Jamie Rose and Amanda Nahanee

Bridesmaid Intro

Definition
Brides-Maid - n. A woman who atttends on a bride at her wedding (Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 19967)

A Bridesmaid is usually a close friend or sister who takes more of an active part in the wedding experience. Many times there are multiple bridesmaids that the bride chooses. In history, the bridesmaid would protect the bride against evil by wearing similar clothing to the bride's attire. This would confuse any "evil spirit" as to who the bride was.

Being a bridesmaid has some important and fun tasks such as helping with the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party. Your support for the bride as well as being a great listener will help keep your friend focused and relaxed while having a great time.

Check out the Bridesmaid Duties, Bridesmaid Planning, Bridesmaid Gifts, and Bridesmaid Dresses for more information on great ideas to make the wedding experience a great time

Congratulations sweetie! Of all the girls that the bride has met in her lifetime to date, you stand out above the rest. She has had many sleepless nights making this big decision. She knows that who she picks will make some happy and others upset.

The title of bridesmaid comes with responsibility and cost. If you don’t have the time or money to be a part of a wedding party, there’s nothing wrong with turning the bride down and just coming as a guest. Many friendships have suffered because a friend was too scared to say, “Sorry, I love you but I can’t.”

The bill for being a BMs is between $200.00 to $500.00+. The totals will all depend on formality of the wedding, cultural background, size of wedding, your dress and your budget.

The bride and her Maid of Honour will look to you for help many times during the planning stages and on the wedding day. So, what do you have to do?

BRIDESMAID’S DUTIES

• Help the bride plan her wedding.
• Be a good communicator with information. Many times information prior to a wedding does not reach everyone. Friends will appreciate confirming plans of each shower and party as well as wedding day information.
• Listen to her plans with a smile on your face.
• Make time for group dress shopping trips and fittings.
• Pay for your bridesmaid’s dress, even if you hate it. You can let your feelings be known but the bride has the final call on what you wear.
• Help addresses and assemble wedding and shower invitations.
• Help wrap and tag guest favours and Bombonniere.
• Help the Maid of Honour plan & pay for a shower or stagette.
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Help decorate ceremony and reception locations if necessary
• Stand in the receiving (optional)
• Sit at the head table
• Have a dance with the groomsmen
• Offer to help the Maid of Honour when needed.
• Help load gifts into car.

Helpful Links

Frugalbride.com