What to expect from your bridesmaids

Bridesmaids love to shop

You will want your chief bridesmaid with you when choosing your dress as not only will she offer you honest advice but it’s also such a special time that you will enjoy sharing with her. Try to bring one of your ladies along to the dress fittings too. Depending on the bridal dress it’s likely you are going to need help getting into it, and if it has any fixings to alter the train, she will need to become an expert at this.

The chief bridesmaid

Every bride will want some kind of celebration before her big day. Whether it’s a bridal shower or hen party the responsibility of organising this usually falls upon the bridesmaids. Choose your most trusted girl, your chief bridesmaid if you like, the one who knows you the best. If you are having a bridal shower your bridesmaid should note down what gifts you received and who from so that you can make your thank you cards much more personal. With your hen party your bridesmaids will want to organise everything so it is a complete surprise for you, so allow them this freedom as all other aspects of the wedding will be your choice.

Wedding practice makes perfect

It is really important that all of your bridesmaids can attend the rehearsal. The bridesmaids will be playing a fairly major part in the wedding day so need to know where they are going, where to stand, even how fast to walk. If they can’t all attend the wedding rehearsal, ensure you have at least one there to keep the rest in check. Ask your bridesmaids to be in the know of what you should be doing too, as your nerves on the big day could result in a total mind blank moment.

Helping the bride prepare

On the day of the wedding most brides like to have their bridesmaids with them to help get ready and to enjoy the last few hours as a single girl getting ready with her friends. Your bridesmaids should be on hand to help with any preparation – helping you into your dress, adjusting the veil, and reapplying your makeup after your emotional moments! Select one bridesmaid to be in charge of your key supplies as you may not have a bag to stash your lipstick and tissues –a key item for the vows!

A bridesmaid's speech?

You may want to break with tradition and add a personal touch with one or more of your bridesmaids doing a speech along with the others. Your ladies will have a unique collection of memories to share with your guests, so it will have a different feel to the father’s speech. Discuss this with your bridesmaids first as it can be a daunting prospect, but some may be really eager to do this. Even if it is a reading or sharing some memories, it really adds that special touch to the day.

Every little from your bridesmaids helps

A few days before the big event, having your bridesmaids around to help with setting up the venue, collecting relatives from the airport, making the favours etc, is help you cannot do without. Your bridesmaids can perform other little duties on the day, like collecting all the disposable cameras and having the pictures developed while you are on your honeymoon. You will want to elect one bridesmaid to take your bouquet at the altar so your hands are free for the vows. If you have flower girls and page boys, your older bridesmaids will be on hand to look after them and keep them in line during the ceremony.What are friends for?