Bridesmaid's Duties: Supporting The Bride On Her Special Day

Being a bridesmaid is a major honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. The main duty of a bridesmaid is to support the bride, but there are several other tasks that are usually expected of them. From helping to plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, to attending pre-wedding events and providing emotional support, bridesmaids have a lot on their plate. They are also usually expected to purchase their own attire and accessories, and be a point of contact for guests and vendors on the day of the wedding.

Emotional support

Before the Wedding

A bridesmaid should be there for the bride, offering a listening ear and helping with wedding planning. This could include choosing vendors, selecting decorations, or simply talking through the bride's ideas. Bridesmaids should also be ready to assist the maid of honour, who has a significant role in the wedding. This might include helping to organise the bachelorette party or ensuring things run smoothly on the day.

On the Wedding Day

Bridesmaids should arrive early at the getting-ready location, equipped with everything they need, to help keep the bride calm and organised. They should also be attentive and supportive throughout the ceremony, and stay for formal photos to ensure this process is efficient.

At the Reception

Bridesmaids should engage with guests, making them feel welcome and ensuring they have a good time. This includes participating in dances, helping guests find their seats, and generally being sociable. They should also ensure the couple gets to eat, take a break if needed, and enjoy their special day.

Post-Reception

Bridesmaids may need to assist with packing up personal items, decorations, and any leftover supplies, as well as coordinating the couple's exit from the venue.

Throughout the Process

Bridesmaids should be prepared to offer a listening ear and provide comfort when needed. They should also maintain a positive attitude to help calm pre-wedding jitters or keep the energy up during the reception. This includes being diplomatic and solution-oriented to help resolve any conflicts that may arise.

Help with pre-wedding events

Being a bridesmaid comes with a long list of responsibilities and duties, and it's important to be aware of what these are before agreeing to take on the role. Here is a detailed breakdown of how a bridesmaid can help with pre-wedding events:

Planning and Paying

The maid of honour usually takes the lead in planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party, but bridesmaids are expected to support her efforts. This includes helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as chipping in for costs. It's also customary to give a gift for the bridal shower, such as a spa day or facial.

Attending Pre-Wedding Events

Bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding events, including the bridal shower, bachelorette party, engagement party, couples' shower, and rehearsal dinner. It's important to be present and available to the bride during these events and offer emotional support.

Wedding Planning Tasks

Bridesmaids might be asked to help with smaller wedding planning tasks, such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetising escort cards, easy DIY projects, or accompanying the bride to pick out rentals or attend hair and makeup trials.

Communication and Emotional Support

Open and honest communication is key. It's important to understand the expectations of the bride and communicate any financial or time constraints. Bridesmaids should also be there for the bride emotionally throughout the planning process, providing a supportive and positive presence.

Travel and Accommodation

Bridesmaids are typically responsible for booking their own travel and accommodation for the wedding and any pre-wedding events. It's a good idea to do this early to ensure convenience and avoid last-minute stress.

Wedding Attire

Bridesmaids are generally expected to pay for their own attire, including the dress, shoes, and accessories. They may be asked to shop as a group or individually and should follow the bride's wishes and guidelines.

Gifts

In addition to a bridal shower gift, bridesmaids are expected to buy a wedding gift for the couple from their wedding registry.

Overall, being a bridesmaid is about supporting the bride and ensuring she feels calm and cared for during the planning process and pre-wedding events. It's an important and honoured role that requires dedication and a positive attitude.

Assist with wedding planning

As a bridesmaid, you will be expected to assist with wedding planning. This may include helping to plan the hen/bachelorette party and bridal shower, as well as attending these events. You may also be asked to help with wedding tasks such as DIY projects, collecting various items, and addressing and stamping invitations.

Bridesmaids are also often asked to help the bride choose her wedding attire and their own bridesmaid dresses. This may involve going shopping with the bride and other bridesmaids, offering opinions, and providing emotional support.

In the days leading up to the wedding, you can offer to help set up the venue and the wedding suite. On the morning of the wedding, bridesmaids typically get ready with the bride, offering support and assistance as needed.

Throughout the wedding planning process, it is important to provide emotional support to the bride and be available to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Attend the rehearsal dinner

Attending the rehearsal dinner is an important part of a bridesmaid's duties. It is a fun, low-stakes event that allows you to get to know the bride's close friends and family better. It is also a great opportunity to eat delicious food and dress up!

The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, following the run-through of the processional order and other ceremony details. As a bridesmaid, you are expected to be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the dinner. This is a practical concern, as everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service. It is also an important moment to support the bride emotionally during the final moments of preparation before her big day.

When choosing what to wear to the rehearsal dinner, it is important to consider the venue, the weather, and the event's formality. Most rehearsal dinners are not as formal as the wedding itself, so a cocktail dress or a comfortable, laid-back outfit like a cute romper or a breezy boho dress with flats can be a great choice. If the venue is extra fancy, you might want to opt for semi-formal attire, such as a timeless wrap dress or wide-leg pants with a statement top.

As a bridesmaid, your role at the rehearsal dinner is to follow the suggested dress code, listen to the speeches (usually given by parents or other family members), and enjoy the meal. It is also important to remember not to stay out too late, as you will want to be well-rested for the wedding day ahead.

Be available on the wedding day

Being available on the wedding day is one of the most important duties of a bridesmaid. Here are some ways you can ensure you're present and helpful on the big day:

Getting Ready

On the morning of the wedding, it's customary for bridesmaids to get ready with the bride and other members of the bridal party, such as the flower girl and mother of the bride. Plan for an early start, as hair and makeup can take a while. As a bridesmaid, you can assist the bride with getting ready by answering any calls or texts, keeping her calm and relaxed, and making sure she eats something and stays hydrated. You can also help her into her dress and with her shoes, jewellery, and veil.

During the Ceremony

Bridesmaids are usually expected to walk down the aisle and stand at the altar with the bride during the ceremony. If the bride has a bouquet, a bridesmaid may hold it for her. Throughout the ceremony, bridesmaids should be on hand to help with any adjustments to the bride's outfit, such as smoothing her veil or fluffing her train. They can also offer tissues or an encouraging smile if the bride gets emotional.

After the Ceremony

Bridesmaids are often included in group photos with the happy couple, so it's important to stick around after the ceremony and be photo-ready. During the reception, bridesmaids should mingle with guests, enjoy the food and drinks, and participate in guest activities like signing the guest book or visiting the photo booth. It's also a good idea to check in with the newlyweds throughout the reception to ensure they're getting enough food, drinks, and rest.

At the End of the Night

Finally, at the end of the night, bridesmaids can help the maid of honour, coordinator, or the couple's parents with packing up any items that need to be transported out of the venue. This may include getting-ready gear, decor, the wedding cake, cards and gifts, and the couple's overnight bags. Bridesmaids can also help ensure all guests make it safely out of the venue and onto shuttle buses or their cars.

Overall, being available and supportive on the wedding day is a key responsibility of a bridesmaid. By helping the bride get ready, participating in the ceremony, and being present throughout the reception, bridesmaids play an important role in making the day run smoothly and ensuring the bride feels calm and celebrated.

Frequently asked questions