Being invited to be a bridesmaid for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-racking. If you don't have a lot of experience with weddings and are unsure of what your role as a bridesmaid entails, look no further.
Listed below are the all the responsibilities that come with being a bridesmaid.
Table of Contents:
1. Plan the Bachelorette Party
While the maid of honor is generally expected to plan the bachelorette party or bridal shower, she cannot do that without help. It's expected that the bridesmaids will do their fair share in organizing the bachelorette party. What exactly is required of the other bridesmaids will be dependent on what your maid of honor needs. It is also expected that the bridal party will help pay for the bachelorette celebration. The costs of the bachelorette party and bridal shower does not fall squarely on the maid of honors shoulders. If you're tight on cash, be honest with the maid of honor. Perhaps if you don't have much money to contribute, you can do more of the party planning to make up for it.
2. Buy Your Dress
While the bride or her family may decide to pay for all the bridesmaid's dresses, the general expectation is that you will purchase your own dress. It may be frustrating to have to pay for your dress. This is especially true if you don't like the style that the bride has chosen. But don't be fussy about it and make a big stink. It's difficult to plan a wedding and the least you can do is wear whatever dress the bride chooses. Usually dress shopping is a fun outing where you can get to know the other members of the bridal party if you don't already. Enjoy the day with the bride to be and her closest friends.
3. Attend All Wedding Events
The events you will need to attend as a bridesmaid will vary depending on the style of the wedding. Generally, you can expect to be present for the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner. Of course, if you live far away from the bride, then have a conversation with her. Talk about how it may be difficult to fly out for multiple events and ask which events are most important to her. But if you live locally, clear your schedule for whatever days the bride needs you.
4. Show Up Early
On the wedding day, you will arrive earlier than all other guests. Most likely, the bride will get ready with all of her bridesmaids the morning of the wedding. You'll likely have your hair and makeup done with the rest of the bridal party. As well, you may need to pose for pictures prior to the ceremony. If the wedding is far away, you may need to come a day early and reserve a hotel room so that you can wake up on time. If you do need to stay in a hotel prior to the wedding, the cost of accommodations are yours to pay. The bride and groom do not generally pay for any hotel costs.
Regardless of what your bridesmaid responsibilities are or will be, the most important thing to remember as a bridesmaid is that you were invited to witness the love of the newly engaged couple. So don't stress too much, enjoy the wedding and all the events that lead up to it.
Need more advice so that you can be the best bridesmaid ever? Have a look at Tips for Bridesmaids on Gown Shopping with the Bride.
