You’ve been invited to be a bridesmaid in your loved one’s wedding—how exciting! It’s a huge honor to be asked, especially if it’s your first time ever being in a wedding as a bridesmaid. While standing beside the bride on her big day is an important part of being a bridesmaid, it isn’t your only job.
There will be a lot of pre-wedding details and events you’ll be a part of, as well as post-wedding responsibilities you’ll be looped into. From helping the bride with the wedding planning process, to the bachelorette party, bridal shower, ceremony, and reception there are a lot of responsibilities bestowed upon a bridesmaid. While that might sound daunting, there are ways to organize what you’ll be in charge of and who you can lean on for support.
What To Wear as A Bridesmaid
An important part of being a bridesmaid is figuring out what to wear. Depending on the bride’s preferences, she may decide to choose a dress that you and the other bridesmaids will wear together. If she would rather let you choose your own dresses, you may be left wondering what would be best.
For a winter wedding, consider staying on theme and look at winter bridesmaid dresses that are blue, silver, or green. Satin or velvet dresses are great fabrics to choose from, and choose accessories that match as well. From silver or gold jewelry to shawls to stay warm, there are many opportunities to incorporate the season into your look.
If the wedding will be in the summer, a bridesmaid dress that is looser or flowy may be a good option to beat the heat. Brighter colors may suit the season as well, from corals to yellows to pinks. Additionally, choosing a dress that is a little shorter than floor length will allow you to wear sandals that fit the season.
For 2023, bridesmaid dresses in blues, greens, and jewel tones are anticipated to be popular. Consider choosing a dress in one of these shades from a bridal boutique if you aren’t sure what to pick.
Bridesmaid Duties and Responsibilities
As a bridesmaid, there are numerous duties and responsibilities that you’ll have on your plate. Consider creating a checklist of everything you’re in charge of before, during, and after the wedding so you’re organized and don’t miss anything.
Before the big day, the bridesmaid needs to be there for the bride and maid of honor (just like the groomsmen need to be there for the groom and best man) with anything they need help with. This could be lending a hand in the planning process, being a listening ear, and even helping the maid of honor plan the party (or helping the best man plan the party) with tips from a site like Bachelor Party Insider. One of the fun activities you’ll get to be a part of is going dress shopping with the bride. Consider researching the current wedding trends so you can help the bride make a decision.
Another big item that you’ll need to make sure you do is to buy your dress, shoes, and accessories on the agreed upon date. You don’t want to stress yourself, or the bride out by neglecting to get these items on time. You’ll also want to purchase a wedding gift as well as gifts for the bridal shower from a reputable retailer, Bridesmaid Gifts Boutique, for example, well in advance so you can make any adjustments or returns if needed.
On the wedding day, you’ll be very busy with your bridesmaid responsibilities. Ensure you arrive on time for any pre-wedding events on the day of. Be prepared with your outfit and accessories all ready to go before arriving. Help the bride get dressed, as well as calm her nerves and be a sounding board if she needs it. You’ll also be lending a hand to the maid of honor as needed during the day, and prepare an emergency kit ahead of time for yourself and any other wedding party members.
During the ceremony, you’ll want to make sure you know your cues for when you should be walking down the aisle and where to stand. This is when the culmination of your bridesmaid duties will come to a head and you’ll get to stand next to the bride on the most exciting day of her life.
After the wedding, you’ll get some time to mix and mingle with others, dance, and enjoy the party. As a bridesmaid though, you should make sure the bride and groom get a chance to eat and spend some time together. Lastly, you’ll want to help send the newlyweds off into the sunset and send them off into the start of their forever.
Get Excited To Celebrate the Bride To Be
Even though this is your first time being a bridesmaid, don’t stress too much. Create a list of all of the things you’ll be responsible for, and check things off as you accomplish them. Be supportive and helpful to the bride and maid of honor, and get ready to celebrate the newlyweds.
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