Bridesmaid Duties: 31 Key Roles Explained

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is such an amazing honour. It means that, out of everyone in the whole world, the bride has asked you and maybe a very small and exclusive group of her other closest family members and friends to be right there by her side on her special day. Not only is it a lovely position that shows you exactly what you mean to them, but it also comes with real responsibilities.

Beyond wearing a beautiful dress or stylish jumpsuit, walking down the aisle and standing beside the bride on the big day, bridesmaids play a key role not just in the wedding ceremony, but before and afterwards as well. They’re there to make sure the bride (actually, the couple as a whole) are always supported, which means doing what you can to keep them calm and make sure they’re being celebrated from the moment they wake up to the moment they either head up to their room or jump in the back of their wedding car at the end of a long day.

But, what exactly does a bridesmaid have to do? Here, we’ll run through 31 key bridesmaid duties, as well as the extra responsibilities of a maid of honour and what you can do to make sure you’re the best bridesmaid ever.

So, here’s everything a bridesmaid does, broken down step by step.

What does a bridesmaid do?

A bridesmaid is both a practical helper and an emotional support system. From being there to help with planning and prepping, to boosting the energy on the dancefloor during the reception, a bridesmaid helps make the entire wedding experience smooth and memorable for the couple.

As soon as you’re asked to be a bridesmaid…

1. Say yes with excitement

The first thing you need to do as a bridesmaid is simple: if you’re in a position to be a bridesmaid, and know you can commit to the role, accept with joy and enthusiasm. Let the bride know how honoured you are to stand by her side, as your positivity sets the tone for everything that follows.

Of course, not everyone will be in a position to accept, so it’s best to be as transparent as you can early on, so the couple know exactly where they stand

2. Have an honest expectations chat

Talk openly about budget, time commitment and travel. Weddings can be expensive and time-consuming, so aligning on what you can realistically manage will help avoid stress later. Of course, as a bridesmaid, you probably won’t be expected to pay for very much (maybe your dress/outfit, but that depends on the couple, which is why it’s important to talk freely). But you should definitely get it all out in the open before the real planning starts. It’s not an easy conversation, but the bride will more than likely expect questions exactly like these.

If you’re a bride and unsure about the etiquette here, read our article on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.

3. Save the date (including prep dates)

Mark the wedding day and any major wedding-prep related events (like dress/outfit fittings, the hen party or rehearsal dinner) in your calendar. Protecting the time early on ensures you won’t run into conflicts down the road. Some of these dates probably aren’t set in stone yet (in fact, you might even get a say as to dates for the hen do), but make sure you’re not too busy during the weeks (especially the weekends) leading up to the big day itself.

Bridesmaid duties during the build-up to the wedding

4. Be a source of emotional support

Wedding planning can be overwhelming. Be available to listen and reassure, and keep the bride grounded when the to-do list feels endless. As much as it’s an incredibly happy day, it takes a lot of prep, which can be a little overwhelming at times. If you can bring a much-needed ear and perhaps a cheeky glass of wine every now and then, it’ll no doubt go down very well.

5. Budget and prepare for the wedding

Plan ahead for the costs of what you might need to buy and where you might need to travel to. This might include your bridesmaid dress or outfit, shoes, accessories, train tickets, hotels and sometimes hair and makeup. This is why it’s so important to ask about what you may or may need to pay for early on, so you can start to set some money aside. Being financially prepared means you can enjoy the celebrations without worry.

6. Bridesmaid dress/outfit shopping

Join the bride for fittings, share your input and make sure you order your own dress or outift on time if it’s not being organised by the bride. Make sure to factor in time for alterations to ensure everything fits perfectly. That also means you might not want to get in there too early, either. About four or so months ahead of the wedding should be more than enough time.

7. Help with planning tasks

Offer some of your time for practical jobs like addressing invitations, helping put together DIY decor or getting creative and stuck in with wedding favours. These small tasks make a big difference and will lighten the load for the couple.

8. Attend key pre-wedding events

From the engagement party to the bridal shower, as well as a potential rehearsal dinner and of course the hen party, bridesmaids are expected to show up, celebrate and help create lasting memories at all the major milestones throughout the build-up to the wedding.

