A Bridesmaid's Guide To The Wedding Day—Duties, Outfits, Shoes, and Hairstyles

Sure, being a bridesmaid is a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime and can be a lot of fun! It is a chance to celebrate the love of two people who are special to you and to be a part of their special day. You get to spend time with your bride-to-be’s friends and family, and dress up and feel special. Plus, you get the privilege to help your dear bride-to-be plan her wedding, which can be a lot of fun (and lots of work, alert!)

If you're asked to be a bridesmaid, be sure to say yes! It's an honor that the bride has chosen you to be a part of her special day. If you're wondering how to become a bridesmaid, the best way is to ask the bride directly. She may already have a specific person in mind but may also be open to suggestions. However, before beginning with the bridesmaid's duties and outfits, here is a quick brief about what exactly a bridesmaid is and what is expected of her.

What Is a Bridesmaid?

A bridesmaid is a person, typically a close friend or family member of the bride, who is chosen to support and assist the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. Bridesmaids are an important part of the bridal party and often play a great, great role in making the wedding day a memorable and enjoyable experience for the bride! Kudos to you for it. Traditionally, bridesmaids are female, but in modern times, it is becoming more common for brides to include male friends or family members as "bridesmen" or "bridesmaids" as well. The number of bridesmaids can vary depending on personal preference, cultural traditions, and, well, the bride!

Bridesmaids are often selected by the bride based on their close relationship, trust, and support. The maid of honor typically wears coordinated dresses or outfits chosen by the bride, and they walk down the aisle before the bride during the wedding ceremony. Some of these special duties include; standing beside the bride during the ceremony and holding the bride's bouquet or adjusting her veil.

6 Most Important Bridesmaid Duties That Are Expected Of You

If you're wondering what the duties of a bridesmaid are, they can vary depending on the bride and the wedding. However, some important bridesmaid tips and duties include:

● Give A Ear To The Bride: One of the most evident bridesmaid duties includes being there for her emotionally, helping her with wedding planning, and being a shoulder to cry on when needed. This is a primary role of a bridesmaid to support the bride throughout the wedding planning process—including being available to listen to her ideas, offering assistance when needed, and being a source of overall support.

● Assist In All Wedding Planning: Bridesmaids may be asked to help with certain wedding planning tasks, such as addressing invitations, assembling wedding favors, or making DIY decorations. Offer your assistance and be proactive in helping the bride with any tasks she may need help with-including the bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding ceremony and reception.

● Share Inputs On Wedding Dress and Bridal Shoe Shopping: Bridesmaids are usually expected to accompany the bride on dress-shopping spree and provide feedback on different dresses. Be honest but supportive in your opinions and help the bride find the perfect dream wedding dress and bridal shoes. Read: (will add bridal shoe shopping blog once it is live)

● Attend Wedding Rehearsals: Bridesmaids' duties include attending the wedding rehearsal to practice the processional and recessional, familiarize themselves with the ceremony details, and understand their responsibilities during the ceremony.

● Help With D-Day Preparations: On the wedding day, bridesmaids may be asked to help with various tasks, such as getting ready with the bride, assisting with hair and makeup, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This may also include helping the bride get into her wedding dress and making any last-minute preparations at the ceremony or reception venue–including helping to set up the venue, greet guests, or run errands for the bride.

● Offer Emotional Support: Throughout the wedding day, be there to support the bride emotionally because she may already have a lot to worry about, plus some cold feet! Help calm nerves, provide reassurance, and ensure she has everything she needs to enjoy her special day.

In addition to these essential bridesmaid duties, you may also be asked to do other things, such as:

● Plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

● Give a speech at the wedding.

● Help with the wedding registry.

● Coordinate with other bridesmaids.

It is important to remember that the bride's needs will vary, so it is best to be flexible and willing to help out in any way you can—the most important being to be there for the bride and make her wedding day an unforgettable one!

Here are some additional tips for being a great bridesmaid:

● Be organized. Keep track of all the details, such as the wedding date, time, location, and dress code.

● Be flexible. Things sometimes go differently than planned, so be prepared to roll with the punches.

● Have fun! The wedding is a special day for the bride, so make sure to enjoy yourself and celebrate her love.

