Bridesmaids Role In The Wedding (UK)

It has been said that a woman’s wedding day is the happiest day of her life. A large component of that happiness is being surrounded by loving and supportive friends and family. Most couples choose to include those dearest to them in the ceremony.

In a wedding party, the position of bridesmaid is possibly the most important and coveted, after that of bride and groom. Traditionally, a bridesmaid is unmarried, hence the “maid”. However, times are changing and it is not uncommon to see a married woman as a bridesmaid. Hundreds of years ago, bridesmaids were chosen to resemble the bride as it was believed that evil spirits would not harm the bride due as they would not be able to identify her amongst all the look-alikes. Nowadays, a bride generally asks those women closest to her to be a bridesmaid. Sisters, a close friend, or a favourite cousin are good bridesmaid candidates.

Bridesmaid dresses have gained an undeserving reputation for being ugly. There are hundreds of gorgeous dresses just waiting to be worn, but everything depends upon the taste and wishes of the bride. For this reason, bridesmaid dresses come in every colour imaginable. Depending on the time of year, brides may choose either floor-length or knee-length dresses that are either strapless or cap-sleeved.

Being a bridesmaid comes with more duties than just walking down the aisle with a (hopefully!) good-looking usher. Most bridesmaids enjoy performing their duties as they often include attending dress fittings, wedding rehearsals, and helping to plan the Hen Night. Before the wedding day, it is not uncommon for bridesmaids to help address and send out invitations, put together favours, or arrange centrepieces. On the wedding day, bridesmaids are expected to be part of the entry and exit procession, spend a good deal of time dancing, and, possibly, help look after the younger page boys and flower girls. Above all else, a bridesmaid is there to support the bride.

The chief bridesmaid has many more responsibilities than junior bridesmaids. Going with the bride to find her wedding dress and select bridesmaids’ dresses is just one of the first duties expected of a chief bridesmaid. The organisation of the Hen Night also rests on her shoulders. On the wedding day, the chief bridesmaid helps the bride in and out of the car, holds her bouquet during the ceremony, greets guests, accompanies the best man down the aisle, and dances with him during the first dance. As if this weren’t enough, she also must be prepared for every possible disaster including popped buttons, running mascara, and nerves.

The bottom line is that being a bridesmaid can be loads of fun and is one opportunity that should not be missed.