Being a Bridesmaid

The job of bridesmaid is a peculiar combination of excitement and time management. It is essential to plan for the time ahead, as you will become more and more busy as the wedding approaches. A bridesmaid that plans ahead will enjoy the process and is much less likely to dissolve into a twitching heap under the stress of last minute preparations!

This article will help you by laying out a rough guide to the points you need to consider as a bridesmaid. How much time you have to prepare as a bridesmaid will vary based on how much time there is between the engagement and the wedding, so you will need to use your own calendar and work out when to do each of these steps. This will help you to keep on top of your bridesmaid duties.

Planning

Bridesmaids will the bride need help with:
  • Finding a venue for the wedding.
  • Choosing and buying flowers
  • Choosing a theme for the wedding.
  • Invitations (bridesmaids may need to help the bride choose or design the invitations as well as send them out)
  • Decorations
  • Refreshments
  • Seating plans
  • List of people to invite
  • Bridesmaid dress and wedding dresses
    The bridesmaid is advised to go with the bride and help pick out a dress. Also, you should take time to check out matching or harmonizing bridesmaid dresses at the same store, as you can make great savings by buying them together! Attending to all her fittings and giving her valuable feedback. Going to your own fittings - do this as early as possible, you will need your time later on! When you pick up your bridesmaids dress, make sure you try it on immediately and check it for any flaws so they can be fixed in time.

Wedding Shower

Pre -shower :
  • Get a dress for the event.
  • Choose your gift.
  • Plan the location.
  • Is there going to be a theme? Have a clear idea of any theme you are trying to create, as you will need to make sure that all the other aspects of the shower are consistent with the theme.
  • Decorations (remember the theme). Give yourself plenty of time to order and pick up the decorations.
  • Games to play (based on the theme)
  • Break down the responsibilities among the other bridesmaids.
  • Have a backup plan in place unless things go wrong.
During the shower.
  • Arrive early and help set up.
  • Give an informal toast if you want.
  • Keep an inventory of who gave what presents to the bride.
  • Help to clean up.
  • You can collect the bows from presents to make a rehearsal dinner bridal bouquet.

Bachelorette Party

Pre Party
  • When and Where will it be held?
  • How do you plan to travel there? Make sure the others have their travel plans made.
  • Make sure you are in communication with the other girls all the way through the planning phase.
  • Will you be using decorations?
  • Pick a cute outfit for the evening.
  • Make sure you book the venue in advance.
  • If the girls are all chipping in, help to collect the money.
At the party:
  • Bridesmaids should arrive early so that you can help to decorate.
  • Re-confirm the reservations.
  • If there is alcohol present, the bridesmaids need to make sure nobody gets out of hand.
  • Help clean up after the party.
  • Help by participating in any games that are played.
Rehearsal Dinner
  • The bridesmaids may need to help the bride with planning where and where to have the dinner.
  • Do you have a dress for the dinner?
  • Bridesmaids should arrive early to help set up and decorate.
  • Give an informal toast. (Bridesmaids should prepare their toasts beforehand if they are uncomfortable improvising.)
  • Help clean up afterwards.
The Wedding:
  • Make sure you have everything you need for the day to hand. This includes makeup, your dress and shoes.
  • Bridesmaids should arrive early for pictures and to support the bride.
  • Bring a gift.
  • Bridesmaids help to seat the guests.
  • After the ceremony, meet and great all the guests (not just your invitees!)
  • Bridesmaids need to make sure the bride and groom eat during the wedding.
  • Make sure you have your wedding speech or toast ready (if you have decided to speak or you are the maid of honor).
  • Bridesmaids should help to clean up after the wedding.
  • If you drive, offer to take the bride and groom to the airport.

Overall, you should plan to make sure that you and the bride have a stress free, fun time throughout the whole process.