I've just been asked to be a bridesmaid...what does that mean?

Weddings are so much fun! All the friends, parties and dresses. You have just been asked to be a Maid/Matron of Honor or a Bridesmaid. What does that mean and what are some things I need to make sure I understand BEFORE I say yes?

Each bride and each wedding requires a different level of participation from the bridal party. A more formal wedding will require more participation and typically more money, a less formal wedding will require less. A good bride communicates to the bridal party what her needs are. To help you be the best bridesmaid you can here are a few things that are typical responsibilities.

~Help the bride/groom with pre-wedding tasks
Scouting the location
Addressing envelopes
Making favors

~Make your own travel and lodging plans for any wedding event you are attending

~Pay for your dress, shoes, and accessories
This includes any shipping, alterations or steaming

~Plan, attend, and help host the bridal shower

~Provide the bride with levity and comfort durring the planning
Think of yourself as comic relief or a buffer if things get sticky

~Attend ALL pre-wedding parties and events

~Help plan and attend the bachelorette party

~Atend the rehearsal

~Purchase bridal shower and wedding gifts

~Arrive on time at the designated place the day of the wedding
It's actually better to be a bit early than to be late

~Attend and often the bridesmaids pay for all pre-wedding beauty prep

~Pose for pictures before and after the wedding

~Be ready to depart on time for the ceremony

~Stand in line as part of the wedding ceremony, and the receiving line after the ceremony has ended.

~Play hostess at he cocktail hour and during the reception
Encourage guests to mingle and dance

~Be AVAILABLE
The day of the event you may be asked to do everything from running to the house to ensure the iron has been turned off to making a shopping trip to replace a broken toasting goblet

~Help with the post party clean-up
Including returning rental items if necessary

There are so many resources from books to internet posts. But always feel free to talk with us. Though we are not wedding planners we are happy to help in anyway we can!

Photo courtesy and copyright of: Jordan Fashions