The bride can have as many bridesmaids as she wants. Usually the Chief Bridesmaid is her sister or closest friend. If they are married themselves, they are known as a Matron of Honour (different title, same responsibilities!).
The main role of any bridesmaid is to help the bride on the day. The Chief Bridesmaid might also be asked to get involved with the arrangements prior to the day, the most important one being the choosing of the bridal gown.
Other duties include:
-
The Chief Bridesmaid will also help prepare the festivities for the hen night, making sure the bride-to-be has a fun (and safe) time!
-
On the day the bridesmaids will help the bride get ready wherever she has based herself e.g. at her parent's house
-
They will accompany the bride's mother to the church and when the bride arrives with her father, they will arrange the bride's dress prior to her walking down the aisle
-
They walk behind the bride as she proceeds down the aisle and wait behind the bride, taking her flowers from here during the ceremony
-
The Chief Bridesmaid will pair up with the Best Man to go to the vestry for the signing of the register (or the civil ceremony equivalent) where she is traditionally a witness (though sometimes other witnesses are chosen - this is the couple's prerogative)
-
At the reception there are no formal duties for the bridesmaids but they are expected to help out shepherding guests for photos, helping with the storage of presents and to help look after the younger members of the wedding party such as page boys and flower girls
-
They might also help the bride get ready to go away and with any arrangements for their honeymoon
Flower Girls and Page Boys
-
Young children love to be involved (generally) in a wedding. Just make sure that:
-
You can rely on their parents to be involved in the organisation of getting them clothed, getting them dressed on the day and to help out should they need
-
They are told clearly what their role is and who is there to help them e.g. the Chief Bridesmaid
-
That they are fed and watered prior to the ceremony and that they have been to the toilet many times!
-
Once the ceremony is over and you have had your photos done, you can entrust them back to their parents for the rest of the day
