As a bridesmaid, you’re part of a long history of wedding traditions. Here’s what’s expected of you and how to make the bridal party successful and fun.
Wedding traditions have long dictated the roles of bridesmaids and maids of honour, changing from bride to bride. Here are the general expectations of the bridal party.
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How to Be a Bridesmaid
The bridesmaid may help the bride shop for her wedding dress, accessories, shoes, and flowers. She may even attend cake tasting and facility renting excursions and help the bride research wedding traditions. In addition, the bridesmaid and the maid of honour may work together to help stuff wedding invitations into their envelopes, create wedding favours, and provide emotional support to the bride.
Great bridesmaids gently offer creative input and support the decisions of the bride and groom. Bridesmaids are also available for last-minute rescues, such as finding lost rings or mending torn veils. Members of the bridal party are there to support the bride and groom in any way they can.
Hotel and Transportation to the Wedding
Traditionally, the way bridesmaids decide to arrive at a wedding is totally up to them, as well as their lodging, since this way, they will be able to accommodate themselves to their own disposition, time, and budget. Their only duty is to arrive at the exact place and time that the bride tells them.
In destination weddings, we always appreciate the courtesy of the couples to provide rooms at preferential wedding rates to their guests. Since they will already pay attention to making an exclusive trip to accompany them that day, this gesture is always offered as a thank you for that action.
The Bridesmaid Look
The dress, shoes, makeup, hairstyle, and accessories are the responsibility of each lady. Unless there is something specific that a bride wants you to wear that day, the rest is totally up to them.
If a bride prefers to have it done professionally, in a specific style, and with a specific stylist, she will have to check first if it is within your means. If not, then the bride will have to contribute from her budget for this part of the process.
The Bachelorette Party with Friends
The bridesmaids usually organize the bachelorette party with friends, although it all depends on how much control the bride wants to take over the party. The decorations, activities, food, and drinks for the night are up to the bridesmaids. Remember that the bride will already have a budget and a lot of effort to invest in her wedding, so a night where she doesn’t have to worry about anything but having fun is always welcome.
The size of the party will always depend on the total budget the bridesmaids can contribute.
Family Bridal Shower
The role the ladies take in the Bridal Shower depends entirely on who is in charge of the organization. Normally the family is the one who takes control of this celebration. However, it is always appreciated if the ladies offer to contribute. If the financial contribution is not within your budget, then offering to help with the decoration and organization of the activities may be your main task. The enthusiasm of wanting to help and lend a hand in this type of situation is always something that is greatly appreciated and that the bride will never forget.
Bachelorette Party Gift
A wedding gift is usually enough, so a bridal shower gift is not something that is necessarily expected. However, if the ladies want to get creative by giving a gift that goes along with the shower’s theme or something that the bride can use on her wedding night, such as lingerie. They can decide between choosing this option or wait to give a nice wedding gift.
Wedding Gift
By this point, you will have already invested considerably in the bridal shower, reservation, dress, and other details that come along. So brides, don’t feel offended if they don’t receive a wedding gift from you.
Now, if the ladies still have the desire and the possibility to give a wedding gift, you can get together with all the ladies to make a collective gift.
The Wedding Parties
Bridesmaids are expected to attend – and often help plan – the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and farewell brunch or tea day after the wedding. These duties do depend on the bride and groom. If it’s a destination wedding, for instance, the bridal party’s expectations will be different from if it’s a big traditional church wedding.
The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid
Usually, bridesmaids pay for their bridesmaid dress, shoes, accessories, accommodations and travel costs, and the bachelorette party or shower.
The time commitment can be fairly high for members of a bridal party. For example, bridesmaids are expected to shop for their bridesmaid dresses and participate in dress fittings.
Extra Special Things a Bridesmaid Can Do
If you want to go above and beyond the call of duty, consider these thoughtful touches:
- Create a PowerPoint presentation for the wedding speeches or bridal shower.
- Take photos of the whole process, from wedding dress shopping to cake tasting.
- Create a scrapbook of wedding planning and celebrations. Include photos, mementos, receipts, ribbons, wedding favors, and so on.
- Send champagne, strawberries, and flowers to the bridal suite for the wedding night.
- Write a poem, paint a portrait, or make something special that celebrates the bride and groom. Use your unique talents and skills to create something special for the wedding couple.
Unwritten Things to Consider
- When the bride tells you that she chose you as her bridesmaid. Celebrate as if she had won the National Team! Or, as if your favorite singer said your name in concert.
- Her engagement ring deserves all the compliments in the world, so whenever you see it sparkle, admire it out loud.
- Personal engagements? Haha, that’s a thing of the past: you must be available 24 x 7 x 365 to talk on the phone with the bride.
- Remember when you and the bride used to talk about books, music and her other friends? That won’t happen again until after the wedding. But that’s okay because you’re excited too and you understand that it’s the most important topic, right?
