Thelife- I've worked at more than 125
weddings as a professional bridesmaid over the last 6 years. - I hate it when
wedding parties make everything about them and don't listen to the couple. - It's also never good when
bridesmaids and groomsmen drink too much and prioritize partying.
I started my business, Bridesmaid for Hire, six years ago as a way to support people during the stressful and exciting moments of their wedding.
A lot of my clients have other people in their bridal party, so it's my job to help everyone else do what they're supposed to do without any of the drama, headaches, arguments, or pop-up problems that often occur.
Read on for some of the biggest
Communication is key, so don't ignore texts, calls, and emails
Before the wedding takes place, there's a lot of coordination that happens between the people getting married and the wedding party.
Even if you feel overwhelmed by text messages, email chains, and video calls, make an effort to keep your communication consistent and cordial.
Respond as soon as you can and make sure you're keeping up with any changes, updates, or decisions to avoid confusion and tension.
The wedding is about the couple, not the bridesmaids and groomsmen
Being part of a wedding party is an exciting honor, but just because you have a special role doesn't mean the wedding is about you.
Even if you don't agree with what the couple chose for things like the bridesmaid dresses or food, it's important to stay as supportive as you can. There's a time and a place to express those concerns (like when you're explicitly asked for advice), but it's certainly not the days before or during the wedding.
Be clear about how much responsibility you're willing to take on from the beginning
The joy that comes with getting asked to be a
Before you agree, be sure to set boundaries of what you're able and willing to do. Look over your calendar to see what kind of conflicts you have scheduled already and assess any other time commitments.
Being open and honest with the couple before taking on a role will eliminate a lot of unnecessary drama.
Set the same type of boundaries for how much you're willing to spend
Being part of a wedding party can be costly.
Decide about how much you're able to spend before you even agree to the role so you're not stuck going way past your budget on the outfit, bachelor/bachelorette party, and gifts.
Openly communicate this budget to other members of the wedding party and the person getting married. That way, everyone can be on the same page, and there won't be any resentment on spending more money than you're able to.
Being in a wedding party isn't always going to be fun
Party is in the title, but for the wedding party, that's only half of what the job is really like.
It probably won't always feel like a fun experience. There will be good times, but there will also be headaches, heightened emotions, and stressful problem-solving in the lead-up to the big day.
Don't ask questions that you can easily find the answers to yourself
The more you can stay on top of the details of the wedding the better. Keep an itinerary for the day handy, leave the couple's wedding website open on your computer, and bookmark any important emails in your inbox.
It can be annoying to overwhelm the couple with questions on or close to their wedding day when you've already been given the information.
You can even go a step further and try to help the couple by answering questions that other members of the wedding party or guests have.
Be honest when you're asked to give your opinion
As a member of the wedding party, you'll often be asked to lend advice and opinions. If you're asked what your thoughts are during wedding-dress shopping with the bride or about potential songs for the first dance, be honest.
If they're asking, the couple is actually looking for your guidance. You may think lying will create less stress, but it might guide your friend down a stressful path that leads to a major breakdown on their wedding day because they picked a dress or decorations they don't like.
Hitting the open bar too hard is a recipe for disaster
The open bar at the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and reception can be tempting, but drink with caution.
You're allowed to have a good time, but being part of the wedding party means that you're on-call if the couple needs anything.
If you're tossing back too many drinks too fast, you might not be able to step in and deal with any pop-up problems that happen throughout the wedding.
Don't get caught without a survival kit on the day of the wedding
The wedding day is a long adventure, so coming prepared is essential. Someone is always going to need something last-minute.
It's best to come prepared with a survival kit of commonly needed items so that nobody has to run around town on the day of.
I recommend bringing things like phone chargers, beauty items, hair tools, and snacks. The more you have prepared, the less stressed everyone will be.
The job isn't done the minute the reception ends
A lot of wedding parties think that once the big day is over, their role is, too. But there might be some things you have to help with after the party.
Stay in touch with the couple, offer your time, and check in to see if there's anything they need from you.
The couple might need help organizing loose ends or getting started with their thank you cards. The more you reach out, the more supported your friends will feel.