Bridesmaid duties, dresses and dimes

Being involved in a loved one’s wedding is a special occasion. You’re able to take part in one of the most special days of her life and contribute to making it a memorable event. But with this comes a great deal of pressure and likely questions about what exactly your responsibilities are, what you’ll have to contribute and how you should go about getting everything ready. Whether you’re a bridesmaid or a maid of honour, here’s a guide to help you look your best, fulfil your duties and have a great time doing it.

When you’re a bridesmaid, putting your look together can be a daunting task. Should you match the bride? Should all the bridesmaids look the same? Do you have a say in what you wear? All of this will depend on the bride’s wishes. If you’re paying for your own dress, feel free to speak to the bride about the style you prefer and work together to find a colour that complements the theme, in a style that flatters your body and matches your personality. If the bride pays for the dress, the chances of you having an input are slim. For a variety of dress options, visit Bride & Co. at Canal Walk and for bridesmaid shoes, check out our footwear stores like Aldo. And for the perfect hairstyle, book an appointment at Carlton Hair or any of our other popular hair salons.

When you agree to be a bridesmaid or maid of honour, you take on a number of responsibilities. You’ll have to do more than show up and wear a dress but being involved is part of the fun! Some of your responsibilities might include arranging the bachelorette party, helping the bride shop for her wedding dress and assisting where you can with the wedding planning. You’ll also need to attend the bachelorette party, engagement party, rehearsal dinner and the wedding. Ultimately, your main responsibility is being there for the bride when she needs you. And if you’re maid of honour, the duties also include organising the bridesmaids and writing speeches.

Being a bridesmaid will inevitably cost you a bit of money. From paying for your dress, your shoes, having your hair and makeup done, and planning parties, you’ll be spending more than you might realise. And as a bridesmaid, gifts are in order for each of the wedding events. How much you pay for will depend on the wedding budget as well as your personal finances. If you can’t afford all of this, speak to the bride and see where you can compromise.

As a bridesmaid or maid of honour, you’ll have to be involved in the planning and execution of all the pre-wedding events. From the day of engagement to the morning of the wedding, your plate will be full with the engagement party, bachelorette party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and the actual wedding. If you can’t attend some of these, make sure the bride knows in advance and divide your responsibilities between the rest of the bridal party.

Ultimately, being a bridesmaid or maid of honour is hard work but the reward of seeing your loved one happy with their special day and knowing you played a part in executing it makes it more than worth it. With regular communication with the bride and the support of your fellow bridesmaids, you can help to make the wedding a spectacular success.

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