It's hard being a girl, and weddings only make female friendships even more complicated. Being a bridesmaid carries its own set of responsibilities that must be upheld. However, not every bridesmaid knows how to handle it.
Jaimie Schoen from Brides provides a list of five etiquette rules every bridesmaid must follow. It's quite an honour being asked to be a bridesmaid, but it often begs the question: "If I was her bridesmaid, do I have to ask her to be mine?" Schoen says the short answer is "no," since there is no rule requiring women to return the favour.
"There are many other ways you can include her in your wedding without asking her to wear a matching dress and plan the bachelorette party," she says.
As for the number of bridesmaids allowed in a wedding, Schoen says it's up to the bride and groom to decide. What's important, according to her, is that couples focus on inviting close friends who will be responsive, excited, and cooperative during the wedding. The last thing anyone wants is a group of bridesmaids who don't get along or will appear unenthusiastic about all plans related to the wedding.
Third, Schoen says would-be bridesmaids who can't afford to be a bridesmaid need to own up about their financial situation. "Let's face it: Being a bridesmaid is expensive," she says. "From the dress and hair appointment to the bridal shower and bachelorette party, it's a lot to spend! If you're on a budget, talk to the bride about it early-on."
Next, Schoen says bridesmaids have to be mindful of their tasks. They have to help out the maid of honour in coordinating travel schedules, making hotel reservations for the bachelorette party, and even creating DIY projects to beautify the wedding venue.
"The biggest role is to be supportive, and then to serve as a quasi-hostess once the party starts. Socialise with guests, smile, and get down on the dance floor!" says Schoen.
Lastly, Schoen says the general rule for bridesmaids' plus one is that those in serious relationships get to bring along their significant other, while those who are in more casual relationships or are single have to go solo.
"You could apply this rule to your wedding party, as well, but given how much your 'maids have done throughout the planning process, most brides and grooms opt to extend a plus-one invitation to their bridesmaids and groomsmen, no matter their relationship status," she said.
