The role of bridesmaids in a wedding

Weddings are filled with traditions and representative figures. One of them is the bridesmaids, the girls who accompany the bride and assist her with the wedding preparations.

Although bridesmaids are complelty orptional, more and more weddings feature this figure. Additionally, they play a very important role in the wedding and during the months leading up to it.

We explain you who they are and what is the role of the bridesmaids in a wedding:

Who are the bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids are usually the bride’s best friends or relatives such as sisters, cousins, or aunts. They are important women in the bride’s life. It’s not the mother, as in this case, she would be the godmother. They also tend to be of similar age to the bride.

The bride chooses the bridesmaids a few months before the wedding to help her with the wedding preparations and during the big day.

In some weddings, there is usually a maid of honor, who is the bride’s right-hand woman. She is responsible of coordinating the rest of the bridesmaids and accompanies the bride all the time: choosing the wedding dress, organizing the wedding, preparations, etc.

The origin of the “bridesmaid” was the girl who accompanied the princess in ancient times and has evolved into the girl who accompanies the bride on her wedding day.

The male figure of bridesmaids are the best men, the groom’s friends who also accompany and assist him in the wedding preparations. There can also be a best main on the bride’s side or vice versa.

How many bridesmaids are there usually?

The number of bridesmaids changes according to the wedding; the bride chooses them. It is recommended to have between 2 and 8 bridesmaids, although it depends on each wedding, or for example, how many friends you have in the group.

There can also be only one bridesmaid, such as your best friend or sister. Or it can also be a guy. Although there is a protocol, weddings are much more liberal nowadays, and there are no rules.

Tasks of the Bridesmaids in a wedding

Bridesmaids help the bride in all the necessary things to create the wedding of her dreams. Their main tasks are:

Assisting the bride in choosing the wedding dress

Finding the wedding dress is one of the most difficult tasks, but also one of the most exciting. Bridesmaids are responsible for helping the bride to find the perfect wedding dress.

Helping with wedding preparations

Although you will likely already have a coordinator or wedding planner to organize the wedding, bridesmaids will collaborate on wedding preparations. For example, advising on the choice of decoration, helping to choose the bride’s bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets, thinking of gift ideas for guests, or even creating music playlists for the wedding.

During the wedding day, bridesmaids will also ensure that everything is perfect and they can also take on tasks such as welcoming guests, distributing petals at the end of the ceremony, distributing some gifts, etc.

Organizing the bachelorette party

Certainly the most fun function of the bridesmaids! They are responsible for organizing the bride’s bachelorette party, taking into account her tastes and personality. Perhaps a quieter plan, such as a getaway to a rural house or a spa… A more adventurous plan like going on a catamaran, hiking, practicing some adventure sport… Or organizing a nighttime plan to go out for dinner and party in the city’s top spots. There are a thousand options!

Accompanying the bride on the wedding day

Bridesmaids will be responsible for accompanying and helping the bride throughout the wedding. From getting ready and dressing in the room, continuing with the ceremony, banquet, party, and until the end of the wedding, helping her pick up things.

They will also be responsible for arranging the train of the wedding dress and veil during the wedding, holding the bouquet in the photo session, storing possible gifts she may receive, and being attentive to everything the bride may need.

Emotional support

Organizing a wedding is not an easy task and it generates quite a bit of stress for couples, as there are many things to think about and decide. Bridesmaids will be present to provide emotional support during the preparations and on the wedding day, a day full of nerves and intense emotions. For the bride, it will be a great relief to know that she can count on her bridesmaids.

Other roles of bridesmaids on the wedding day

Aside from being the bride’s right-hand woman on the wedding day and helping her with everything she needs on her big day, bridesmaids can also make an entrance at the ceremony and prepare a speech.

At the ceremony, bridesmaids usually enter just before the bride and can go alone or accompanied by the best men. Some bridesmaids or the maid of honor may also go behind the bride. Once they have made their entrance, they can stand by the newlyweds’ side or sit in the front rows. They will also make sure to arrange the train of the wedding dress and help her with anything she needs at the moment.

They can also be present at First look of the couple, just before the ceremony.

During the ceremony, bridesmaids often give a speech or during the banquet.

At some weddings, bridesmaids also prepare a dance with the bride during the party. It can be a lot of fun!

How should bridesmaids dress?

The protocol or dress code says that bridesmaids should wear long, plain dresses of the same color or tone and fabric. In more informal weddings, dresses can be midi or even short, but long is recommended. The bridesmaids’ dresses should be in soft shades so as not to overshadow the bride and cannot be white.

It can be the same dress for all bridesmaids or they can be different dresses, but of the same color or tone and play with different necklines, sleeves, cuts… A good option since not all bridesmaids may be flattered by the same type of dress.

Some recommended colors for bridesmaids are: blush pink, mauve, blue, mint green, terracotta, etc.

It is also recommended that all bridesmaids wear the same shoes, accessories, and hairstyle, and these should be discreet.

Bridesmaids’ bouquet or bracelets

An essential accessory that bridesmaids must wear is a mini bouquet or flower bracelet that identifies them. They are usually a small copy of the bride’s bouquet or in bracelet format using the same flowers and tones.

Undoubtedly, bridesmaids are a supportive figure for the bride and one that is increasingly present at weddings.

Are you ready to have your own bridesmaids at the wedding? Surely, your friends or family will be very excited to be chosen for such an important role.