What's expected of me as a bridesmaid?

Question

My friend is getting married in July and has asked me to be a bridesmaid. (Not the maid of honor.) What will I be expected to do?

Answer 1

To be honest, not as much as it used to involve.

Your biggest thing will be expenses. Financially, you'll be responsible for your dress, shoes, hair and make-up the day of, etc. However, the best thing you can do is just support her marriage and be there that day.

Even better, show up for dress fittings and stuff, and be on time. And order, pick-up and have your dress altered within her time frame as well. That will make it so much easier on her.

Aside from that, nothing really. In the past, being a BM meant waiting on the bride and and foot, but that got old quickly. You're not responsible for helping her address invitations or putting together favors. However, if she happens to mention she swamped, and you have some free time, you could always volunteer to help, but put a time limit on it so that she doesn't unknowingly take advantage of your time (i.e. "I can come over from 1-3 on Sunday to help if you'd like.").

Answer 2

Check out this website.  It should answer you question.

http://www.bridesmaid101.com/bridesmaid_...

Answer 3

What sciencechick said. Too many of us are so excited/flattered when we're asked to be a bridesmaid that we forget about the expectations/costs/time involved in being a bridesmaid. My sister is having all 'maids of honor' instead of one MOH and several bridesmaids because she doesn't want just one person getting stuck with all the 'work'. I don't agree with her, but I appreciate the sentiment.

Answer 4

1. be helpful to the bride in any way she needs you

2. attend all bridal showers and an engagement party if they have one

3. buy your bridesmaids dress and accessories

4. Be on time for the wedding rehearsal

5. be with the bride on the day of the wedding and attend to any details to make sure she has a stress free day

Answer 5

Whatever the Bride wants you to do, she will tell you what to wear, where to stand, when to enter and where to sit.  It will be great.

Thanks

Answer 6

sammy is rite! offer to help when the moh doesnt or if she seems overwhelmed!

Answer 7

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-plann...

http://www.bridesmaid101.com/bridesmaid_...

Try these websites, they are wonderful.  

Answer 8

The bare minimum is to pay for the dress and show up. There are all sorts of "responsibilities" that some brides expect, so TALK TO THE BRIDE to see EXACTLY what she wants. Some just want you to show up and be with her, others want free servants. There are tons of people that come here complaining, both brides and bridesmaids, about issues that could have been solved if either one of them had started a conversation about what they both expected.

Tell her if there will be any money issues, its better to get it out of the way before she asks you to spend $400 on a dress and shoes and then pay for 2 parties and getting your hair done.

Let her know what your work schedule is like and about personal things that may take up your schedule so she doesn't get upset that you aren't helping enough. Some women just want you to show, others want you helping to plan a shower and bachelorette party, and to go to a dozen stores with her looking at gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

Also talk to the MOH and other bridesmaids about these things. The MOH traditionally plans parties, but you may be expected to help plan and pay. If the MOH seems to expect more out of you than the bride, bring it up with the bride so she can straighten out everyone's responsibilities.

If what the bride says sounds like too much, back out now. It will be easier than when you have spent money and time and have risked your relationship with her. She will (or at least should) understand if you can't afford it or don't have the time for everything she wants, she will be less understanding once the planning has really gotten underway.

Answer 9

Quick rundown:

1. Try on and (maybe) help select bridesmaid dresses/accessories

2. In some cases you'll be responsible for purchasing bridesmaid dress, shoes, etc.

3. attend pre-wedding events like bachelorette party/bridal shower

4. traditional attend rehearsal/rehearsal dinner night before wedding

5. pictures the day of wedding

6. be a form of support for your friend as she's going through all this

Answer 10

Not whatever the bride wants you to do. There are a few bridezillas out there taking advantage of their friends. here is an article that outlines your duties as bridesmaid: http://www.topweddingsites.com/bridesmai...