The first step in being the best bridesmaid ever is to understand your responsibilities. Below are the 11 key duties that will fall under your command as a bridesmaid.
- Help in any way you can
Help starts with asking the bride what she needs from you. Does she need you to help find bridesmaid dresses or desserts? How about assisting with jewelry or honeymoon planning? Start your duties by asking the bride what she needs most from you. Take notes and fulfill every request you can. If there’s something you absolutely can’t be responsible for, communicate your concerns early.
- Help plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party
Contact the maid of honor and your fellow bridesmaids and offer to help plan the bride’s shower and bachelorette party. Your duties may include the invite list, keeping track of RSVPs, securing the date and venue, planning the menu, making decorations, and keeping a record of all gifts received.
![Vogt_Wedding-0224[1]](https://cdn.essensedesigns.com/blog/uploads/2015/08/Vogt_Wedding-02241-1024x683.jpg)
- Pay your way
Know ahead of time that, as a bridesmaid, you will be most likely be responsible for the cost of your bridesmaid dress, shoes and jewelry, any alterations you need, travel expenses, and the cost of your salon service.
- Attend all wedding functions
The bride will expect your support at all of her pre-wedding and wedding functions. Your attendance (and smile) is mandatory at the bridal shower and bachelorette party, the bridesmaids’ lunch, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding and reception.
- Confirm deliveries
On the day of the wedding, make yourself available to confirm that the flowers, food, cake and more have arrived on time and in perfect order. Go the extra mile and make sure everything is perfectly set up and ready to go. This may include running last-minute errands for the bride.
- Carry an emergency kit
Come prepare for your wedding day duties with a kit that contains pain relievers, bandages, water and snacks, breath mints, a brush, dental floss, eyedrops, hairpins and ponytail holders, hair spray, safety pins, tissues and more.
- Be a good co-hostess
The bride will no doubt be a bit overwhelmed at her ceremony. She will appreciate your social skills when it comes to introducing her guests to one another and mingling with guests throughout the ceremony.
- Direct the guests
Encourage guests to sign the guestbook and point them to the bathrooms, bar and their tables as needed.
- Dance
No one likes to be the first one to dance, but as a bridesmaid, it’s your responsibility to make sure guests make good use of the dance floor. You can do so by being the first out there, even asking others to dance with you.
- Help the bride with her wedding dress
Be available to help the bride get into her wedding dress before the ceremony; also help her carry her train – and yes – assist her in the bathroom.
- Provide emotional support
Weddings are emotional for everyone, especially the bride. Be the best bridesmaid ever by helping ease any drama that pops up.
