These
are the traditional duties/guidelines for a bridesmaid. Remember
that being chosen for this position is an honor and you should be
willing to lend your support in whatever way the bride may need
your assistance with.
Be a
friend during all the planning. If she needs someone to talk to -
be that person. Be a good listener. Be encouraging. Make her smile!
Help
look for bridesmaid dresses and other ensemble accessories (shoes,
jewelry, etc.) Unless the bride is choosing to pay for your dress
and shoes, you need to pay for your own.
Offer
your assistance during the wedding planning. Whether it's helping
with addressing invitations, making party favors, packing - whatever
can help take some pressure off of her. If there is something specific
you would like to help with, be specific when you ask.
If
the bride asks for your opinion on the bridesmaid dresses - be honest,
but don't expect her to change her mind just because you may not
like them. The wedding is, after all, about her and her husband-to-be.
She has a number of other girls she has to try to 'please' as well.
Be
involved in the planning and hosting of all the pre-wedding showers
and parties. If there are costs incurred, you should pitch in some
money to help out.
Help
out the maid/matron of honor if she's juggling too many responsibilities
at once. Ask what you can do to help her.
Bridesmaids
must attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
If
the bride and her family are decorating the ceremony or reception
site on their own, offer to help them, even if it means getting
up early the day of the wedding.
During
the reception, help other guests if they need to know where the
restroom is, where to put the gifts, where to sit, etc.
Since
the bride will be busy visiting with guests, offer to get her dinner
(if it's a buffet set up), make sure she has water at all times, keep
an eye on her gown to make sure she keeps bustled, etc.
The
bride will usually need help holding her gown when she goes to the
bathroom - so be on hand.
