When your bestie asks you to be a bridesmaid, it's super exciting, especially if it's your first time. After the champagne, hugs and celebrating, you might start to wonder what the role involves.To help you get started, here are some tips on how to be a great bridesmaid.

Find Out Who Is In the Bridal Party

It is important to know who else is in the bridal party on both sides. Get the bride's side together in a group chat so you can all chat and plan together. Facebook group or even group text on your iphone is very helpful here! You might all know each other well, but if not, ask who is married and who has been in a bridal party before. If you are all newbies, you probably have many of the same questions.

 The Bridesmaid Role

Many factors determine your role as bridesmaid, including the bride's expectations, your location, and who else is in the bridal party. It may include some of the duties below:

• Arranging the bachelorette party
• Helping the bride shop for her wedding dress and wedding decorations
• Looking at vendor portfolios and meeting with them after they are confirmed
• Being at the hair and make-up trial
• Attending meetings like food and wine tastings
• Helping with wedding planning tasks like invites, seating plans and signage
• Giving feedback on music, cake and flower selections
• Buy your outfit, including dress, shoes and jewelry
• Checking the groom's side of the bridal party have everything under control
• Going for beauty treatments and spa days
• Being at events like the welcome dinner and rehearsal
• Gently keep everyone on time on the big day
• Help vendors if they need anything on the wedding day
• Delegate tasks before and on the day of the wedding

For sure you will be by her side getting ready and during the ceremony and reception celebrations. You will help her with practical matters like holding flowers and making sure the veil is just right. Like always, you will be one of her closest friends, emotional support and person who makes her laugh out loud. It's going to be a fun day!

What Does The Bride Want?

You probably have a good idea about what your friend wants in broad terms. If she is super organized and detail-oriented, she might appreciate your friendship more than your planning skills. But if she has a busy lifestyle and isn't the planner type, you might need to help design the timeline and double-check all the vendors are booked. Having an honest and open conversation at the beginning is the best way to do this. Just ask what she wants and what her expectations are.

 Surprises

Even for the bride who says she hates surprises because she likes to control everything, you need to pull a few surprises. It might be a luxury gift delivered to her work before the wedding day or a bottle of vintage wine for them to enjoy during the honeymoon. Or you might go all out and book flights and accommodation for a hen's night in Vegas - but be sure it will be appreciated before you do something as elaborate as that!

I hope you feel more relaxed and informed about being a bridesmaid now. It is an honor that really can involve a little or a lot, depending on the wedding. So communication and organization are the first key steps. Once you know what you need to do, you just make it happen. You will be an awesome bridesmaid and have a blast celebrating the love story of one of your best friends in the world. When in doubt, an extra glass of pinot and honest chat with the bride will help you along! If you have any questions, you can always message me on our Instagram - I was a bride too and not the easy one, I am happy to help if you feel lost in your bridesmaid role!

Talk soon,

Michaela