Bridal parties, responsibilities and decisions: Is this the newest wedding trend in Central IL?
How To Pick Your Bridal Party & The Responsibilities That Come With It.
Yaaay!! The big question has been asked to you and now it’s time for you to pop a question of your own: “Will you be my bridesmaid?!”
Before you start asking your friends, weigh the responsibility of the roles and decide if the people you are going to ask, will not only be the bridesmaid you need, but also the one that you want.
Choose your team wisely.
Choose people that are supportive of the person you are marrying. If they can’t get on board with your marriage, then they shouldn’t be standing up pretending like they are supporting it.
Next, time and money are the two most important things in life. They also get sucked away quickly when you become involved in a wedding. Some people are just too busy to be in the bridal party and should just be put on the guest list. Don’t take it personally. Be grateful that you can recognize it before the planning starts and the inevitable let down happens.
And before you ask and put anyone in an awkward situation, you have to make sure they can afford it. Being in the bridal party is expensive. There are parties to throw, food to make, decorations to buy, a dress, shoes, dinners, etc. Those are traditionally all the responsibility of the bridal party, and they all add up quickly. According to Brides Magazine, for a local wedding a bridesmaid can expect to spend between $1500-2500. However, if your wedding is formal or black tie, the average price runs even higher - $2,000-3,500.
Also, make sure they can support you in the way you need support during your “engaged era!”. It’s super exciting! You will want to Pinterest everything. You want to talk about the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, where you’re registering, your color palette, etc. That’s so fair and appropriate! Let your sparkle shine!!
However, I’ve seen that fun fade quickly when other people don’t share that same excitement, which then leads to being let down and it just kind of dampers things. What should have been fun and exciting quickly stops being both. So, make sure that the team you pick can at least fake their enthusiasm for the events.
Sometimes couples get coerced into picking someone for the bridal party that they otherwise wouldn’t have. Usually, it’s a family member and the pressure is coming from a parent. I can see all sides fairly with this argument. I have seen it time and time again. Usually, it’s because they are at odds with the other person. Best case scenario: everyone walks away closer after planning the wedding. Worst case scenario: their relationship remains the same or it gets worse. Either way, time will usually work things out. Especially with siblings. Hopefully, they will all smile for the pictures.
If you have read this far and it almost feels mammoth to you…if your head is already spinning at the thought of all of this, then please, let me offer you a small bit of advice. At the end of the day, it’s just you and your fiancé that are getting married. Please, let me tell you that not all couples have bridal parties. We have hosted several weddings that have only one person on each side, or no one at all. Lots of couples (about a 50/50 split at our venue) have gotten married and chose not to have anyone stand up with them. And that is also a very rational and fair choice. I almost feel as though it may be the newest trend, at least around this area. Either way, do what sits well with you.
If you have been asked to be in a wedding – congratulations! It’s an honor to be asked and I sincerely hope that you make the memories of a lifetime! When you say “yes” to being part of a bridal party, you’re not just agreeing to wear a beautiful outfit and walk down the aisle—you’re signing up to play an important role in one of the most memorable days of someone’s life. And honestly, you only have 2 choices: Put up or shut up. Because here’s the deal: If you choose to say yes, then you also are choosing to become a member of the team. And as the meaning of “team” implies, it’s a group effort and everybody involved must bring something to the table.
Whether you’re a maid of honor, bridesmaid, best man, or groomsman, each role comes with special duties. Here’s a breakdown of bridal party responsibilities to help everyone shine in their roles.
Maid of Honor Responsibilities
The maid of honor is the bride’s right-hand person throughout the entire wedding journey.
Emotional Support: Be the bride’s go-to cheerleader and sounding board.
Planning the Pre-Wedding Events: Lead the bridal shower and bachelorette party (with help from the bridesmaids).
Dress Duties: Help the bride shop for her dress and accessories; manage bustling, trains, and veils on the wedding day.
Day-Of Assistance: Keep track of the timeline, hold the bride’s bouquet, straighten her dress, and make sure she eats and hydrates.
Speech: Prepare and deliver a heartfelt toast at the reception.
Bridesmaids Responsibilities
Bridesmaids are the bride’s support squad, helping with both the planning process and the big day.
Pre-Wedding Help: Assist with DIY projects, invitation addressing, or wedding prep tasks.
Events Participation: Attend the bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding.
Financial Responsibility: Pay for their attire, shoes, and sometimes contribute to pre-wedding event costs.
Wedding Day Support: Be on time, ready to help with last-minute needs, and keep the energy positive.
Best Man Responsibilities
The best man has a job similar to the maid of honor, but tailored to the groom.
Planner-in-Chief for Bachelor Party: Organize and host the groom’s celebration.
Speechwriter: Deliver a fun, heartfelt toast at the reception.
Logistical Help: Keep the rings safe (if there isn’t a ring bearer), coordinate groomsmen, and help keep things running smoothly.
Day-Of Support: Ensure the groom stays calm, collected, and on schedule.
Groomsmen Responsibilities
Groomsmen are there to support the groom and help lighten the load.
Bachelor Party Participation: Contribute to planning and celebrating with the groom.
Suit Up: Cover the cost of attire and be ready for fittings.
Assist with Guests: Help usher guests, direct seating, and manage any unexpected needs.
Wedding Day Vibes: Keep the groom relaxed and bring positive energy.
Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
These littlest members of the bridal party have small but mighty roles.
Flower Girl: Walks down the aisle tossing petals (or carrying a sweet sign).
Ring Bearer: Carries the rings on a pillow or box (sometimes symbolic if the best man holds the real ones).
Parents of the Couple
While not technically part of the bridal party, parents often play big roles:
Emotional Support & Guidance: Offer wisdom and reassurance.
Host Duties: Sometimes help with guest accommodation or hosting pre-wedding events.
Special Dances & Traditions: Participate in parent dances or cultural traditions during the reception.
Be present: Without any preconceived ideas of what you “should” be doing, without nervous chatter or controlling words. Sometimes, just your presence is what your child needs. Not your wisdom, not your blessing, and not your words. Sometimes, they just need you nearby to calm them.
Every member of the bridal party contributes to making the wedding day smooth, memorable, and filled with joy. While the responsibilities may seem like a lot, they all boil down to one simple mission: supporting the couple and celebrating their love.
At the PBC Venue, our responsibility is for the couples to come in two ways: relaxed and excited, while the bridal party does the rest.
We hope to see you soon!
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
The Gathering Place: www.thegatheringplaceil.com
Ami Beach Weddings: www.amibeachweddings.com
Rose Haven Venue: www.rosehavenvenue.com
Valley Mills Farm: www.valleymillsfarm.com
Degas House in New Orleans: www.degashouse.com