Just as important as the person awaiting you at the altar on your wedding day are the women standing beside you, who have been a part of most of your life’s significant moments. Close friends or family members, bridesmaids have become a staple of wedding ceremonies, more familiar to us than many other so-called essential rituals.
While wedding traditions may change, bridesmaids remain a constant. But for how long? As wedding ceremonies trend towards minimalism and couples opt for more intimate gatherings, the traditional role of bridesmaids is up for debate. How high on your wedding checklist is having a bridal squad? Right after “don’t trip down the aisle”?
Historically, the role of the bridesmaid would lie in the literal sense of the term, far from the endearing concept we know today. These were the servants chosen to attend to the bride’s needs and assist with all tasks involved in the wedding celebration. The primary function of a bride maid was to ensure the mistress had everything she needed in order to celebrate her union, far removed from the cherished part we recognize today. Supportive friends? More like personal assistant. Cultural and familial expectations affect significantly in the decision to have bridesmaids. In many cultures, having a bridal squad is a longstanding tradition that symbolizes support and unity, and a non-negotiable. If we look closely into the title of a maid of honor, for instance—the term’s royal origins highlight the importance of the duty, which continues to be crucial not just for wedding planning but also for providing emotional support during the climax of one’s life.
If you’re a social butterfly, the sky’s the limit for your bridal party! But if you’re more of a low-key bride planning an intimate ceremony, keeping it simple is the way to go. When it comes to choosing bridesmaids, there’s no hard and fast rule about the number—you can decide based on your personal preference and wedding vision.
You may opt for a small, close-knit group of a few friends or family members, while others might want a larger party to include everyone who’s been significant in their life. Typically, most brides have between three to seven bridesmaids, an ideal number to achieve meaningful connections while still being manageable.
Bridesmaids’ responsibilities go far beyond just standing by the bride’s side, but definitely more lightweight than it used to be back in the days. The role of a bridesmaid is a part-time job where the payoff is seeing your friend fulfilled and tranquil during this often-stressful time in her life.
They will take care of wedding planning aspects such as researching vendors and brainstorming ideas, making the whole process smoother. Attending dress fittings is also a key part of the role, as they provide the essential support in choosing the bride’s gown and their own dresses. Last but not least, bridesmaids usually take the lead in organizing bridal showers and other pre-wedding events to ensure everything goes off without a hitch—our real-life fairy godmothers.
On top of all the logistics, bridesmaids offer vital emotional support. They’re there to listen to the bride’s concerns and help ease any stress leading up to the big day. Essentially, being a bridesmaid is about balancing planning, support, and financial commitments to help make the wedding a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience. And if you have yet to be convinced, here are seven reasons why you’d never want to ditch your bridal squad.
Having bridesmaids might not take away all the ups and downs of wedding planning, but they’re there to offer the much-needed emotional support to get you through it. Similar but not equal to family, these are the people that will help you find joy in those nerve-wracking moments as they know all the right things to keep you grounded throughout the process.
Regardless of how they are related to you, bridesmaids have been your companions through thick and thin, sharing countless moments along the way. They have celebrated your victories, fixed your makeup in the bathroom, and stood by your side through heartbreaks until you finally found the love of your life. Having them with you on your wedding day will create the most beautiful of memories to appreciate for years to come.
Perhaps the most important duties of a bridesmaid is planning an unforgettable bachelorette party to kick off this exciting new chapter in your life and celebrate the end of your single era. Your bridal squad brings elevates the experience of pre-wedding gatherings such as bridal showers and, of course, the highly anticipated bachelorette party—memories you will never regret making in the future.
On your wedding day, numerous details require attention, and everything is suddenly priority—that’s when your bridesmaids come on the scene. They are indispensable helpers, having been there for you throughout your life, but particularly now when you might not be able to think straight as the main character of the show! Knowing you have a trusted group ready to tackle any challenges that come up is one of the greatest comforts on your big day.
