Bridesmaid Responsibilities

Bridesmaids are usually close friends or family members. The number of bridesmaids usually depends on the formality of your wedding, with a dozen being the maximum for any wedding. Make friends feel special when you invite them to be part of your wedding, but make them aware that there are costs involved, as well as a time commitment. It is an honor to be asked, but may also be a financial burden.

Bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own cost involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration. Although bridesmaids may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. Bridesmaids share the cost of the bridal shower with the maid of honor. Girls between 8 and 16 are considered to be junior bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids are not expected to help with details as much as bridesmaids.

Advance Help

Bridesmaids help take care of details for the bride such as running errands, and making table decorations or favors. They usually join the maid of honor in hosting a bridal shower. Bridesmaids attend pre-wedding parties, the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.

At the Wedding

Bridesmaids walk in the processional and recessional, either single file, two together or with an usher. They stand near the bride during the ceremony. They are in formal photographs of the bridal party.