Being chief bridesmaid for someone is a huge responsibility. There are big, important duties that fall on you and you need to be prepared for the job. That means doing some serious planning ahead of the big day! Here are some tips on how to be the best ever chief bridesmaid.
Start planning – immediately
Lots of couples decide on the date for the wedding 12 months or more ahead of the date and this makes it seem such a long way off. Don’t be deceived – that time goes over super quick. The very top tip is to start planning your part of the wedding as soon as they announce the date. Don’t wait until you are six months out or less – that will increase stress and lower the chances of you doing just what you want.
Lead but don’t be bossy
If you are the chief bridesmaids but there are other adult bridesmaids, then your job is to lead but not to be too bossy. Remember, you are the right-hand lady to the bride, but they are also important. So balance out the urge to act like a drill sergeant to get them into line and try the softer approach – almost all of the time, anyway.
Nail the hen party quickly
Perhaps the most important responsibility of the chief bridesmaid is to plan the hen party and it is best to get the basics in place as quickly as possible. Find out how much the bride wants to be involved – total surprise or partner? Who will be coming is another big question and helps decide what you do – do you want buff butlers, a weekend in Ibiza or a meal at a nice local restaurant for the main event? Don’t be afraid to chat about budgets and costs as well.
Have a clear list of your jobs
Being a bridesmaid can be mean stepping up and helping out unexpectedly, but it can help if you have a list of what the bride wants you to do for her. Maybe she wants you to do the hen party, including sending invites and collecting RSVPs. Perhaps she wants you to handle favours for the reception or tackle some of the catering companies. Whatever it is, have it laid out, so you know.
Don’t complain to the bride
No matter how bad it gets, how irritating members of the family are being or how tricky it is to arrange the hen party, don’t complain to the bride. She has a lot going on and she needs you to be a rock. Complaint to another friend, family member or partner but make sure it won’t get back to her.
Be there for her
Lastly, don’t forget to just be there for the bride. Weddings are wonderful but also hugely stressful. That means people are not always at their best just before them and it can all get on top of them. The key is to be there for her and help her see the light at the end of the tunnel – even if it is a bit dim for you too!
Buff Butler Blog
Hen party inspiration, planning tips, real event ideas and behind-the-scenes stories.