9. Assist the maid of honour

The maid of honour shares a lot of the bridesmaid’s duties, but there are a few key differences. So, be the deputy or right-hand woman, always on hand to pick up some slack when it comes to things like the hen do or bridal shower. Whether it’s planning games, decorating or organising logistics, teamwork is essential.

10. Stay organised

Keep track of timelines, dress or outfit fittings and any responsibilities you’ve taken on. Become a master note-taker. Leave yourself reminders using Alexa. A reliable bridesmaid helps everything run smoothly.

Bridesmaid duties the week of the wedding

11. Check in with the bride

Offer to run errands, pick up last-minute items or simply be there to keep her company. Your presence will be reassuring as the countdown gets real and those pre-wedding jitters start to grow in her chest.

12. Pack essentials

Bring your full outfit plus a wedding survival kit, which includes things like plasters, tissues, safety pins and mints. Being prepared means you can handle small emergencies with ease. A bag like this is also a handy place to keep the bride’s phone for those occasions (and there will be many of them) when she’s whisked away to take yet another photo.

13. Attend the wedding rehearsal (if there is one)

Practice your aisle walk, learn where to stand and familiarise yourself with the wedding ceremony order. This ensures confidence and calmness on the day itself and means you won’t be hit with any surprises.

Bridesmaid duties the morning of the wedding

14. Arrive early

On the morning of the wedding, it’ll be all hands on deck, so you should aim to be one of the first to arrive. If you can’t quite do that (for example, you’re off running errands), then at least show up on time so you’re there in time for hair and makeup or final preparations. A punctual bridesmaid keeps the schedule on track, because the only person a wedding will be delayed for is the bride!

15. Keep the vibe positive

Help maintain a calm, joyful atmosphere while the bride gets ready. She’ll probably be incredibly nervous, so it’s up to you to keep her mind off worst-case scenarios and keep her focused on getting everything sorted so she can keep to the schedule. Laughter and encouragement go a long way in easing nerves, as does a full stomach (and not just full on breakfast mimosas, either).

16. Help the bride get dressed

Assist with fastening the dress, slipping on the shoes, holding onto the bride’s phone and arranging the veil. It’s an intimate and special duty, and you’re part of the team tasked with preventing any wardrobe malfunctions.

17. Make sure she eats

A gentle reminder to eat and stay hydrated will help the bride feel her best throughout the day. Usually, the wedding breakfast isn’t until early- or mid-afternoon, so a hearty brunch and snacks are sure to go down well. 

18. Capture the behind-the-scenes moments

The wedding photographer (if the couple has one) will be on hand to take photos while you’re all getting ready, but they won’t always be there to capture everything. Make sure you’re there to step in as unofficial photographer and take plenty of candid photos. These little behind-the-scenes memories will be treasured and can add a lot of personality to a wedding album.

Bridesmaid duties during the ceremony

19. Walk down the aisle gracefully

Follow the rehearsal pace, smile and set the tone for the procession. It’s only natural that you’ll feel a little nervous, but you’re just the amuse-bouche, with the bride being the three-course feast that will follow shortly after.

20. Stand in position and stay present

During the ceremony, stay attentive, poised and supportive. You’re part of the picture the couple and the guests will remember, so do your best to be present at all times, and stay as engaged as you can. 

21. Manage the bouquet and train

Take the bride’s bouquet when needed or adjust her train and veil. These small gestures keep everything picture-perfect, especially during the photographs.

22. Join the wedding photos

After the vows, be ready for those all-important group shots. You’re a big part of the wedding, after all, so be prepared to be all smiles. Your cooperation will help the photographer keep things running smoothly.

Bridesmaid duties at the reception

23. Greet and mingle with guests

Make guests feel welcome and included. Don’t silo yourself off to the side; stay front and centre (well, front and centre behind the newlyweds) and make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. Bridesmaids help set the tone for the party.

