On the day

The big day’s here -- and bridesmaids will have lots to do

Dressing drill

It makes sense for all the bridesmaids and pageboys to get dressed at the bridal home or wherever the bride is being married from. This helps to prevent creasing of the wedding outfits and gives everyone the chance to make any last-minute adjustments.

If you’re chief bridesmaid, your role on the day is of utmost importance to the bride and the other attendants. You must maintain a calming influence throughout the day and be as organised as possible.

On the morning of the wedding, you’ll need to ensure that everyone is where they should be when they should be, that the right clothes and accessories are ready for the right person, and that you are prepared to deal with any emergencies that might arise.

Your other duties on the day include: arriving at the bride’s house in plenty of time for the hairdresser and make-up artist; being on hand to help dress younger attendants and keep them looking perfect until the transport arrives; looking after emergency supplies -- lipstick, tissues, etc -- for the bride throughout the day.

Getting there

The chief bridesmaid, bridesmaids and other attendants will probably travel to the ceremony venue with the bride’s mother. Your calming influence may be tested to the limit, as everyone will be excited and perhaps a little emotional about the coming events.

Once all the attendants are assembled, the photographer may want to take some pictures before the bride arrives. The chief bridesmaid will have to organise the other bridesmaids and pageboys, particularly any very young ones.

Duties at the ceremony

When the bride arrives, the chief bridesmaid will need to ensure everyone is assembled and in the right position behind her, ready for her entrance. Calm any excited little bridesmaids and pageboys using bribery if necessary.

Make any necessary adjustments to the bride’s veil and dress so that she looks absolutely gorgeous for her big entrance as all eyes will be on her and that fabulous dress.

Bridesmaids have very specific duties. You follow the bride into the venue (or you may go first, American style) and usually sit near the front, ready for the procession back out at the end. Make sure that you know where to go and that any very young children have their parents seated close by.

Once the bride has joined the groom, the chief bridesmaid takes her bouquet and gloves, if she is wearing any, and looks after them for the duration of the service.

If in a church, when the couple sign the register, the chief bridesmaid goes with them into the vestry or side room, accompanied by the best man, to witness the signing.

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