Bridesmaid Roles - Facing Old and New Traditions

If you've been chosen as a bridesmaid, or made ofimmense, they are one of the most important part
honor, there are some traditions which go along withof a wedding ceremony. New traditions are emerging
that responsibility. Traditionally, bridesmaids help withas the expensive weddings become beyond a bridal
the minor planning, addressing envelopes for guestcouples means. These new nontraditional roles, which
invitations, and shopping, among other things. Alongbridesmaids fill, can be some of the most
with bridesmaid responsibilities, a maid of honor ismoney-saving techniques available to a bride and
responsible for hosting a bridal shower, orgroom.
bachelorette party, and assigning duties to theSometimes, by assuming the cost of the bridesmaids
bridesmaids. These are not the only responsibilities,gowns, a couple can request more intimate help from
however, they are the biggest ones. A new trendthe bridal party. It is not unheard of for a bridesmaid
with bridesmaids, is helping the bride in nontraditionalto take on more responsibility than required,
roles. Both traditional and nontraditional roles, canhowever, it is not the norm. More responsibility
consume a lot of man-hours.means more time consumption, but a true friend will
The bridal party begins helping the bride immediately,take it in stride, If they have the time available.
by doing shopping comparisons. Generally, bridesmaidsA bride will need help shopping for better prices for
and the maid of honor will accompany the bride toher dress, picking out bridesmaids dresses, calling
choose and try on her dress, and sometimes to pickcaterers, narrowing down vendors for the flowers
out her cake. The maid of honor has the additionaland event space. A good bridesmaid can be extra
responsibility of holding the bachelorette party, orspecial by calling event centers in getting price lists
bridal shower, inviting the guests to the shower,and dates available. She or he can also call caterers
providing the entertainment and giving each guests aand request menus, and costs and deposit
gift, which the bride has chosen. The bridal party isinformation. Knowing the style of bridal dress, the
also valuable in helping to design the theme for thebride wants, a bridesmaid can help narrow down
wedding.different places to find the best cost. Additionally, a
On the wedding day, the bridesmaids and maid ofbridesmaid can help choose vendors for the wedding
honor help in numerous ways. Assisting the bride withshoes. It's not even unheard of for bridesmaids to
putting her gown on, fixing her hair and makeup andchoose their gowns, according to the wedding colors
making sure she has necessities; for example, foodthe bride has chosen.
and aspirin. Additionally, along with the many otherWith all the duties of a bridesmaid or maid of honor
responsibilities, a bridesmaid and maid of honor helpshas to perform, it is a large burden to request more.
each and arrange guests. The maid of honor usuallyWhile bride and groom may be reluctant to requests
holds the ring, and the brides bouquet during thefor help, most friends and family will be more than
ceremony.willing. Most women and men are excited to be a
During a reception the bridesmaids help seatingpart of such a special day. The tasks and duties, of
guests, keeping children occupied, and organizing thethe bridal party, have been in the history of
gifts on tables, so they're presentable, and giveweddings to be as much of an assistant to the bride
speeches.as possible.
While traditional bridesmaid responsibilities are