24. Snap more candid memories

Time to get your phone out again to capture more fun behind-the-scenes moments that the photographer might otherwise miss because they’re off shooting something else. For example, instead of yet another angle of the cake cutting, you could get some shots of the couple’s parents, who will no doubt be choking back tears as they watch on with pride.

25. Hit the dancefloor and bring the energy 

Don’t regress back to your days of standing against the wall at the school disco. Get up early and bring the energy, to the dancefloor, which will inevitably encourage other guests to follow your lead.

26. Assist the bride whenever she needs you 

Be ready for lipstick touch-ups, sorting out her dress or handing over her phone so she can reply to a few of the many congratulatory texts she’s likely to have received. You’re the bride’s backup throughout the night, along with the other bridesmaids and the maid of honour.

27. Support the maid of honour

Help with the wedding speeches, schedules or any issues that pop up. The smoother things run, the more the bride can relax and enjoy the day.

Bridesmaid duties after the wedding

28. Help gather the couple’s belongings

Assist with collecting gifts, tidying away decor and getting personal items together so nothing gets left behind.

29. Return borrowed or rented items

If you’ve been entrusted with anything, make sure it gets back safely so the couple can enjoy their first morning as newlyweds or jet off on their honeymoon (if they’re going straight away). This might be something like returning a borrowed item or dropping off an item which has been rented.

30. Pitch in with clean-up

Whether it’s tidying the bridal suite or helping after the reception, an extra pair of hands is always appreciated.

31. Check in with the couple post-wedding

Send a thoughtful message or visit to remind the couple how much their day meant to you, too. You might not want to head over straight away, but the couple will no doubt be happy to see you so they can thank you for everything you did for them over the past few months.

Five tips on nailing your bridesmaid duties

Here are five things to remember so you can be the best blooming bridesmaid there’s ever been or ever will be.

1. Be reliable

Show up when you say you will, reply to messages as soon as possible and stick to deadlines for dress/outfit orders, RSVPs or hen do plans. A dependable bridesmaid means the bride has one less thing to worry about.

2. Keep it positive and drama-free

Weddings can be emotional, and tensions sometimes run high. Your role is to be a calming, uplifting presence, not to add to the drama.

3. Respect the couple’s choices

Even if the dress isn’t your favourite colour or the playlist isn’t your style, remember it’s not about you and it’s not your day. Support the bride’s vision and keep overly negative thoughts tight to your chest.

4. Be proactive

Offer help before being asked, whether it’s running a small errand, carrying bags or checking in on other bridesmaids. The little things can make a big difference.

5. Celebrate, and don’t complain

Yes, it might mean spending money and giving up some weekends, but at the heart of it, you’ve been chosen for a special role. Focus on the honour, not the hassle, and do your best to celebrate at every moment.

What are the maid of honour’s extra duties?

The maid of honour has all the same responsibilities as the bridesmaids, but with a few extra key roles. She’s the bride’s right-hand woman, and is usually in charge of things like organising the hen party, making sure all the bridesmaids know what they’re doing and being the main point of contact for the couple. It’s a bit like being a team leader at work, only way more glam!

On the wedding day, the maid of honour often:

• Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
• Signs the marriage register as a witness
• Helps bustle the dress before the reception
• Gives a toast or speech

Think of her as part-bridesmaid, part-project manager and part-cheerleader, making sure both the big picture and the little details are taken care of.

For more information, read our complete guide to maid of honour duties.

The bottom line on bridesmaid duties

Being a bridesmaid is such an amazing honour, which is all about being present, dependable and joyful throughout one of the most important times in your friend or family member’s life. From practical support to emotional reassurance, every duty you take on helps create a day that the couple will never forget.

You might be a bridesmaid preparing for the wedding of someone you love, or about to ask your bestie to be your bridesmaid at your upcoming wedding. If that’s you, and you’re about to start organising the biggest party of your life, sign up to Bridebook today to help you plan the ultimate wedding.

You Might Also Like…

• What Your Bridesmaids Should and Shouldn’t Pay For
• How to Choose Your Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses
• Wedding Roles: Who Does What in a Wedding
• Maid of Honour Duties: Your Complete Guide & Wedding Day Timeline

Happy Planning!