Bridesmaid's duties checklist every BFF needs

Being a bridesmaid at your BFF's wedding may be the greatest honour for you and you'll most certainly be filled with excitement and joy. But, if you're unprepared, you might be anxious all throughout and not be able to enjoy the moment or be there for your friend. All you need is some effort, some creativity, a lot of patience (Bridezillas are not fictional!), and of course your task-list, and you will be the best bridesmaid ever.

Here is a list of bridesmaid duties that you may have to do, whether or not they are spelled out for you.

Organising pre-wedding events

Two of the most basic expectations before the wedding are, throwing a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. As a bridesmaid, you have to ensure there is enough food, more than needed alcohol, and really good music. Make a list of all the girl friends close to your BFF and include them in the planning.

Assist with attire

Some brides may already have a strong picture of what they want the bridal party to wear, but if she doesn't, be prepared with suggestions for bridesmaids' attire, hair, and make-up. It will be half the load off her list. And, if you're asked to wear something you don't like, this is not the time to say anything.

Give a present

You know exactly what your best friend will need the most at the wedding or maybe on her honeymoon. You can gift her a couples' spa voucher or a piece of jewellery that she can wear on the wedding day. You can also give her gifts that she can add to her trousseau or a beauty treatment before the wedding to get her glowing all over again after all the running around she may have done. It's also a good idea to pool your resources for a larger present for the newlyweds if other bridesmaids want to contribute.

Keep the bride well-fed

It's nice when the bridesmaids make sure the bride stays hydrated and fed throughout the wedding day. Make sure the bride drinks water at all times, especially after the wedding when the pair is rushing about taking photos. 

Be a bathroom pal

If the bride's outfit is exceptionally heavy or formfitting, they will most likely require assistance in holding the dress up or making their way to the bathroom. So be there. If the bride is changing her dress, they may want assistance getting out of one and into the next (the hairpins, the extensions, the heavy dress are not for the light-hearted). The planner will frequently help with this, but sometimes the bride prefers to have her person around to assist.

Understand the plan of action

You don't have to memorise the sequence of events, but ensure you go over everything, understand how the day will go, and recall the facts as best you can if a relative or other friends may want to know. 

Be prepared for emergencies

Build a wedding-day emergency pack. While you hope you won't need any of these supplies, but keep stain remover, sewing kit, scissor, tissues, cotton, and everything you can think of handy. It's always a good idea to be prepared.

Assistance with wedding planning tasks

Bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, but they may be asked to help with minor wedding preparations. Being hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even accompanying the bride to pick out rentals or attending her hair and make-up trial are all things that the bridesmaids can assist with.

Prepare for Photographs

When everyone is done getting ready, make sure the bride has everything she needs for photos and the ceremony. A bridesmaid can help by serving as the keeper of the tiny things, such as touch-up lipstick, blotting papers and the bride's mobile to capture those beautiful moments.      

Don't forget to have fun

Last but not the least (and possibly the most crucial task of all) is to be the party's life and soul. Make sure guests have a wonderful time, be the first on the dance floor (even if no one else wants to be), and party all night.