If you’re planning a wedding and selecting members of the bridal party, or if you’ve been asked to serve as a bridesmaid, it’s important to understand what the role entails. Although every wedding is different, there are several key duties that are typically expected of a bridesmaid.
Provide Emotional Support for the Bride
Organizing a wedding is stressful. The chief role of the bridesmaids is to be there for the bride, provide a sounding board when she’s stressed, help with planning and logistics, provide information and advice when requested, and do whatever else is possible or necessary to make sure the wedding goes smoothly.
Assist with Wedding Planning and Logistics
Bridesmaids are expected to help the couple with the process of planning and organizing the wedding. That may include researching vendors and gathering information, helping the couple select flowers and other decorations, helping the bride choose a dress, going shopping and getting fitted for a bridesmaid’s dress, mailing invitations, and other tasks.
The couple will figure out how to divide up responsibilities. They may get help from their parents and other family members, in addition to the bridesmaids. The couple will decide how much they want others to handle and how much they want to take care of on their own, and then they will assign tasks as they see fit.
Plan and Attend Other Wedding-Related Events
The pre-wedding festivities generally include a bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. Bridesmaids are expected to organize and pay for those events, then be present when they take place to share in the joy and keep things running as planned.
Assist and Support the Bride on the Wedding Day
Before the wedding, the bridesmaids help the bride get ready and assist the maid of honor, if necessary. Those individuals should work as a team to take care of last-minute details and help the bride stay as calm and relaxed as possible.
When it’s time for the ceremony, the bridesmaids should fulfill their roles as discussed in advance and practiced at the rehearsal. After the ceremony, the bridesmaids and other important people pose for photos. During the reception, the bridesmaids are expected to mingle, celebrate with guests, and take care of any issues that may arise. At the end of the reception, the bridesmaids help the couple make their way to their hotel or to the transportation that will take them to their honeymoon destination.
Host Your Wedding at a Beautiful Connecticut Venue
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station is an elegant place to host your wedding. Our team can entertain you and your guests in our 300-seat ballroom and serve a delicious meal prepared by our four-star chef. Contact us today to learn more and to begin planning your wedding.