Congrats You're a Bridesmaid, But Now What?!

It’s an incredibly exciting time when a close friend or family member gets engaged. It’s even more thrilling if they ask you to participate in the wedding and be a bridesmaid. But what exactly does that mean? What are your official duties as a bridesmaid? Here, we break things down for you.
It’s all about the bride!First and foremost, being a bridesmaid means that you’re one of the bride’s closest friends. You’re on her A-List and it’s a big deal for her to ask you to stand by her while she says “I do.” Try to remember this throughout the process.
Pitch in where you can.?Offer to help with something that you’re good at. If design is your thing, help with the invitations. If you’re a foodie, come up with a clever reception menu. Are you super organized? Take charge of coordinating the details with the other bridesmaids: set up a Google Doc or Facebook page where the bride can easily reach you all.
Be there for the bride.?Most brides get overwhelmed at some point in the wedding process, so know that you’ll probably have to give her extra attention. Be sure to respond to her emails, phone calls, or texts. Make a date to hang out and do something fun that’s not related to the wedding. It will help her relax and take her mind off of the big day’s decisions.
Plan the parties!?It’s normally up to the bridal party to plan the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. Divide the hosting duties among the bridesmaids, so one person isn’t responsible for the entire event. Ask the bride how she envisions these celebrations and plan from there. Throwing a party is a fabulous job — as long as you have fun doing it. If the hostess is happy, the bride and the rest of the guests will be too!
Go along with her wedding vision.?The bride’s choice of bridesmaid dress might be a shade brighter than you’re used to wearing, but be willing to wear whatever fulfills the bride’s wedding fantasies. Remember, this is the day she’s been dreaming about – if wearing a certain dress helps your best friend’s vision come to life, do it!
On the wedding day, provide support wherever possible!?It’s not just about helping her get ready with hair and make, it’s also important as a bridesmaid to make sure everything, from the photos to the floral arrangements, is on time and moving smoothly. Help in any way you can: direct guests, mingle with the groom’s family, answer the photographer’s questions, coordinate with the wedding planner, make sure the flower girl has her bouquet. Before the ceremony, remind the bride to eat a snack. During the reception, tell her to take time to enjoy her wedding. Also find out if the bride needs any help after the wedding. She may want someone to bring her after party dress to the location or have a change of shoes nearby. As a bridesmaid, it’s up to you to help her even after the ceremony and reception are over.