It is an exciting occasion when a close friend announces their engagement. And it’s even more thrilling when she asks you to be a bridesmaid. Being part of the wedding party is an honor, and knowing proper bridesmaid etiquette will help you make good decisions and an informed choice of whether you are ready for the commitment.
Financial Contribution
Pre-wedding events are a time of celebration leading up to the wedding. The bride may have ideas for these get-togethers; however, most of the planning (and paying) falls into the hands of the bridesmaids.
- Bridesmaid Dress Shopping – a bridesmaid goes shopping with a smile on her face, even if she doesn’t like the bride’s choice of attire for the bridal party.
- Bridal Shower – a bridesmaid attends the shower and assists the Mother of the Bride or other host in planning and executing the celebration.
- Bachelorette Party – a bridesmaid assists the Maid of Honor in planning and coordinating details of the bachelorette party, including paying their portion of the trip, so the bride doesn’t have to pay.
- Rehearsal Ceremony and Dinner – a bridesmaid attends all wedding rehearsals for logistical reasons and supports the bride during this exciting and emotional time.
These and any other pre-wedding event the bride might desire fall into the role of a bridesmaid. If the bride calls you to come over and help stuff wedding invitations or go with her to view her florals, proper bridesmaid etiquette is doing your best to always say yes.
Morning-Of Duties
The getting-ready room is a huge responsibility that falls into the role of a bridesmaid. Make sure the Bride Tribe is together, ready to jump in, and can share special moments before and after the wedding. On the morning of, proper bridesmaid etiquette is to help the bride get ready and have fun while doing it. Whether that means popping some champagne or putting on her favorite music, keep the environment fun. Also, take care of any logistical responsibilities so she can stay as stress-free as possible.
Wedding Day Responsibilities
On the wedding day, the role of a bridesmaid is typically whatever the bride may need to help her feel composed. Whether it is to someone to welcome guests, or help keep the pile of presents from falling over, a savvy bridesmaid does what she can to help.
During the ceremony, a bridesmaid is where she is needed when she is needed to help the ceremony go smoothly. During the reception, a bridesmaid is the ideal guest and engages with other guests. The Maid of Honor is ready to participate in a speech, bridesmaids are there to take photos and support the couple as needed. Proper bridesmaid etiquette is to make sure everything goes as seamlessly as possible.
At the end of the evening, after the newlywed send-off, a bridesmaid sticks around to help. Assist the wedding planner and families of the couple clean and pack items to ensure nothing is left behind. The role of a bridesmaid is to do all of these things with a positive attitude and a smile on her face, making sure her friend truly does have the most special day.
For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like How to Avoid Going Broke as a Bridesmaid. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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