WEDDING PARTY 101
OMG, it happened. Your bestie just said yes! Now what?
There to support the couple and boost morale, bridesmaids (or bromaids for guy besties) and groomsmen (or groomswomen for gal pals) fill an essential role in every wedding.
Now that you've said yes too, let's get down to bestie business. Not sure where to start or what your job entails? We can help with our Wedding Party 101 cheat sheet. Do's and don'ts used to be pretty rigid, but they're much more flexible today. Luckily nowadays, they're tailor-made to fit each and every wedding due to unique circumstances and needs.
Scroll on for a general list of duties for both sides of the squad that'll have you winning your own statue for Best Supporting Role in no time! No ugly ruffles or pocket squares required.
Photo by Janelle Elise
1. SHOP FOR YOUR ATTIRE
BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS
Searching for the perfect bridesmaids dress can sometimes be the trickiest part of the whole wedding.
If puffy sleeves and giant bows are flashing in your head right now, fear not! Things have changed.
Depending on the bride's preferences, you may be invited to shop for your outfit with the rest of the group. If so, be on time, supportive, and sensitive to other opinions and ideas.
Ultimately, you're all there to support your girl, so pop the champagne and make a day out of it to keep things stress-free and fun for everyone.
If your bride is super chill and gives you free reign to choose your own getup, swap before you swipe! Start a group chat with the rest of the squad to establish a few ground-rules to keep things cohesive and clash-free.
GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
Similar rules apply to the guys.
First and foremost, ask the groom if he has a preference for what you should wear.
If the Best Man is handling the ordering, send over your measurements as quickly as possible to allow time for any alterations you may need before the wedding. Because nobody likes a baggy pant!
If you're a groomswoman, we suggest stating your side by color coordinating the color of your dress with the groomsmen's suits. For a less obvious and more fashion forward option, match it with their ties or pocket squares instead.
Pro tip: When selecting colors and styles, keep the season in mind! July wedding? A three-piece wool suit isn't gonna fly.
Photos by Stephanie Sorenson
2. HOST OR ATTEND PRE-WEDDING EVENTS
BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS
The Maid or Man of Honor is usually the head honcho when it comes to planning the pre-wedding events, but with busy schedules and besties in different cities, someone else might be a better fit to host. Pow-wow with the squad to get a clear idea of who's in charge of which event.
Whether it's the bridal shower or the bachelorette party, try to attend and lend a hand whenever possible. Because let's be honest, FOMO is real and the MOH could probably use a drink.
GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
We all know that for the guys, the word "wedding" is immediately followed by the two magic words: bachelor party. But there are a few other responsibilties besides getting the crew home from Vegas in one piece.
Even if the Best Man is doing a majority of the planning, offer to help whenever possible anyway to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
For all other events including the engagement party and the rehearsal dinner, be sure to attend to show your support for not just the groom but the bride as well.
Photos by Details Nashville
3. GIVE A THOUGHTFUL GIFT
BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS
Between countless emails from the MOH and therapy sessions wine nights with the bride, a wedding gift might just slip your mind.
While we all like to think of our presence as being enough of a gift, it's still good form and a thoughtful gesture to give the couple something to commemorate such a momentous occasion.
We suggest going in on a gift with the rest of the gang to make it extra special and get the couple a big-ticket item that they really want.
GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
Unless you've traveled far and wide to stand alongside the couple on their big day, the same rules apply to the guys.
Forgoing a group gift and stuck on what to get? Check the registry! Since some couples opt for a gift-free wedding or prefer donations to their Honeyfund, make sure you check their invitation and/or wedding website for the specifics.
And no, a stack of ones for the bachelor party doesn't count.
Photos by Janelle Elise
4. CRUSH THE CEREMONY
BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS
With last minute tasks almost always guaranteed, be on high alert to put out mini fires as best you can.
Help the bride get ready by steaming her dress and making sure she has a snack before the mimosas arrive. Refrain from raising any points of contention or concern between the group to keep spirits high.
It's worth noting that although you wedding planner should be fully equipped with their day-of kit, it doesn't hurt to bring backups.
Bobby pins, deodorant, mints, and Tide pens are just a few of our must-haves to ensure everyone gets down the aisle looking their best.
When it comes to the main event, it's all hands on deck. Make sure your best gal is runway ready with her veil on and bouquet in hand.
GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
PSA: The bride isn't the only one that needs a little encouragement before the big moment!
Support the groom by being there for whatever he might need. Whether it's straightening his tie, fastening cufflinks, or pouring a little liquid courage before showtime.
If the couple doesn't have designated ushers, you may be asked to help lead guests to their seats. So make sure you're aware of any specific ceremony seating requirements. Be on the lookout for lost guests, wandering family members, and anything else that may go awry.
Pro tip: Have a lint roller on hand to ensure that all outfits are picture perfect before taking your positions at the altar. And don't forget that you're being photographed, so save the funny faces for the reception.
Photos by Rebecca Renee
5. ROCK THE RECEPTION
BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS
Details and duties aside, the main reason you're here is because one of your favorite people just couldn't get married without you. That said, don't forget to let loose and enjoy yourself!
Check in periodically with the MOH to offer assistance and ease her nerves before the big speech. And keep tabs on the bride's personal belongings to ensure a timely, stress-free send-off later on.
Although the wedding planner should have it covered, double-check to make sure the bride has first dibs on dinner and her drink of choice throughout the evening.
Once the formalities are out of the way, hit the bar and seize the night! It's up to the wedding party to keep the energy high all night long, so get out on the dance floor!
GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
Who doesn't have at least one hilariously memorable wedding story involving a groomsman?
As well as being the life of the party (or ten), be prepared to double as the information desk.
Be on the lookout for elderly guests that may need escorting, guests without dates that may need a little encouragement on the dance floor, or any wedding gifts that need to be transported to the designated gift drop zone.
After the send-off, stick around with the 'maids to make sure that everything is squared away before the afterparty, wherever that may be!
Photo by Jordyn Smalling
Photo by That Wedding Ninja
Photo by That Wedding Ninja
