue dinner. For a more affordable option, Ximula Sail provides sailing trips on yachts and catamarans around the Southern Islands, starting at $1,200 for 10 people.
Indoor Indulgences
For a magical and whimsical experience, throw a mermaid-themed bash, complete with seashell tiaras, iridescent tails, and even an appearance by Singapore's first mermaid, Syrena. Or, for a floral-themed celebration, Poppy Flora Studio offers a two-hour session where you can bond over creating your own floral arrangements.
Sentimental Touches
To commemorate the occasion, create a bespoke scent at Maison 21G, where you can participate in private workshops led by perfume experts to craft unique fragrances. Fragrances can evoke memories, making this a meaningful way to mark the bride's special day.
Remember, the key is to tailor the bachelorette party to the bride's personality and interests, ensuring she has a fabulous time and a memorable send-off from her bridesmaids.
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Providing emotional support
A bride will likely experience a rollercoaster of emotions on her wedding day, from happiness to sadness to stress and joy. It is the job of the bridesmaid to be an emotional anchor for the bride, offering words of encouragement and support to boost her morale. Bridesmaids should lend the bride their ears and shoulders to cry on, calming her frazzled nerves and offering solutions to any problems that may arise.
A bridesmaid should also be prepared to take on the bride's stress and frustration if things don't go according to plan, acting as a "stress bank" to ensure that the bride and groom are insulated from any difficulties or shortcomings. This may include coping with the bride's stress-induced hysteria and lashing out and steering her in the right direction when she feels overwhelmed.
Additionally, bridesmaids can help by providing a listening ear to the bride's concerns and worries, whether they are about seating arrangements, in-laws, or any other aspect of the wedding. It is also important for bridesmaids to be diplomatic and honest when necessary, such as when the bride has chosen an unflattering dress or terrible makeup.
In the lead-up to the wedding, bridesmaids can also provide emotional support by assisting with pre-wedding tasks and being the bride's minions for all her wedding plans. This includes helping with the organisation of the program, ceremony, invitations, and other small tasks. Bridesmaids can also pitch in with ideas to beautify the event and ensure that the bride's vision is realised.
Overall, being a bridesmaid is about wanting what the bride wants and providing a supportive and calming presence throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself.
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Handling wedding preparations and errands
Pre-Wedding Tasks:
Start by understanding that you are the bride's emotional and logistical support. Be prepared to lend a listening ear and provide calming reassurance during her stressful moments. Offer to help with any task, no matter how small. This could include addressing invitations, checking on the bridal bouquet with the florist, or assisting with the pre-wedding photoshoot by taking care of props, shoes, and gown changes. Remember to bring refreshments for the shoot!
Planning the Bachelorette Party:
The bridesmaids are typically responsible for organising the bachelorette party, also known as a hen's night. This involves planning the location, decorations, activities, food, and any other details to ensure the bride has a memorable time. Be mindful of the bride's preferences, whether she prefers an intimate gathering or a more adventurous night out.
Rehearsal and Wedding Day Errands:
Ensure that wedding rehearsals take place and that all necessary participants are informed and prepared. On the wedding day itself, be ready to tackle any small errands or tasks that arise. This could include setting up decorations, attending to vendors, filming behind-the-scenes videos, or simply being there to provide emotional support and encouragement.
Financial Responsibilities:
Discuss financial expectations early on. Clarify whether you are expected to pay for your bridesmaid dress, accessories, or other expenses. Be mindful of your budget and communicate any concerns quietly with the bride. It is also customary for bridesmaids to contribute to a wedding gift for the couple.
Post-Wedding Tasks:
Even after the wedding ceremony, your duties continue. Help with tying up loose ends, such as ensuring vendors collect their items and packing gifts and red packets safely. You may also be involved in cleaning up the venue, taking down decorations, and returning rental items.
Remember, being a bridesmaid is an honour and a privilege. Your support and dedication will make a significant difference in the bride's experience, ensuring she feels calm, supported, and joyful on her special day.
