{"id":4334,"date":"2023-09-29T10:36:30","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T10:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/?p=4334"},"modified":"2023-09-29T10:36:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T10:36:31","slug":"bridesmaid-duties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wedding\/bridesmaid-duties\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridesmaids&#8217; Duties and Responsibilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So, you\u2019ve been asked to be a bridesmaid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Congratulations!&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it\u2019s your first time, or you\u2019re a seasoned pro, it\u2019s an honour to be asked to support your friend on her big day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But before you drift off in a daydream full of gorgeous gowns and fabulous flowers, you should remember that being a bridesmaid isn\u2019t just about getting dressed up!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" id=\"hs-cta-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/3811420\/5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/3811420\/5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a.png\"  alt=\"&gt;&gt; Book Hen Party Entertainment\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(3811420, '5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>From the moment the engagement\u2019s announced, right through to the big day itself, there are tasks and events that you, as a bridesmaid, will be expected to perform or participate in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you fulfil those obligations and make the bride\u2019s big day as special as possible, we\u2019ve put together a helpful guide on bridesmaids\u2019 duties and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As every bride and every wedding is unique, you probably won\u2019t be expected to do everything on our list, but it will serve as a useful guide to the things that are commonly expected of a bridesmaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While these responsibilities are many and varied, they can be broken down into three main categories: pre-wedding duties, wedding day duties and post-wedding duties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56-1024x686.png\" alt=\"Bridal shower\" class=\"wp-image-4336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56-768x515.png 768w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56-1536x1030.png 1536w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929102839\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.56.png 1668w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Pre-wedding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Attending the Engagement Party<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bridesmaid, you\u2019ll be required to attend the engagement party.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assuming you\u2019re not the only bridesmaid, this is a great opportunity for you to get to know the other bridesmaids, if you don\u2019t already, and to setup a WhatsApp group for all things wedding related.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, you will probably need more than one such group, especially if you\u2019re planning a surprise bridal shower or are buying a joint gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Planning and Organising<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The bride may ask you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Help with sending save-the-date cards or wedding invitations.<\/li><li>Be a point of contact for the wedding planner.<\/li><li>View the reception venue.<\/li><li>Decorate the reception venue the evening before the wedding.<\/li><li>Make wedding favours.<\/li><li>Accompany her to dress fittings.<\/li><li>Help with cake tastings \u2013 an arduous, but necessary task &#8211; someone has to do it!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Emotional Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Weddings may be happy occasions, but they are often stressful too, so be prepared to provide a shoulder for the bride to cry on if things get overwhelming, or the person she can vent to when they don\u2019t go according to plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Helping to Choose the Dress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearly this will be the bride\u2019s choice, but she may well ask you to accompany her when she\u2019s shopping for her wedding gown.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are invited to go dress shopping, be careful how you offer your opinion; this is not the time for brutal honesty!&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, phrase your feedback in a positive way: \u201cThe strapless dress is pretty, but the one with sweetheart neckline looks fabulous on you.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;This is one occasion where you should leave personal preferences at home; you may hate diamante trim, but if your friend loves it, and the dress suits her, tell her you love it too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Shopping for Bridesmaids\u2019 Dresses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is often a bone of contention, particularly if there are several bridesmaids of varying shapes and sizes!&nbsp;&nbsp;If the bride is paying for your dress, you will, to a large extent, be expected to go along with her choices.&nbsp;&nbsp;And while it\u2019s fine to point out that you\u2019d feel uncomfortable wearing a strapless dress, be prepared to compromise.&nbsp;&nbsp;You could, for example, agree to the dress but suggest wearing a bolero or wrap.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, if the bride wants you to wear a certain colour there\u2019s less wiggle room; it\u2019s her big day and your role is to be as supportive as possible, so even though you may hate peach satin, go with it to make her happy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don\u2019t forget that you\u2019ll also need to make yourself available for fitting appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Organising the Bridal Shower and\/or Hen Party&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While these events are usually coordinated by the maid of honour, bridesmaids are expected to help with the planning and organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;It\u2019s also usual for the maid of honour and the bridesmaids to pay for the hen do, and that includes paying for the bride too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Attending Rehearsals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This will give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the formation the bridesmaids will follow the bride down the aisle in, and where you\u2019ll sit during the ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Above all, being at the rehearsal will help to alleviate any stress the bride may be feeling about everyone knowing what\u2019s expected of them on her big day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Speech or Reading<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be asked to do a reading or make a speech.