Choosing the dress

It is best to keep in mind when shopping for bridesmaids dresses that the wedding is the brides special day. Therefore if she asks you to wear a certain style but is not the style you would normally wear, then you should remember that it is the dress the bride likes and suits her wedding theme.

To make it less stressful for the bride you should agree to wear the style the bride chooses. Many bride’s have been in tears as bridesmaids have forgotten that it is the bride’s day and instead they all argue and have different opinions of what they should wear.

Remember you will have your turn to choose when it is your special day.

Bridesmaids Investment

Leading up to the wedding you will be involved in many exciting events that are all part of being a bridesmaid. Many bridal parties have get togethers for bridesmaids and groomsmen to meet You may also be involved in pampering days at the beauticians or day spa’s. Being part of the bridal party is eventful and fun for the 12-18 months leading up to the big day. Below is a list of expenses involved that will assist you in budgeting for your special bridesmaids duties.

•   Purchasing the bridesmaids dress
•   Purchasing bridesmaid shoes and accessories such as jewellery and hair pieces etc
•   Paying for your hair and make up to be done on the wedding day
•   Paying for nails, spray tans, pampering (these may or may not be required)
•   Contributing to Hen’s day/Kitchen Tea expenses

The bride sometimes will offer to pay for certain things but a bridesmaid should set aside approx $500-$750 for the whole experience. (bear in mind that this cost will be paid at different times over the course of the 12 – 18 months so you normally don’t have to pay for everything all at once).

Organising Hens/Tea Party

The bridesmaids are responsible for organising and sometimes hosting the bride’s kitchen tea and/or hen’s day. It is advisable to ask the bride what she would like to do for these days so as you can organise something that she will enjoy. You may like to organise a gift list for the kitchen tea and also a few party games for the kitchen tea and/or hens night. Some bridesmaids enjoy dressing the bride in whacky clothing and a veil for the hens night.

Helping before the big day

Leading up to the wedding you as a bridesmaid may be asked to assist the bride in putting together the invitations, service booklets and place cards.

The bride may also ask you to assist with other small errands e.g. collecting the bonbonniere, dropping off the table arrangements to the reception etc

ou may also be asked to assist the bride in setting up the reception centre the day before.

Bridesmaid’s Duties on the wedding day

On the day of the wedding your role as a bridesmaid is to assist the bride in relaxing and enjoying her special wedding day. Remember it is about the bride so help her get dressed into her gown and looking beautiful before fussing over yourself.

During the ceremony and the photo’s your role as a bridesmaid is to make sure that the brides dress is sitting perfect and assist the bride by holding her bouquet and maybe her purse if needed.

The bridesmaids are there as support for the bride, to calm her nerves and to assist her in having the happiest and most memorable day.

Being a bridesmaid will be one of the most enjoyable things you will ever experience, from the exciting events leading up to the wedding to the wedding day itself. Where you will be pampered, travel in style, and enjoy all the personal attention that being in a bridal party involves.

So make the most of it and savour all the great moments and lovely memories.