7 Signs You're Being a Good Bridesmaid
Here are some signs that you’re rockin’ it when it comes to your bridesmaid role and responsibilities.
Photo: Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography
Being asked to be someone’s bridesmaid is a big deal. It’s an honor that this person deems you important enough to stand by their side on the most important day of their life. But that’s not the only responsibility that comes along with the bridesmaid title. Standing witness to the actual marriage is just one small, but important, task in a laundry list of responsibilities required of the modern day bridesmaid. Helping the bride with her day-to-day planning (which can go on for months and even years!), coordinating events like the shower and bachelorette party, selecting and purchasing bridesmaid dresses and being the bride’s right-hand gal on your big day are just some of the things you’re signing up for as a member of #teambride.
Here are some signs that you’re rockin’ it when it comes to your bridesmaid responsibilities.
You’re saving money.
Your love might not cost a thing, but being a bridesmaid surely will. That’s why it’s smart to consider whether or not you have the funds to manage all the expenses that come along with being a bridesmaid. “The cost of a bridesmaid gown, any alterations, undergarments, shoes and accessories and hair styling and makeup application are just some of the things you’ll have to shell out money for,” says Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance in Massillon, Ohio. “If you need to travel any distance for the wedding, you will need to account for airfare or train tickets, a rental car or taxi service and lodging.” Additionally, don’t forget that you’ll also be expected to purchase a wedding gift for the couple, as well as a bridal shower gift should they have one.You’re generous when it comes to sharing your time and effort.
Not only is being a bridesmaid an investment, but it also requires a great deal of you physically and emotionally. “You will be contributing considerable amounts of time and effort in making the planning process go smoothly and ensuring that the bride happy,” says Lehman. If she’s not a type A personality, she might not feel so comfortable delegating tasks. In this case, ask her how you can help during the planning process. “Offer to go on appointments or put together favors or décor for the wedding day,” suggests Deb Erb of Simply Events Inc. in Lititz, Pennsylvania. “Always keep the planning and wedding day about the bride and what she desires for her day.”You’re a great listener.
Not every part of your job as bridesmaid will have to do with wedding planning. In fact, much of it will have to do with whatever the bride has going on in her busy life that’s 10x busier now that her nuptials are on the horizon. “When the to-dos start piling up or she simply needs an opinion, be there to listen,” says Lindsey Sachs of COLLECTIVE/by Sachs in Boulder, Colorado and Minneapolis. “She may just need to vent, to run an idea by you or to have a safe space to share her inner feelings.”
Photo: Olli Studio