Chief Bridesmaids or Maid of Honour
The bride's “Maid of Honour” or “Chief Bridesmaid” is a key figure in the planning and organisation of the wedding. It is their job to help the bride in anyway such as, choosing invites, venues, favours and most importantly, her dress. Most brides have admitted that with regard to planning her wedding, her bridesmaid was much more helpful than her fiancé! Bridesmaids should be prepared to go with the bride when she goes shopping for her dress, and give her all important honest feedback. If she thinks she looks wonderful, but you don’t agree then tell her, gently! (You may want to practise some tactful let-downs in front of the mirror just to ensure that you keep your place as Chief Bridesmaid/Best Friend)
The Hen Party will also be your domain. Ask your Hen what sort of party she is after, and make sure that you agree a budget with all participants so that no-one is left out. Check out our Hen & Stag section.
On the big day itself, get to your bride's house early – or even better stay over to ensure no last minute nerves! Assist her with her hair, make up and dress, but be aware that Mum is usually fussing around in tears at this point. The bride may need some ‘quiet time’ to gather her thoughts prior to heading to the ceremony, don’t be offended by this and try to use this time to ensure that all other bridesmaids (and Mum) are ready to go. At the ceremony, help the Bride with her train for her great entrance, and generally be the calming influence on what is normally a bag of nerves and excitement! You will need to take hold of the bride's bouquet during the ceremony, and keep the small bridesmaids under control. You may be asked to make a speech at the reception, and are supposed to dance with the Best Man. Last but not least, if you are single, you are supposed to catch the bouquet!
What dresses do I choose for my Bridesmaids?
Your bridesmaids don't need to wear identical dresses. Let them each choose a style that suits them, in the same fabric, especially if you have a range of ages to cover. They will feel more comfortable and still look great in the photographs. It is unusual to ask the bridesmaids to pay for their own outfits, however if you are asking them to contribute they should be allowed to choose a design that they can wear again. Sassy, sexy Sarah Jessica Parker style bridesmaids dresses are taking over from the traditionally restrained bridesmaids outfits we are used to, and in fact the style for 2008 looks as if tea-length style dresses will be very popular.
What colours are most appropriate?
An all white wedding can be extremely stunning. If you are including young page boys and/or bridesmaids, be aware of the obsession small children tend to have with dirt; grass and mud and of course food when eating! If holding the wedding in the summer, be careful of brilliant whites and hints of blue as this can appear cold. Don't be afraid to add a splash of colour. Colour trends will vary according to seasons. The majority of colour choices are dictated by the choice in flowers available at the time. For spring weddings, fresh colours such as pinks and greens are most commonly used. The summer offers a plethora of radiant blossoms, yellow being a popular choice, but really with hundreds of different flowers in bloom, you can pretty much any colour! Autmunal weddings are the perfect excuse to use the deep red/brown tones, found in the leaves on the trees and the burnt orange colour associated with pumpkins and fireworks. The ideal winter wedding would see snow gently falling, however if you are not so lucky to get the weather you desire on the day, use wintery items such as fake fur and pretend icicles. A shock of reds looks good to warm white winter weddings. To emphasise the white in your outfits, use colour sparingly - bridesmaids' dresses and waistcoats for the gents, or add colour with your earrings and bouquet.