- The bridesmaid dress the bride chooses for you is the best dress you’ve ever worn, so wear it along with your best smile.
- Your help is essential: if the bride and groom need you, come to the rescue!
- Help her defend her tastes from the bad guys who contradict her: you’re her neighborhood and you’ve got her back!
- If the bride is undecided between one or two or 25 options, contribute your opinion. But if she’s leaning more towards some flowers than others and still asks you, put her tastes above yours: everything should be as she has dreamed it and you are the guardian of that dream.
- As soon as she shows you the wedding dress she chose, appreciate how beautiful it is and tell her the truth: it’s the most amazing dress you’ve ever seen! She’ll be the most beautiful bride ever! (And she will be).
- If she doesn’t find what she’s looking for (the shoes, the souvenirs, the band, the flowers…), no problem because it’s sure to be in the next store. Don’t let her give up until she finds what she’s looking for. Just bring gel insoles in case they get tired.
- Make sure she sleeps and eats. If it is necessary to be energetic.
- If anyone knows her perfectly, it is you: plan the perfect bachelorette party for the bride.
- Hand out the fans, the rice, the souvenirs, the children’s candy, and anything else that needs to be handed out.
- Help the photographer and videographers to know who are the people who should not be missing in the wedding records and which are the moments that should appear in the album.
- Carry an emergency kit with beauty supplies, first aid kit, sewing kit… If something is needed, your super bag will have it, for sure.
- Prepare a speech in which you tell her how wonderful it is to be with her and how happy you feel for her new stage. And, if you give her a special detail or you are in charge of some detail, such as the bouquet, give it to her at the right time and with lots of love.
- Have fun at the wedding and live the moment together: the pressure is over, she is the happiest bride and you are her perfect bridesmaid, it’s time to celebrate!
The most important part of being part of the bridal party – other than taking your responsibilities seriously and doing the best you can to support the bride and groom no matter what – is to have fun. So enjoy the wedding planning, and get into the joy of it all! You probably won’t be a bridesmaid for this friend again, so make the most of it.
About the author: John J. Gregg is an experienced writer on essaywriter.nyc where he provides students with an opportunity to get high grades. Besides, He is fond of reading and playing the guitar. By the way, John dreams of travelling a lot and visiting as many countries as possible.
Summary: Bridesmaid in a Wedding Party
- Being a bridesmaid is an important role in a wedding party, and there are certain general expectations that come with it.
- As a bridesmaid, you are expected to be supportive and helpful to the bride throughout the wedding planning process.
- Attend bridal appointments and fittings, and offer your input and assistance when needed.
- Assist with wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, assembling favors, or helping with decorations.
- Be available and responsive to the bride’s communication, and offer emotional support during stressful times.
- Participate in pre-wedding events like the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner.
- Help coordinate and organize the bridesmaids’ attire, including dress fittings and accessories.
- On the wedding day, arrive on time and be prepared to assist the bride with getting ready and any last-minute needs.
- During the ceremony and reception, fulfill your role by walking down the aisle, standing by the bride, and participating in the bridal party activities.
- Above all, remember that being a bridesmaid is about celebrating the bride’s special day and being a positive and supportive presence throughout the wedding journey.
FAQ: General Expectations and Tips for Being a Bridesmaid in a Wedding Party
What are some key responsibilities of a bridesmaid?
As a bridesmaid, you are expected to support the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. This includes attending dress fittings, participating in bridal showers and bachelorette parties, and helping with various tasks such as addressing invitations or assembling favors. On the wedding day, you will assist the bride with getting ready, help her with her dress and accessories, and provide emotional support.
What should I consider when selecting a bridesmaid dress?
When selecting a bridesmaid dress, consider the bride’s preferences and the overall wedding theme or color scheme. Consult with the bride and other bridesmaids to choose a dress that flatters everyone’s body types and fits within the designated budget. It’s important to be open-minded and supportive during the dress selection process.
How can I be a supportive and reliable bridesmaid?
To be a supportive and reliable bridesmaid, communicate effectively with the bride and other bridesmaids. Respond promptly to messages or calls, attend scheduled events, and offer assistance when needed. Show enthusiasm and be there for the bride during moments of stress or decision-making. Your support and presence will mean a lot to the bride during this special time.
What should I do if I have financial constraints as a bridesmaid?
If you have financial constraints as a bridesmaid, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with the bride. Discuss your concerns and limitations early on, so that alternative options can be considered. The bride may be understanding and willing to make adjustments to accommodate everyone’s budget, such as selecting more affordable dress options or sharing expenses for pre-wedding events.
How can I ensure a positive and harmonious bridesmaid experience?
To ensure a positive bridesmaid experience, maintain a positive attitude, and be respectful of the bride’s decisions. Collaborate and communicate with other bridesmaids in a friendly and cooperative manner. Be mindful of any conflicts that may arise and address them calmly and constructively. Remember, the focus is on celebrating the couple’s love and creating lasting memories.
