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You’ve popped the question several times over, and now you’ve finally gotten your girl posse together. But before the fun and festivities of your wedding begin, don’t forget to acquaint them with their responsibilities as bridesmaids.

The best bridesmaids understand that the wedding is your day. They genuinely want to make it the best it could ever be, and have you enjoy yourself to the fullest. When you choose the people who truly love and understand you, their duties go beyond the pack and parcel of organising and hosting. They will be respectful of your style and wishes, and have a positive and accepting attitude.

Most of all, you can count on them to be there for you. Undoubtedly, a wedding is a joyous occasion – but we all know that there will be hiccups along the way, including bouts of worries and nervousness. A bridesmaid is a dependable support in trying times, and selecting someone for this position shows that you can completely trust her.

As a bride, you can express your appreciation by taking care of your bridesmaids. Listen to their thoughts and concerns, because they do have your best interests in mind.

Before The Wedding

Shopping with the girls and throwing hens night parties – the life of a bridesmaid may sound like a treat, but take note that you will have to set some rules for a smooth-sailing process. While wedding gown shopping, list out specific colour and style requirements, and do be considerate with regards to the price tag.

Whether you choose a classic white-colour-and-tea-length combination or opt for a costume theme to let their creativity flow, their main concern is to keep to a reasonable budget while looking fashion-forward and blending in as a group. In other words, ensure that their dresses look coherent together and discourage anything too extravagant – after all, the worst thing for a bridesmaid to do is to steal the spotlight from the bride, and we’re sure she wouldn’t want to break the bank either!

With their wedding ensembles done and dusted, they will need to put their heads together to execute the bridal shower and bachelorette extravaganzas. Your only role for these once-in-a-lifetime events is to sit back, anticipate and enjoy when the time comes! Your bridesmaids will be both the organisers and hosts for these get-togethers, and since they are your closest friends and family, you can have the peace of mind knowing that they will have something fun and exciting planned out for you.

On The Big Day

Before heading to the venue, the bridesmaids will be situated at your home to get ready alongside you. Hair, make-up, dressing – everything will be done there. It is also recommended for them to reach the place early so that they have sufficient time to get themselves done up and help the family with other preparations. This will also give them the chance to keep their outfits clean and crease-free, and see to any last minute changes.

At the wedding venue, they will be required to be close to you at all times and be there for you should any problems arise. The reception can be put under their charge as well, in which case they will be greeting guests as they arrive and help to liaise with the venue staff.

Also, you can get them to put together a ‘DIY Survival Kit’. Since everybody will be smiling and posing for countless snapshots, a supply of toothpicks, face blotting sheets, stain removal products and fabric tape will surely come in handy. Other items to include would be painkillers, plasters (for those skyscraper heels) and even a sewing kit. Suggest for them to get together as a group to run through any potential mishaps, and procure the appropriate solutions.

After the guests have left, they may also need to pitch in for clean-up duties. They should stay behind at the venue to assist with anything else you and your family may need help with.

Selecting The Maid Of Honour

This is one of the most important jobs of the wedding process. It is a demanding role which enlists a number of responsibilities, and requires a calm and collected mindset. Alternatively known as the ‘chief bridesmaid’, she will be heavily involved in the pre-wedding preparations. This includes shopping for dresses and accessories; planning for the bridesmaids’ hair and make-up to be done; creating the wedding favours and invitations; executing both the bridal shower and bachelorette party; as well as being present during all rehearsals. In a nutshell, she will also be the main person guiding and advising you during the days leading up to the big event.

On the wedding day, she will be in charge of staying by your side while managing the bridesmaids, holding your bouquet and the groom’s ring, and signing the marriage certificate. Her role will be similar to that of an event host too, as she may need to give a reception speech, encourage mingling, and usher guests on to the dance floor.

The Final Question: Who Pays?

Establish clear guidelines on who pays for what, to avoid any horn-locking or misunderstandings over money matters. Generally, bridesmaids will need to purchase their own outfits and accessories as well as pay for their own transportation. The pre-wedding fiestas, namely the bridal shower and bachelorette party, should be paid for by whoever is planning and hosting them, which would be the bridesmaids. However, it is very reasonable for them to ask the invitees of the bachelorette party to help foot the bills. They should also notify the guests about it beforehand and give them an approximate amount of what they should expect to contribute.

If you would like to get the bridesmaid’s hair and make-up done by professional stylists, it would be a nice gesture for you to put it on your tab. They should not be expected to pay for these services. Nonetheless, it will be good to discuss this aspect with them beforehand.