Wedding photos are not a vanity; they are crucial. So, you are telling me you will book your favorite makeup artist and hairstylist months in advance, try on thirty different dresses, and not have it captured? Having a bridal squad means you won’t have to worry about missing key moments on your wedding day. They know your best angles and are natural-born content creators. They’ve got this!
As if your wedding ceremony wasn’t emotional enough, your bridesmaids can really bring the tears by sharing special moments from different chapters of your life, because they were there too—childhood friends, college confidantes, beloved family members. Standing together on your wedding day adds a touch of nostalgia and highlights everything that has shaped your journey to this unmatched moment.
Anna Wintour is calling—she wants your bridal squad on her team. We need to give more credit to the effort these amazing women put into helping you choose the perfect wedding gown. They’ll guide you through the dress shopping journey with honest and uplifting opinions. Between sips of champagne and joyful tears as you try on your gown, their input is invaluable in making this big decision. Having them by your side takes the pressure off the process and ensures you feel confident and excited about your final choice.
The group of trusted people you choose to stand by your side on your wedding day knows no gender. Whether they’re women or men, the key is selecting those you truly trust and want to carry this meaningful title. Bridesmen exist as a form to honor those guy-friends who have been with you throughout the journey and can easily be integrated into your bridal party, as long as everyone feels included.
It’s also important to think about gender-neutral gifts and coordinate outfits that work for both suits and dresses, whether you are going for identical or mix-and-match styles. As we modernize wedding traditions, it’s essential to embrace mixed-gender options for old rituals and celebrate inclusivity in every aspect of your special day.
Accepting the invite for being someone’s bridesmaid is a canon event in any woman’s life—it’s that special. However, with great power comes great responsibility! One great way to show your gratitude is through thoughtful gift-giving, emphasizing just how much you value their support during the wedding planning process.
Bridesmaids gifts can be extremely relative as they should reflect personal aspects of your relationship. You can’t go wrong with personalized items like jewelry, customized tote bags, stylish robes for the big day, or fun experience gifts like outings, gift cards, or relaxing spa days. Don’t forget to include heartfelt thank-you notes with a message they’ll love to receive. Each gift is a chance to reflect your appreciation while being both practical and thoughtful for your bridal squad.
Choosing your bridesmaids can be a tricky task, especially when you want to include everyone important in your life without hurting feelings. A good approach is to set clear criteria for the qualities you’re looking for, such as loyalty and support. Deep down, you know who those special people are. This strategic thinking will help you make more objective decisions.
Communication is key, so consider having open conversations with friends or family to express how much they mean to you, regardless of whether they’re chosen. It’s also helpful to limit your bridal party to a manageable number to simplify the decision-making process and reduce the risk of leaving someone out. Focus on those who have been there for you during significant moments and aim for a mix of friends and family to create a balanced group.
By approaching this process thoughtfully and pragmatically, you can choose your bridesmaids in a way that both values your special relationships and minimizes the chance of offending anyone, but bear in mind it’s tough to please everyone.
The tradition of bridesmaids wearing identical attire dates back to Ancient Roman times, according to Mental Floss, when they not only matched each other but also the bride. The somewhat creepy reason behind this was to create decoys, making it difficult for spirits or exes to identify the real bride.
Fortunately, modern weddings no longer require bridesmaids to stick to one specific color—pretty much any hue will do the job. The key is to select colors that complement the wedding’s setting and mood. Talking with your bridesmaids about their preferences can ensure everyone feels excited about the choices made.
We have uncovered thousands of ways to rock the bridesmaid gown, whether it is a black-themed destination wedding or a mismatched approach for the trendy bride.
Having bridesmaids on your wedding day, just like every other thing, is not mandatory; it’s a choice that should be made thoughtfully with your partner. Consider your personal preferences, relationship dynamics, and how you envision your ceremony to be like. One thing’s for sure: having a bridal squad can really enhance your experience from start to finish, reminding you the beauty of have people that genuinely celebrate your triumphs as if it was their own.
Who are the top people you would invite, today, to take on the special role of your bridal squad?
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