It is a great privilege to be asked to be a bridesmaid, but it comes with serious responsibilities. The modern bridesmaid has a number of duties to fulfil as part of her role. However, it’s also a particularly rewarding opportunity, especially if it’s for a close friend or relative.
Being clear on your ‘duties’ from the very beginning is an important part of protocol. Here we take a look at the rules every bridesmaid should follow to ensure they’re exactly what the bride needs in the run up to the big day.
Help plan a hen party to remember
Whether your bride-to-be wants a quiet life or a crazy occasion that truly celebrates her last night of freedom, it’s safe to say she’ll have enough to worry about planning her wedding day. Give your bride one less thing to plan by organising the hen party for her. One Fab Day offers some great tips for doing just that. Even if this is your first gig as a bridesmaid, it all begins with planning a party that everyone will love:
“We hope that while planning the party you kept your bride in mind. So when it comes to the actual hen do, don’t produce any rude props or jokes unless you know she’s up for it. Many hens these days are decidedly low-key on things like willy straws and strippers, while others will expect them, so suss out where your gal (and the other guests!) are at. Likewise, when it comes to party games like the Mr & Mrs game, keep the tone light and limit the embarrassing questions, especially if the mum (or mum-in-law) is present!”
Provide a helping hand at bridal events
Attending fittings is par for the course, but there are a variety of events that your bride will be busy with in the run up to the wedding. Whilst the groom should be on hand to provide support at bridal events, there are some events that need a woman’s touch and your bride will appreciate your help with these.
Be at your bride’s beck and call
As a bridesmaid, you’re a shoulder to cry on in the face of stressful wedding planning. Be there to listen, and most of all be your bride’s confidante in the midst of all the wedding related madness, whether that’s distracting her with non-wedding talk or helping her source inspiration for her nuptials. It’s not just in the run up to the wedding day where you need to provide support. On the morning of the wedding day, helping keep schedules on track so your bride makes it to the altar on time and looking her very best will also help. You can bring calmness and relaxation to bridal prep to ensure your bride-to-be has the best morning ever.
Throughout the day, you should be armed with a bridal kit, and be on makeup and lipstick alert to ensure the bridge looks perfect for the many photo opportunities that are always a part of a wedding day. Don’t be afraid to share the burden, either. You can lighten the load to ensure your bride and groom get to grab some quality time together on their special day.
