Deborah Chan
Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour and a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. To be a great bridesmaid, preparation is key. Creating a checklist can help you stay organised and ensure you don't forget anything important. From the hen party to the wedding day, there are many things to consider, such as what to wear, what to pack, and how to support the bride. So, what do bridesmaids need for a wedding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Plan the hen party, create a WhatsApp group with the bride and all the bridesmaids, help with wedding DIY sessions, be supportive and enthusiastic, book pre-wedding pampering, get a wedding gift, prep a wedding morning playlist, etc. |
| Preparation | Prepare an emergency kit, bring a change of shoes, a touch-up kit, deodorant, perfume, dry shampoo, tissues, makeup wipes, bobby pins, sunglasses, SPF stick, phone, charger, wallet, ID, medications, etc. |
| Execution | Help make decisions on layout and décor, meet the wedding coordinator, offer yourself as a point of contact, collect cards from the venue's safe, ensure flowers and decor are packed and moved, offer to do the bride's hair and makeup, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
First, check in with the bride to see what she expects of you and what tasks she'd like you to take care of. It's also a good idea to ask about the financial and time commitments involved so that you can be upfront about what you can manage. Once you know what's expected of you, you can start planning.
Create a checklist to help you stay organised and ensure you don't forget anything important. This might include items to bring, such as an emergency kit, your outfit, and a wedding gift. It can also include tasks, such as helping to plan pre-wedding events, attending dress fittings, and being there for the bride throughout the planning process.
As a bridesmaid, you'll want to be well-prepared for the wedding day itself. This includes packing all the essentials, such as comfortable shoes, a touch-up kit for makeup and hair, and any medications you might need. It's also a good idea to bring a change of clothes, snacks, and a mini steamer to ensure your outfit looks fresh.
Being a bridesmaid is an honour and a privilege, and it's important to remember that your main duty is to show up and look the part. So be respectful, dress appropriately, and be there for your friend throughout the entire process.
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Packing essentials
The role of a bridesmaid is to support and entertain the bride in the lead-up to her big day, anticipating her every need and ensuring nothing goes wrong. It is a role that comes with a lot of responsibilities, so staying organised is key.
- Bridesmaid dress: This is the most important item! Pack your dress pressed or steamed, on a sturdy hanger, and in a protective garment bag.
- Shoes: Bring the shoes you plan to wear on the day, as well as a pair of comfortable slippers or flip-flops to give your feet a break when you're getting ready or taking a break from dancing.
- Accessories: Keep your essential jewellery together in a small bag or box so nothing gets lost. If you're wearing matching jackets, robes, or shawls for photos, don't forget to pack these too.
- Wedding gift: Don't forget to bring a card and/or gift for the happy couple. It's a good idea to order off their registry and have it shipped directly to them, so you don't have to worry about carrying it on the day.
- Emergency kit: Pack a kit with items such as bobby pins, tissues, makeup wipes, dry shampoo, deodorant, perfume, and any other beauty essentials to keep you looking and feeling fresh throughout the day.
- Phone and charger: You'll want to stay connected and capture memories, and there might not be enough outlets for everyone to charge their phones at the venue.
- Medications: Bring any specific medications you need, as well as some common meds like Tylenol or Tums in case you aren't feeling 100% on the day.
- Wallet and ID: Don't forget these important items!
- Invitation: Some venues may require an invitation for entry, so have yours on hand.
- Mini steamer: A mini steamer can help ensure your garments look their best, especially if they've wrinkled during transit.
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Wedding day duties
As a bridesmaid, you play a crucial role in supporting the bride and ensuring her special day goes smoothly. Here are some duties and responsibilities to keep in mind for the wedding day itself:
Morning Preparations
- Help the bride with her morning routine and preparations. Offer assistance with her hair and makeup, and ensure she stays calm and relaxed.
- Be prepared with a bridal emergency kit. This can include safety pins, double-stick tape, a mini steamer, a stain remover, a sewing kit, and any other items that might be needed in case of wardrobe malfunctions or last-minute alterations.
- Keep the bride hydrated and well-fed. Offer her water and a light snack to ensure she has the energy to get through the day.
Ceremony and Photos
- Assist the bride with her dress, veil, and train during the ceremony and photo sessions. Be mindful of her surroundings and comfort.
