The Art of Being a Bridesmaid
Being a bridesmaid is so much more than planning bachelorette parties and wearing beautiful dresses. Your years of being a loyal friend or family member have awarded you with a new title - one that encompasses your devoted friendship and willingness to go the extra mile.
As a bridesmaid, you are not just a supporting character in someone else's big day; you are an essential part of the bride's journey to her happily ever after. We’re breaking down the honorable title and the main responsibilities that come along with it, so that you can be prepared to take on your fabulous new role.
Always Support the Bride
If you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid, you more than likely have had a close, lengthy relationship with the bride. Your years of loving friendship have earned you this duty and the same support you’ve given, during the duration of your friendship, should be highlighted as your loved one journies her way from “fiance” to “wife”.
Being a bridesmaid means being a reliable team player and showing up, both physically and emotionally, throughout the wedding planning process. From the early stages of wedding planning to the moment she walks down the aisle, bridesmaids are there to act as the ultimate pillar of support. Here are some ways you can show up as the best wedding wingwoman:
Provide assistance and research to help identify wedding planners, photographers, florists and other wedding-related services that you think could be a perfect fit for what the bride is looking for.
Accompany the bride to appointments, venues, fittings, and more.
Offer to take on different tasks and responsibilities to help alleviate some of the pressure that the bride may be feeling.
Remember, the level of involvement and assistance from bridesmaids will vary depending on the bride's preferences and the dynamics within the bridal party. Be sure to communicate openly and have a clear understanding of expectations to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
The truth is, the real art of being a bridesmaid means mastering the act of being “there” - wherever “there” might be.
Organizing Favors Starts Early
“Bridesmaid” is not a term exclusive to the wedding day, but rather a title that requires you to be active and present for the wedding preparation process. In most cases, you’ve been asked to be a part of the wedding party around a year in advance, which affords you plenty of time to organize your efforts around all of the festivities - especially the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Don’t waste time jumping on the planning, as there are a ton of details that take time to bring these events to life. Here are some tips to help you define a starting point:
Get together with the other bridesmaids to brainstorm ideas and different ways to capture the bride’s personality and interests.
Search Instagram, Pinterest, and other social platforms to gain inspiration on themes and locations for the different parties.
Research helpful advice on how to begin prioritizing decor - find examples on table settings here.
If your budget allows for more luxurious occasions, consider hiring an event planner to coordinate and manage the design, vendors, and overall outcome so that you can just focus on enjoying the festivities.
However you choose to organize these occasions, be sure to customize them with your bride in mind. You know her best. After all, you are her bridesmaid.
Don’t Object the Dress
Finally, an important and obligatory duty of a bridesmaid is to support the dress choice, no matter what it looks like. In some cases, the bride may give you a color or theme to abide by, while allowing you the freedom to choose your own style. Perhaps, she may even let you have full control of your outfit’s vision. However, if she has chosen a specific dress that she loves, then it is your job to wear it with pride, not distaste.
While it’s ultimately her choice, here’s how you can still provide supportive input to help guide her decision:
Suggest designers or bridal stores that align with the bride’s taste to create a cohesive bridal party look.
Collaborate with the other bridesmaids to find a dress that is flattering to everyone’s different body types, while complementing the overall wedding aesthetic.
Consider the bride’s vision, even if you’re given free reign. Take cues from the wedding theme, colors, and the couple’s preferences to ensure your dress aligns with the overall aesthetic and creates a cohesive look.
This dress is a symbol of the significant part you’ve played in the bride’s life. Whether you love or dislike the final choice, just know that what it represents is the most important thing.
The Bride Tribe’s Time to Shine
When the big day finally arrives, your role as a bridesmaid takes center stage. Being a bridesmaid is an art form where love, support, and attention to detail come together to create a masterpiece of friendship and celebration. Embrace your role with enthusiasm and allow your presence to be a reassuring gift that reminds the bride of why she chose you as someone fit to hold the title of her “bridesmaid”.
Don’t know where to start? Our event designers work with you to design and customize the perfect guest experience using all that our imagination can dream up. Get in touch with us today!
