Bridesmaids 101: The Basics To Being The Best.
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If you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid, consider it a compliment. A bridesmaid is an integral part of the wedding, and being chosen means the bride knows she can count on you. Your responsibilities can range from helping plan the bridal shower to lending emotional support to the bride when things get stressful and overwhelming. Overall, you’re expected to be responsible and reliable, and just be a good friend. After all, that’s why you were chosen in the first place!
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Listed here are some expectations of your duties as a bridesmaid to help the bride along in her wedding planning process:
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Pre-Wedding Responsibilities:
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Assist maid/matron of honor in planning the bridal shower (there’s always something to do).
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Participate in all pre-wedding parties (all those filled-in dates look good on your social calendar anyway).
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Help with general wedding planning tasks addressing invitations, making favors, running errands, etc.
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Buy your bridesmaid dress, shoes and jewelry.
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Buy engagement, shower and wedding gifts (remember, she’s probably registered for gifts at her favorite store like Bed Bath & Beyond, of course).
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Keep an eye on the bride’s registry remind her to add more items if choices are scarce when the wedding rolls around.
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Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding (it can’t hurt to know what you’re doing).
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Wedding Day Responsibilities:
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Arrive at the wedding site EARLY.
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Help the bride run any last minute errands (someone has to get the clear nail polish for those stocking runs).
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Help the bride get dressed.
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Take pictures both before and after the wedding (the bride will love the candid shots you get that the photographer missed).
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Walk down the aisle according to instructions and SMILE!
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Stand in the receiving line (if asked to do so).
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Sit at the head table with the rest of the wedding party at the reception.
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Hit the dance floor when the music kicks in and HAVE FUN!
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Help the bride as she greets her guests during the reception (i.e. help her with her veil and dress, obtain food and drinks for her, serve as auxiliary hostess).
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Stay till the very end, throw birdseed or whatever has been chosen, and see the guests and the happy couple off.
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Once all is said and done, leave a phone message for the couple saying, "Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. so-and-so" for when they return from their honeymoon. Consider leaving fresh food and flowers in their apartment, since they’ll have plenty to do when they return (someone must have a spare key).
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Bear in mind that being a bridesmaid can and should be a fun and exciting experience, considering that it’s all about celebrating a very special moment in your close friend or relative’s life.
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