Being part of the bridal entourage is always an honor, and, most of the time, expected from childhood friends. More than just getting all dolled up and walking down the aisle at your friend’s wedding ceremony, there’s more to be expected from the bridesmaids.
If you have been chosen as a bridesmaid by your close friends or family, then it’s time to brush up on the responsibilities that come with this role. Here’s a list of duties—which we’ve listed down under pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding—that you should familiarize yourself with.
Pre-wedding reminders
Always be there for her
Wedding planning can be challenging and stressful for couples. As a bridesmaid, it’s important to provide emotional support. Check on her from time to time, and let her know that she can rely on her support group when she feels overwhelmed.
Help make decisions
As a bridesmaid, it’s important to be a trusted confidant for the bride. Sometimes, brides may seek the opinions of their bridesmaids to validate their decisions. If asked, provide your opinion but avoid being pushy. Remember to be supportive and respectful of her wishes.
Assist with pre-wedding tasks
Bridal showers and the bachelorette party are two significant events in a wedding journey. They can be both stressful and costly. As a bridesmaid, you will be involved in planning the party and supporting financially. It’s also important to note that contributions should not be forced.
Know the plans
It is crucial that the bridesmaid, and everyone in the entourage, know the wedding day’s timeline. This will prevent you from being the cause of delay and confusion on the actual day. You don’t want to be the reason for the chaos. Everything should run smoothly.
Wedding ceremony duties
Be early and present in rehearsals
As bridesmaids, it is important to be fully present and attend the rehearsal for any ceremony. This is not only for practical reasons, but also to ensure that everyone involved in the ceremony is familiar with the entrance and exit of the event, as well as where to gather and be positioned during the service. Remember, as a member of the bride’s support team, your presence during these final moments of preparation before the wedding day is highly valued.
Look for the wedding planner
If you haven’t met the wedding planner prior to the actual day of the ceremony, then make sure you introduce yourself when you get to the rehearsals. Being proactive will help keep things calm and going smoothly all throughout this special day.
Keep it cool
Avoid being the cause of any disruption during the wedding celebration. Since you may not be familiar with all the bridesmaids’ personalities and backgrounds, it is important to be kind, maintain a positive attitude, and refrain from complaining.
Be on standby
The reason you’re picked as the bride’s “maid” means that the bride can count on you, especially on her special day. This means that you are on standby for anything that she needs, such as makeup retouches, tissue to wipe off sweat, water for drinking, to name a few.
Help take the best photos
More often than not, most of the wedding ceremony attendees are shy to join the couple for group shots at the altar. This is where the entourage helps in gathering them. Bridesmaids are also there to help fix the bride’s outfit, especially the train and veil, when the photographer takes their photos.
Wedding reception responsibilities
Be early to help spot check
If possible, proceed to the reception as soon as you can to make sure everything is set before the couple arrives. Though the wedding planner is most likely in charge of this, it is highly recommended that you are there earlier to help ease the bride’s worries.
Assist the bride
The bridesmaid’s role continues at the reception. This includes helping her in any way possible to make it, not just stress-free, one of the happiest days of her life. One of the most important roles that are, more often than not, taken for granted is the bride’s visits to the bathroom and checking on her makeup.
Join the program
Most likely, you will need all your energy to keep the party going. So save them for the reception. This could entail getting the guests to join the program or, the most, volunteering to join the program so there would be no lull moments. This way, happy vibes last all throughout the reception, down to the after-party.
Don’t forget the wedding gift
Remember, it is customary for the bridesmaids or wedding attendants to present a gift to the newlywed couple. You and the other bridesmaids can use your imagination and find a special item that you know the couple would love. It is good to set budget limitations to prevent spending too much.
Written by Jane Kingsu-Cheng and Alex Salva Quiño
Photos from Unsplash
