The Role of the Bridesmaids
Whatever your relationship is to the bride, whether you’re a sister, a friend, or the groom’s sister, you need to remember first and foremost that this is the bride’s day. In the end, she gets what she wants and there’s no way around it. But that doesn’t make being chosen as a bridesmaid a punishment or even something to dread. Planning a wedding is a very exciting time and as someone who will stand up for the bride, you’ll be directly involved in it! Here’s what you have to know so you can properly play the part.
Put your Party Face On!
One of the biggest responsibilities you’ll have as a bridesmaid is to attend all the social functions that come with the wedding. This is all part of the fun and the engagement party, the bridal shower, and the bachelorette parties are all chances for you to offer a helping hand and get to know other people that will be in the wedding party, or at least attending the wedding. Go ahead and have fun but always remember that the focus is always to remain on the bride and how you can help her.
The two most important events you will be required to attend are the rehearsal dinner and the bachelorette party. The rehearsal dinner is important so that you will know what’s going to happen the next day at the wedding and so you can spend some time with the wedding party before the big day. The bride will most likely also present you with your bridesmaid gift at this time. The other main event you will be required to attend is the bachelorette party and you may not only be expected to go but to also help plan it with the maid of honor.
Attire
It is tradition that the bride chooses the bridesmaids’ dresses but more and more brides are starting to allow their bridesmaids to choose their own after stating certain requirements (color, style, etc.) You may be lucky and get to pick your own but if you don’t, smile and say how happy you are to wear it. You will probably also be expected to pay for the dress, whether you chose it or not. This is also tradition and something that you must be prepared to do.
Your Supportive Role
Other than the major social life you’re going to be having after becoming a bridesmaid, and going on countless dress shopping trips, your main role will be that of a supportive one to both the bride and the maid of honor. You will really be helping in any way you can, whether it’s making phone calls or running errands, to help get ready for the wedding.
Bridesmaids play a very important role in the wedding and they do much more than precede the bride down the aisle. There is much you will be responsible for and a lot of things you will be expected to do. But it’s also important to always remember that it really is an honor to be chosen and it’s really an experience you should enjoy while it lasts!
