Being a bridesmaid on your friend’s wedding day is an amazing experience. It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the bride’s closest friends or family, but you also should know what you signed up for.
While it’s true this is an exciting, fun time, you’ll also have a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes being a bridesmaid can feel like signing up for an unpaid, part-time job if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you can expect to be a part of the important role of bridesmaids....
Bridesmaid Dresses
First, the most obvious thing you’ll have to do is buy a bridesmaid dress. You might have some option in the style depending on your bride and her plans for her wedding. Many times brides will choose a color, and bridesmaids will be able to pick a style within that color. This is great since you can choose a dress that’s flattering for your body type as well as within your price range.
Another part of dress shopping is helping the bride find her own wedding dress. This is the fun part because who doesn’t love watching friends try on pretty dresses? Whether the bride is shopping for a beach wedding dress or something more modern, be there for her during this process to make sure she feels confident.
Help the Bride Plan
Most brides recruit the help of their bridesmaids for the planning process. While you shouldn’t feel like you need to take over the bulk of the planning for her big day, be there when needed. She might need help putting together cash registries for a wedding gift or even just mailing her invites.
Planning a wedding is a lot of work. Not to mention, it’s expensive. Helping your bride with even small tasks takes the load away from her and keeps her from needing to spend even more money. However, know your limits. You aren’t a wedding planner. Don’t feel pressured to act like one if that’s not something you want to do.
Plan the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party
One thing you will likely need to plan, however, is the parties. That means you’ll be in charge of the bridal party and the bachelorette party. A bridal shower is usually an event for close friends and family to celebrate with the bride. This is more informal so it shouldn’t be too complicated to plan.
On the other hand, many bridesmaids go all out on the bachelorette party. This is a time to let loose and have fun before the big day. Research bachelorette party ideas to get a feel for what type of planning is right for your group.
Most Importantly...
Make the Wedding a Priority
No matter what you have going on, it’s important as a bridesmaid to make the wedding a priority. While emergencies do happen, try to avoid missing the wedding or planning anything too close to the special day. Remember you also have to keep in mind the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and other events.
Support and Comfort the Bride
At the end of the day, your main role as a bridesmaid is to be there for the bride. The time leading up to your wedding day is stressful. Your bride has a lot to worry about, and she’s likely to run into some challenges along the way. Be there to listen to her rants and complaints, and let her talk through things with you.
As a bridesmaid, you’re supposed to be there to listen to your friend. Help her get through these hard times so that she can say “I do” to the one she loves. You’ll feel closer than ever to your friend or loved one after going on this journey with them. Now that you know exactly what’s expected of you as a bridesmaid, you’re ready to help your bride prepare for the biggest day of her life.
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