Thursday, April 21, 2011

Bridesmaids Beware!

As a wedding planner, I have heard of (and seen) my fair share of bridesmaid horror stories.  Whether they're complaining about the dress, making the show "about them" or just not offering help at all...heres a list of general "tasks" that traditionally bridesmaids have been responsible for.


Pre-Wedding Tasks
  •        Attend dress fittings and ensure their alterations are completed on time.
  •        Attend the wedding shower the bachelorette party and assist in planning these events if needed.
  •        Spread the word about the shower, the bachelorette party, and about where the couple has set up a gift registry
  •        Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
  •        Helps address invitations for the wedding and the shower, if needed.

Day-of Tasks – Before the Ceremony
  •        Attend the pre-wedding breakfast, if there is one planned
  •        Run any last-minute errands the bride needs help with
  •        Help decorate the reception hall, if needed
  •        Attend hair and makeup appointments
  •        Get dressed on time, and help the bride get ready if the maid of honor needs assistance
  •        Participate in any pre-ceremony photograph sessions that have been scheduled

Day-of Tasks – After the Ceremony and During the Reception
  •        Pose for photographs with the rest of the wedding party. Also help round up relatives and other members of the wedding party to pose for photos.
  •        Stand in the receiving ling, or mingle and introduce guests to each other while the bride and groom finish taking photographs.
  •        Get the bride water, food, or anything else she needs throughout the reception, since she’ll probably be too busy to think of these things herself.
  •        Troubleshoot any problems that happen, such as picking up flower arrangements that fallen over, or preventing a fight between to great aunts who don’t like where they’ve been seated.
  •        Take photos during the reception, if asked.
  •        Help get the guests dancing, and mingle to keep people happy

Post-Reception Tasks
  •        Help clean up after the reception, if needed.