Chief Bridesmaid Duties
The chief bridesmaid is the maid of honour. The most important bridesmaid in the bridal party and is usually the best friend, sister, or close cousin. She is the right-hand woman to the bride. Dependable, responsible, and confident. Offers practical support leading up the big day. In our previous blog, “Bridesmaid Duties 101” we discussed the duties and responsibilities of the bridesmaids as a group. Today, we are going to discuss the duties and responsibilities of the chief bridesmaid.
Provide emotional support. You have to be the voice of reason. Remain level-headed. It’s your job to the keep the bride as calm as possible. Weddings are highly emotional, stressful, and can be very overwhelming. The bride is going to confide in you, so be prepared. Offer a listening ear, helping hand, and a positive attitude. And make sure the bride remembers to eat.
Lead and organize the pre-wedding events. The chief bridesmaid is expected to organize a fabulous bridal shower, bachelorette party, and engagement party.
Attend the dress appointments. Wedding dress shopping is one of the best elements in the wedding planning process. As the chief bridesmaid, you’re expected to attend the dress shopping appointments and provide feedback. Assist with selecting accessories as well. Brides tend to deal with body insecurities and a high level of pressure of finding the right dress. It’s important to help the alleviate the stresses and keep the wedding planning journey as positive and seamless as possible.
Coordinate the bridesmaids. The chief bridesmaid is expected to ensure that the bridesmaids are informed of the pre-wedding events, day-of events, and post wedding events. as well. Make sure they’re thoroughly prepared for dress fittings, rehearsals, and the wedding itself.
Be the main point of contact. As you receive information for the wedding, be sure to pass it on the bridesmaids, the bride’s family members, and other guests who may have questions. This will save time and energy for the bride as she is already overwhelmed as it is.
Assist with wedding planning tasks. Even though there is a professional wedding planner on site, be sure to offer a helping hand with anything thats going on with the bride.
Organize the gifts received. Make sure you know who gave gifts to the bride at the bridal shower. This will be great when its time to write thank-you notes to the guests.
Have a wedding day emergency kit. Failure to plan is planning to fail. A wedding day emergency kit is a collection of household essentials and toiletries to overcome any obstacles on your big day. There is nothing better than a peace of mind.
Give a great speech. As the chief bridesmaid, you’re 99.9 % likely to give a speech at the reception. Please don’t say anything to embarrass the couple. Start writing down notes so you can have an idea of what you want to say. Your speech should be complete and ready a few weeks out from the wedding.
Hold the bride’s bouquet. You’re going to have to hold the bouquet during the ceremony. Whether you’re witnessing the couple sign their license or giving a reading. After the bride walks down the aisle, you’ll have to hold it while she’s exchanging vows with the groom.
Keep the bridal suite cleared. After the bridesmaids are done getting ready, make sure all of their belongings are removed from the bridal suite so the couple doesn’t return to an unorganized room at the end of the night.
Have fun. Through it all, have fun. The process is supposed to be enjoyable. Leave the stress to the vendors. Have your girls night out. Go to the spa. You’re the bride’s best friend. That is a duty you should take with the utmost seriousness. Dance the night away at the reception as your best friend brings in a new chapter with the love of her life.