- Be attentive to the bride's needs. Anticipate her wants and be prepared to address any concerns or last-minute requests.
- Help organise the wedding party for photos. Ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time and that the bride's train and dress are perfectly arranged for each shot.
Reception
- Support the bride during the reception. This may include accompanying her to the restroom, helping her with her dress, or simply being a friendly presence by her side.
- Be prepared to give a speech or toast if you have been asked to do so. It's a good idea to have a written copy of your speech with you for reference.
- Act as a point of contact for vendors and wedding staff. Have a list of their contact information and direct them as needed to ensure the reception runs smoothly.
Remember, it's essential to stay organised and adaptable throughout the day. The bride will likely rely on you for support and guidance, so be prepared to handle any unexpected situations with grace and efficiency!
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Gifts and cards
Being a bridesmaid is a big financial commitment, so it is not expected or required for bridesmaids to give gifts to the couple. However, if you would like to, there are many options to choose from. You could give a gift at the engagement party, such as a bottle of wine, toasting flutes, or a cake knife and serving set. If you are travelling to the engagement party, there is less pressure to buy a gift. You could also give a gift at the bridal shower, such as a bottle of champagne, a personalised coffee mug, or an engagement photo frame.
If you are the bride and you are giving gifts to your bridesmaids, you could give them something useful, lasting, and delightful, such as a luxurious beach towel, a passport cover, or a personalised card set. You could also give them something related to the wedding, like a pashmina shawl to keep them warm, or a custom tumbler with their name on it. If you want to give them something before the wedding, you could give them an elegant jewellery case, which you could stuff with more goodies like simple jewellery or a spa gift certificate.
If you are a bridesmaid and you want to give a gift to the bride, you could give her a gift at the rehearsal dinner, such as a funny T-shirt or other bachelorette keepsake. You could also give a speech instead of a gift. If you are the bride, you could give your bridesmaids a gift to say thank you for their role in your wedding. This could be something between $75 and $150, depending on your budget and whether you are splitting the cost with someone else. It is more about the thoughtfulness of the gift than the price.
It is important to send thank-you cards for gifts received before and after the wedding. For gifts received at the engagement party or shower, send a thank-you card within two to three weeks. For gifts given on the wedding day, mail a thank-you note within three months.
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Post-wedding tasks
Being a bridesmaid is a big honour and a lot of fun, but it can also be hard work. Here is a list of tasks that a bridesmaid should do after the wedding:
- Put the wedding bouquet in water for preserving.
- Tip any staff the couple wants to tip.
- Help the bride out of her dress and pack it up so it doesn't get damaged.
- Make an effort to be at breakfast with the couple the next day.
- Collect any cards from the venue's safe for the couple.
- Ensure any flowers and decor are packed and moved for day two celebrations or to a car for transport home.
- Box up keepsakes such as framed photos, the guestbook, and photo booth snaps.
- Offer to do the bride's hair and makeup for day two celebrations.
- Close the loop on any remaining expenses that need to be split among the group.
- If you are the maid of honour, you may be asked to make a speech. If so, prepare your speech in advance and make sure to practice.
- Keep the atmosphere upbeat and positive.
- Be first on the dance floor and encourage others to join.
Remember that each bride is different and may have distinct expectations, so be sure to check in with the bride to see what she would like you to take care of.
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Frequently asked questions
Planning the hen party, helping with wedding DIY sessions, and accompanying the bride to wedding dress fittings are some ways to help the couple before the wedding.
Some essential items to bring to the wedding are a wedding gift, a mini steamer, a copy of your speech, sunglasses, SPF, deodorant, perfume, dry shampoo, and makeup for touch-ups.
An emergency kit should include needles, scissors, a seam ripper, safety pins, straight pins, clear nail polish, nail clippers, tweezers, mints, chapstick, hand cream, a protein bar, a bottle of water with a straw, and painkillers.
On the wedding day, it is important to be on time and look the part. You may also be responsible for tipping staff, helping the bride get out of her dress, and collecting cards and flowers.
After the wedding, you can offer to do the bride's hair and makeup for any day-two celebrations. You can also box up keepsakes, such as framed photos, the guestbook, and photo booth snaps.