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are, ensure you practise this before the wedding day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>The Wedding Day Timeline<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the run up to the wedding, you should familiarise yourself with the order in which things are happening throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Preparing an Emergency Kit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the week before the wedding, prepare an emergency kit for the big day.&nbsp;&nbsp;This should include things such as painkillers, tissues, a spare lippy for the bride, tights, deodorant, hairgrips etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42-1024x684.png\" alt=\"Bride getting ready\" class=\"wp-image-4337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42-1536x1026.png 1536w, https:\/\/assets.partywizz.com\/blog\/20230929103015\/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.26.42.png 1668w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>The Big Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Getting Ready<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bridesmaid, you\u2019ll be getting ready with the bride.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your responsibilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Arriving in plenty of time<\/li><li>Remembering to bring your pre-prepared emergency kit.<\/li><li>Decorating the room.<\/li><li>Ensuring the bride eats breakfast.<\/li><li>Ensuring the bride stays hydrated.<\/li><li>Organising some light snacks and drinks.<\/li><li>Helping the bride with her hair and make up if she hasn\u2019t booked a hairdresser\/ make-up artist.<\/li><li>Looking after younger bridesmaids.<\/li><li>Helping to sort out any last-minute hitches.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>The Ceremony<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the big day, you\u2019re responsible for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Arranging the bride\u2019s dress and veil before she walks down the aisle.<\/li><li>Following the bride down the aisle and supporting the wedding dress train.<\/li><li>Holding the bride\u2019s bouquet during the ceremony (if there\u2019s no maid of honour).<\/li><li>Looking after and supervising younger bridesmaids and pageboys.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>The Wedding Reception<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the ceremony itself is over, there are numerous tasks that may be expected of you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Being part of the receiving line<\/li><li>Taking care of the bride\u2019s bouquet.<\/li><li>Making a speech.<\/li><li>Mingling with guests.<\/li><li>Helping guests find their seats at the reception dinner.<\/li><li>Encouraging guests to sign the guest book.<\/li><li>Helping to round guests up for photographs.<\/li><li>Dancing!<\/li><li>Assisting the bride with her dress during toilet trips.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Post-reception<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Packing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the happy couple have left the reception, a bridesmaid\u2019s duties are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Packing away the bride\u2019s dress and storing it.<\/li><li>Taking charge of the bouquet if it\u2019s being kept.<\/li><li>Arranging for the safe return of any hired outfits.<\/li><li>Ensuring gifts are packed up and stored securely until the couple return from honeymoon.<\/li><li>Ensuring any decorations are packed away.<\/li><li>Taking charge of the guest book.<\/li><li>Assisting the newlyweds to write thank you notes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>That\u2019s a wrap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there\u2019s a lot to take on board, being a bridesmaid is an exciting and fun responsibility.\u00a0\u00a0And, while not everything on the list will apply to your situation, it will give you a good idea of what\u2019s expected of you.\u00a0\u00a0Just follow our guide and we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll make the bride\u2019s special day everything she dreamed it would be!<a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/3811420\/b9564310-9749-497f-afd2-5a4279c7f06a?__hstc=77677835.3946ed2ad4016749d0330edc8672787d.1641288455230.1695977143331.1695982440092.1864&amp;__hssc=77677835.6.1695982440092&amp;__hsfp=2583379108\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At PartyWizz, we specialise in providing wedding entertainers and suppliers such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/search\/weddings\/magicians\">magicians<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/search\/weddings\/photography\">photographers<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/search\/weddings\/videography\">videographers<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/search\/weddings\/wedding-singers\">musicians<\/a>\u00a0and more. We pride ourselves in only working with the best in the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" id=\"hs-cta-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/3811420\/5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/3811420\/5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a.png\"  alt=\"&gt;&gt; Book Hen Party Entertainment\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(3811420, '5755c2a7-c5f8-4891-886e-3f46971d7a1a', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/a><\/span>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019ve been asked to be a bridesmaid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Congratulations!&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it\u2019s your first time, or you\u2019re a seasoned pro, it\u2019s an honour to be asked to support your friend on her big day.&nbsp;&nbsp; But before you drift off in a daydream full of gorgeous gowns and fabulous flowers, you should remember that being a bridesmaid isn\u2019t just [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4335,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4334"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4334"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4338,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4334\/revisions\/4338"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}