It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of being asked to be a bridesmaid at your best mate’s wedding, especially if it’s your first time!
But try to remember to spare a thought for your friend who has just said ‘yes’ to one of the biggest challenges and most draining ordeals in her life… planning a wedding!
What is the role of the bridesmaid?
As a bridesmaid, you accept a number of challenges of your own.
For starters, you and the other bridesmaids (perhaps led by a maid of honour or head bridesmaid) will be responsible for planning the hen do.
Though it is usually a welcome surprise for the bride and an opportunity for her to let her hair done, it’s a good idea to get some pointers from her first so that you don’t plan a wild party when all she wants is to relax in a spa! You’ll also want to confirm who she wants to be there celebrating with her.
The bridesmaids may not have the final say but they are expected to help out with ideas for the party, decorating the venue and also contributing cash for room hire, food and drinks.
Furthermore, you will have many things to do before the wedding as a bridesmaid, you will be required to go shopping for bridesmaid dresses and attend fitting appointments, possibly even having a say in what colour would make a great theme or having an input in the choice of wedding dress your friend goes for. Your opinions and advice will be incredibly valuable to her at a time when she feels under pressure.
Some of the less glamorous jobs, however, are running errands for the bride in the run up to the wedding, not even stopping when she says ‘I do’, in fact.
These tasks could be dropping off or collecting dry cleaning, picking up flowers, giving her a pep talk before she walks down the aisle and even helping her go to the toilet during the reception without having any dress mishaps!
What more can the bridesmaid do to help?
As a bridesmaid, one of the principle things you can do is be there for your friend.
It doesn’t matter how many times you ask if she is doing okay or how many offers of help you give her without any of them being taken up – just keep doing what you are doing as there may come a time when she says ‘yes, please’ or when she simply needs a shoulder to rest her head on.
Don’t forget that your friend could become your bridesmaid in the not-so-distant future so be the best bridesmaid you can be for her and then she can return the favour when it’s your turn!
Interested in having your wedding day at Warwick House? Download our brochure to find out more.