What are bridesmaids for, how to choose them?
According to tradition, the bridesmaids, whose number depends on the bride’s choice, have a real role to play during a wedding, especially during the preparations. The important thing is to choose people with whom you feel close and confident. The bridesmaids are there to invest themselves to the maximum in the preparation and in the good progress of the most beautiful day of the life of a bride.
The bridesmaids: people you can trust
In general, the bridesmaids are chosen from the close circle of the bride or groom: a sister, a cousin, a very close friend, etc. But the key word to choose your bridesmaids is trust. Indeed, the persons chosen to hold this role must be present throughout the preparations of the wedding to bring their material help but also and especially to be at the side of the bride and to support her morally in case of stress or particular problems to manage before and during the wedding. It is therefore better to choose your bridesmaids among your close friends.
Bridesmaids are not necessarily adults. It often happens that it is little girls or teenagers who lead the way of the bride on the wedding day. In this case, their role is more limited than adult bridesmaids.
Roles of the bridesmaids
Bridesmaids have several roles during the wedding preparations and on the day of the ceremony.
Support in the wedding preparations
The bridesmaid is the person to whom the bride can ask for help with the material preparations of the wedding (choice of tablecloths, flowers, organization of the table plan, etc.). But more than a material support, the maid of honor, trusted person as we saw above, is also there to give an objective opinion to the bride. For example on her dress, on her hairstyle, on the decoration or the theme planned for the D-day or on the choice of the photographer. The bridesmaid is supposed to be a good advisor to the bride.
Make sure the wedding is well organized on the big day
The role of the bridesmaids also consists in answering the bride’s requests concerning her preparations such as her make-up or her clothing. They are also there to help the bride to relax before the beginning of the ceremony. To do this, bridesmaids must ensure that everything goes as the bride has planned and desired. They may be asked to guide the guests to the reception area and help them find their seats at the table. The bride can also delegate to her bridesmaids the organization of the evening and its animations.
During the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids are the people who lead the way for the bride to enter the town hall and the church. They are also responsible for carrying the bride’s train and bouquet when necessary.
Preparing a speech
The bridesmaids may be asked to give a speech about the bride or groom in which they will relate moving or amusing anecdotes from the life of the bride and groom.
10 things a bridesmaid can’t deny the bride
1- PLAN THE BACHELORETTE PARTY
Theoretically, the bride shouldn’t have to ask you. Organizing the bachelorette party is one of the implied roles of the bridesmaid. You are free to choose the activities, while taking into account the tastes of the bride-to-be of course.
2- GIVE YOUR OPINION AS SOON AS YOU ARE ASKED
Even if the bride might not listen to you, she will always ask for your opinion on the smallest details of her wedding organization. Don’t be frustrated if she does the opposite.
3- HELP HER CHOOSE HER WEDDING DRESS
Running around the stores every weekend until the bride-to-be finds what she wants can be part of your mission, if you are asked. Your role will be to reassure her and advise her on the choice of her wedding dress, and who knows, maybe prevent her from making a serious error of judgment.
4- DO THINGS IN TIME
Whatever task the bride will ask you to do, do it in time to avoid stress for everyone. If you don’t have the time, just say so.
5- WEAR A BRIDESMAID’S DRESS CHOSEN BY THE BRIDE
Whether you like it or not, the bride has the final say. You may be forced to wear a dress you don’t like, or worse, that doesn’t fit. But don’t worry: the bride-to-be is a friend and will take your opinion into account.
6- CHOOSE A DRESS ACCORDING TO THE BRIDE’S INSTRUCTIONS
The bride-to-be may let you choose your dress. But it is likely that she will give you some indications on the shape, length or color of what you should wear on the big day. Be aware that this is rarely negotiable. So even if it means looking like a purple meringue, put your pride aside and in the worst case scenario, plan another dress for the rest of the day and evening. Pretend to be more comfortable in this pretty little black dress that shows off your curves superbly.
7- ORGANIZE THE GAMES DURING THE WEDDING
Someone has to do it, and that’s part of your role as a bridesmaid. It’s up to you to come up with funny and exciting ideas to liven up the evening. Try to plan activities between courses, and coordinate with the best man to share the task.
8- MAKE A SPEECH DURING THE MEAL
Not all brides and grooms ask for a speech, but again, it’s your job and you can’t refuse. A short text will be more than enough, and above all, keep it simple.
9- HELP THE BRIDE IN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WEDDING
You are not obliged to help with all the organization. But it is your duty to help with some of the tasks requested by the bride: create the invitations, gifts for the guests, decorate the reception hall, participate in the choice of the music list…
10- ONCE YOU HAVE SAID YES, YOU CAN’T TURN BACK
If you are not sure you can take on this role, say so immediately. The bride won’t hold it against you. But above all, once you have accepted, don’t back out.
