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Duties for the Bridal Party (Wedding Attendants)
1. Host a bridal or co-ed shower.
2. Throw a bachelor/bachelorette party.
3. Shop for the attendant’s attire. Do not take your entire wedding party; pick
one or two that you really, really trust.
4. Shop with the bride for the wedding gown. Take only one attendant; usually
the Maid/Matron of Honor.
5. Help make wedding favors.
6. Help assemble or make wedding programs.
7. Help address and assemble invitations. Ask one to three really detailed and
reliable people.
8. Research accommodations for out-of-town guests. Depending on who is in your
wedding party, you may or may not want to relinquish control over this. However,
this could be really helpful if you are having a destination wedding and one of
your attendants lives in the area.
9. Refer you to trustworthy vendors. Ask others who have already planned or who
are also planning a wedding.
10. Help create a wedding web site. (If someone is web savvy)
11. Manage the wedding party (The Maid/Matron of Honor leads the ladies and the
Best Man leads the men).
12. Prepare the Wedding Day Emergency Kit.
13. Help make wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, flower girl basket,
or table centerpieces. Ask the creative types to assist on these projects.
14. Listen to you while you are going through this crazy but wonderful time in
your life.
So, now that you have some ways to ask for help from the wedding party during
the planning and preparation of the wedding, you need to know what to do with
them on the wedding day. Yes, they can have fun at the wedding but make sure
they know there is still work to be done. The hours prior to your walk down the
aisle; while you are getting ready; while the ceremony and reception site is
being transformed; as guests arrive; as the ceremony and reception begin, are
filled with excitement anticipation and small tasks to complete. If you are
working with a wedding coordinator, she may be performing some of these duties,
but still, the wedding party will play a major role in keeping the day running
smoothly.
The following list includes some tasks the wedding party can assist with on the
wedding day. Be sure they know what they are being asked to do, when to do it,
and where to be. Outline the specific duties in the itinerary and go over these
details with each individual prior to the wedding and at the rehearsal.
1. Arrive at the location/locations on time and dressed in proper clothing.
(This is for everyone!)
2. Call to reconfirm limousine arrival times on the wedding day.
3. Bring or arrange for a snack to be delivered to the bride and/or groom while
they are getting ready.
4. Gather the bride’s and groom’s belongings and load them into cars (to the
church, from church to reception, from reception to hotel).
5. Assist with dressing. Have one attendant go to the final fitting with you to
learn how to bustle your dress train.
6. Bring a Wedding Day Emergency kit.
7. Deliver wedding accessories to the church or reception location.
8. Pass out programs at the church.
9. Bring mints and tissues, and pass them out prior to the ceremony.
10. Cooperate with vendors; listen to the photographers, be ready for toasts,
etc.
11. Direct guests to their seats, the restrooms, and other important locations.
12. Pass out directions to the reception site after the ceremony.
13. Direct guests to reception site following ceremony.
14. (At reception) Ask guests to find their seats when it is time.
15. Be courteous and helpful to guests.
16. Make sure bride and groom have a drink, food, etc. throughout the day.
17. Arrange to have a snack and champagne in the bride and grooms hotel room
after the ceremony.
Of course this list could continue on, depending on your personal needs and
desires, but this is definitely a good starting point. With a little creative
“team management” you will be able to relax a little and still accomplish all
the necessary tasks.
Sample Request Letter
Dear Bridesmaid,
Thank you so much for being a part of this exciting time in my life. I want to
involve you in the planning process and use your talents to help create a
memorable day for myself and for everyone. Will you please assist me with the
following items:
Shop for my wedding gown. I have appointments scheduled for the following
dates/times:
Help me research favor ideas. I would like to do this in October.
Help me assemble the wedding invitations for mailing. The invitations will be
assembled and mailed in January.
If your schedule does not permit time for these activities, please let me know.
Thank you so much for being my friend.
Bride
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