Bridesmaid Duties – What is required of a bridesmaid?
Your bestie is getting hitched, and you’ve got the call up. It’s your turn to step up to the plate: bridesmaid duties! If you’re a first-time right-hand lady or lad, you might be wondering what exactly you’ve signed up for.
The role of bridesmaid has evolved significantly from its historical origins (when bridesmaids wore matching dresses to confuse evil spirits who might curse the bride!?). Today, being asked to stand beside someone on their wedding day represents a meaningful acknowledgment of your friendship and the trust they place in you during this significant life transition.
Whether you’re supporting a more traditional bride with classic expectations or helping a modern couple redefine what wedding party roles mean to them, understanding the potential scope of your duties helps set expectations for everyone involved.
While every wedding and friendship is unique, here are some of the most common hats you might wear during your time in this honored role.
The Pre-Wedding Wing Woman
Pre-wedding duties may include helping the bride-to-be pick one of the most important outfits of her life: the dress. You may be called upon to spend a day or two bridal boutique-hopping and offering your honest opinion. If you’re lucky, this may even involve complimentary champagne!
Your bride bestie may also need assistance selecting, liaising with or coordinating her tribe of suppliers or completing various DIY projects in the lead up to the big day. Be prepared for teeny tiny ribbon tying or copious amounts of envelope licking.
The Party Planner
Time to put your party pants on! Hosting a hen’s party may also pop up on the position description. You may need to work with your hen’s nearest and dearest to plan a swanky soiree. Some important things to consider are the location, the guest list, and the guests’ budgets; you want to make this an accessible occasion for all the bride’s important people.
While you can’t always cater for everyone’s needs, if the mother of the bride is allergic to horses, you might want to rethink that pre-pilates trail ride along the beach.
The Bridezilla Chilla.
Wedding planning can send even the most zen hen a little bit cray-cray. If it’s all getting a bit much and your girl’s inner bridezilla starts to rear its ugly head, it might be necessary to kindly remind her what’s important: her and her hubby-to-be. Take her out for a coffee and see what’s stressing her out. At the end of the day, no one is going to notice that the peonies are a slightly darker shade of pink to the napkins.
If you’re dealing with a bit of a ball breaker bride, remember to take some time out for yourself too; you’re by no means a slave! Hang in there girl; it will all be worth it to see the smile on her face when she marries the love of her life.
The Ceremony Sidekick
If there is one duty that is a certainty, it’s standing by your bestie as she says ‘I do’. Aside from paving the way down the aisle for your leading lady, you might be asked to present a reading at the ceremony. The happy couple might have one pre-prepared, or they might ask you to add a personal touch. Alternatively, you might be there to hold a bouquet and a fly-away veil or the vow cards.
The After-Party Assistant
Time to let your tight chignon down and hit the dance floor, but be sure to keep tabs on the newlywed. You may take it upon yourself to top up her champagne glass every now and then, hold up her dress in those tricky toilet situations or defuse potentially awkward family situations, but as long as the bride is smiling, laughing and dancing, your work here is done… unless you’ve sign up for the post-wedding pack down!
Unsure about who pays for what? From outfits to make-up and travel costs, we’ve got you – check out our guide to who covers what costs for your bridal party.