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Being a hostess at the wedding
Being a hostess at a wedding is one of the most important roles a bridesmaid can play. Here are some tips and duties to keep in mind to ensure that the wedding goes smoothly and the bride has a wonderful time:
Before the Wedding
As a hostess, it is your responsibility to ensure that the bride's guests feel welcomed and attended to. Reach out to the guests prior to the wedding to answer any questions they may have about the event, travel arrangements, or accommodation. Be friendly and approachable so that guests feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the guest list so that you can greet guests by name and make them feel special.
During the Wedding
Greet guests as they arrive and direct them to the guest book, where they can sign in and deposit any gifts they may have brought. Show them where to go and notify them of their table numbers. Be attentive and keep an eye out for any guests who may need assistance or look lost. A good hostess ensures that everyone feels welcomed and taken care of.
Reception Duties
As a hostess, you will also be responsible for hosting the reception. This includes directing guests to their seats, ensuring they are comfortable, and making sure they know where to find refreshments and other amenities. Work closely with the wedding coordinator to ensure that all aspects of the reception run smoothly. Be prepared to troubleshoot any last-minute issues that may arise, such as seating arrangements or vendor delays.
Emotional Support
Offer emotional support not only to the bride but also to the guests. Weddings can be emotional events, and some guests may need a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on. Be approachable and accessible, and ensure guests know who to turn to if they need assistance.
After the Wedding
Your duties don't end when the wedding does. After the newlyweds have retired for the night, it's your job to handle any loose ends. This includes ensuring that vendors collect their items, packing up gifts and ensuring they are delivered safely to the couple, and making sure nothing is left behind at the venue. A good hostess ensures that the bride doesn't have to worry about anything on her wedding night.
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Attending pre-wedding events
Bridal Shower
The bridal shower is an optional event that was traditionally held for the bride-to-be to be "showered" with gifts to help her establish her new home with her partner. As a bridesmaid, you can expect to be involved in the planning process, including consulting the bride on the guest list, deciding on the theme, and choosing the type of gifts she would like to receive. During the event, be prepared to lend a hand with any last-minute arrangements and offer emotional support to the bride.
Bachelorette Party
Planning an unforgettable bachelorette party is a must for bridesmaids. This celebration marks the bride's last days as a single woman, and it can take many forms. From intimate gatherings with wine and heartfelt conversations to wild nights out on the town, it's important to plan an event that aligns with the bride's personality and preferences. Be prepared to contribute financially and ensure that the party meets her expectations.
Pre-Wedding Rehearsal
The pre-wedding rehearsal is an important event for the bridal party to familiarise themselves with the wedding day proceedings. As a bridesmaid, ensure your attendance and active participation in the rehearsal. This may include walking in sync with the other bridesmaids and coordinating with the groomsmen. The rehearsal dinner also offers a great opportunity to mingle with the groomsmen and ease communication between the two parties.
Other Pre-Wedding Events
In addition to the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, there may be other pre-wedding events to attend, such as dress fittings, bridal luncheons, or even a combined bachelor and bachelorette party. As a bridesmaid, it is important to prioritise these events and offer your support and presence whenever possible. Remember, your role is to be the bride's "emotional support" and provide a listening ear throughout the entire wedding journey.
Being a bridesmaid is indeed a busy and demanding role, but it is also a privilege and an honour. So, embrace the joy and excitement of being part of your friend's special day and offer your unwavering support and participation in all pre-wedding events.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridesmaids in Singapore are expected to provide emotional support to the bride, assist with pre-wedding tasks and planning, host the wedding reception, and plan the bachelorette party. They should also be prepared to contribute financially to the wedding and related events.
Bridesmaids are expected to assist with any pre-wedding tasks, such as addressing invitations, checking on the bride's bouquet with the florist, and attending dress fittings. They also help with the organisation of the program, ceremony, and other small tasks.
During the wedding reception, bridesmaids are expected to host and greet guests, direct them to their seats, and ensure they sign the guest book. They may also need to notify guests of their table numbers and show them to their seats.
Planning the bachelorette party is one of the key responsibilities of a bridesmaid. They are in charge of organising the hosting, location, food, activities, and other details. The type of bachelorette party varies depending on the bride's preferences, ranging from intimate get-togethers to more exciting excursions.
Yes, being a bridesmaid in Singapore can involve financial responsibilities. Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories, as well as contribute to the cost of the bachelorette party. They may also choose to give a larger ang pao (red packet) and a wedding or housewarming gift to the couple.
