Being asked to be a bridesmaid is almost as exciting as being the bride herself – almost, but not quite! A bridesmaid is usually someone close to the bride – a sister or close friend – and as such her involvement with the wedding, and support of the marriage, is really important.
During the hectic, often stressful, run up to the wedding, the bridesmaid will be helping out in all sorts of ways – running errands, acting as a confidant, smoothing over family frictions and bolstering the bride’s confidence ready for the big day.
A great bridesmaid needs to be cheerful, positive and reliable. She also needs to be pro-marriage and happy relationships – no bride wants a bridesmaid who moans on about her own boyfriend or husband the whole time!
Bridesmaid duties usually include:
• Shopping for the wedding dress. A great bridesmaid is honest and tactful – don’t tell her she looks fantastic if she doesn’t. She won’t thank you for it!
• Helping to organise the hen night.
• Advising on the wedding present list, and letting the guests know where they can access it.
• Giving advice on decorations, the seating plan, music for the reception and more – remember to only give advice when it’s asked for, however.
• Before the wedding ceremony, helping the bride to dress – and keep calm!
• Taking each
wedding present from guests as they arrive and finding a safe place to store them.
• Addressing wedding invitations and thank you cards – yes, a bridesmaid’s duties continue even after the wedding.
As you can see, a great bridesmaid is an essential part of the proceedings and can help to make the wedding go smoothly in lots of ways. If you are a chief bridesmaid, or maid of honour, you may have additional duties. The maid of honour will usually hold the bridal bouquet during the ceremony and may even be asked to make a speech or toast.
Bridesmaid Etiquette
Organising a wedding is a minefield of tradition and expectation, so it will help the bride no end if the bridesmaid understands what is expected of her and what isn’t . Unfortunately, this changes from bride to bride, so the only way to be absolutely sure is to ask! Some bridesmaids are asked to contribute to their dresses, others aren’t. Being a bridesmaid shouldn’t be expensive – usually only involving the cost of the hen night and wedding present. Make sure you choose a truly personal
wedding present for the bride and groom, one she’s sure to treasure as much as she treasures you.
Date posted: 16/02/2010