7 Trendy Outfit Ideas For Bridesmaids To Turn Heads On The Wedding

Choosing the right outfit for a bridesmaid can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that the bride wants her bridesmaids to look their best. Plus, fashion trends can change in no time, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest styles and trends in the current year. Here are some recent trendy outfit ideas for bridesmaid dresses:

1. Mix and Match: Instead of having all bridesmaids wear the same dress, a popular trend has been to mix and match dresses within a certain color palette or style. This allows each bridesmaid to showcase her individual style while maintaining a cohesive look.

2. Soft and Pastel Colors: Soft and romantic pastel shades have been in vogue for bridesmaid dresses. Colors like blush pink, lavender, mint green, and light blue are popular choices for creating a delicate and elegant look.

3. Metallic Accents: Adding a touch of metallic accents to bridesmaid dresses has been a trend, especially for evening or formal weddings. This can be achieved through metallic embroidery, beading, or sequins, adding a subtle shimmer and glam to the overall look.

4. Off-the-shoulder Necklines: Off-the-shoulder dresses have been trending in recent years, providing a romantic and feminine look. This neckline style can be flattering for a range of body types and adds an elegant touch to bridesmaid attire.

5. High-Low Hemlines: High-low dresses, shorter in the front and longer in the back, have become a trendy choice for bridesmaid dresses. This style offers a contemporary and playful look, allowing for ease of movement while maintaining an elegant silhouette.

6. Floral Prints: Incorporating floral prints into bridesmaid dresses has become popular, especially for spring and summer weddings. Floral patterns can add a fresh and vibrant touch to the bridal party's attire.

7. Two-Piece Sets: Two-piece bridesmaid outfits featuring a separate top and skirt or pants have gained popularity for their versatility and modern look. This trend allows bridesmaids to mix and match different pieces while creating a unique ensemble.

5 Stylish and Comfortable Wedding Shoes for Bridesmaids

Want to be (literally) on your toes for your dear bride-to-be? Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the heel height. Heels that are too high can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. A good rule of thumb is choosing heels no above 2 inches. Second, look for shoes with good arch support, which will help prevent pain and fatigue. Finally, make sure the shoes fit well. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable and even cause blisters.

● Pumps:

Pumps are a classic and versatile option that can be dressed up or down. They are comfortable and stylish and come in various colors to match any bridesmaid dress.

● Sandals:

Sandals are a great option for summer weddings. Fortunately, at Rag & Co, they come in a variety of designs that are supremely comfortable and stylish and can help keep your feet cool on that bright sunny day!

● Wedges:

Wedges are versatile and come in a variety of colors and designs at Rag & Co, making them the best wedding shoes for a relaxing day at the wedding for a bridesmaid. They add a bit of height without being too uncomfortable. Now that's like a bridesmaid's bestie!

● Flats:

Flats are comfortable for bridesmaids who want to avoid heels. They come in a variety of styles to match any bridesmaid dress.

● Mules:

Mules are a great option for bridesmaids because they are comfortable, stylish, and versatile. They can be dressed up or down, and they come in various styles to match any bridesmaid dress. Being ultra-versatile, you can wear them on a variety of occasions. They can be worn to the wedding, the rehearsal dinner, and even the after-party.

Best Wedding Hairstyle Ideas For Bridesmaids In 2023

Hairstyles are important for bridesmaids because they add a lot to the overall outfit for the wedding! The right hair-dos can help to flatter the bridesmaid's face and hair type, and it can also help to complement the bride's wedding dress. At Rag & Co, we believe there are some timeless and popular bridesmaid hairstyles for wedding days that are likely to continue being fashionable in 2023:

● Updos: Elegant updo hairstyles, such as chignons, braided updos, or twisted updos, are timeless choices as hairstyle ideas for bridesmaids. These hairstyles keep the hair off the face and showcase a polished and sophisticated look.

● Half-Up, Half-Down: For bridesmaids, half-down wedding hairstyles offer a beautiful combination of wearing the hair down while keeping it partially styled. This versatile style can be achieved with curls, waves, braids, or twists.

● Soft Waves: Loose waves: Loose waves are a classic and elegant hairstyle perfect for any wedding. They are easy to style and can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the event. Loose, romantic waves are always a popular choice for bridesmaids. This hairstyle adds a touch of elegance and creates a soft and feminine look. Waves can be created with a curling iron, hot rollers, or by braiding damp hair overnight.

● Braids: Braids are a beautiful and timeless hairstyle great for any wedding. They can be styled in many different ways, from simple to elaborate.

● Chignon: A chignon is a classic, elegant hairstyle that will stand out for formal weddings. It is easy to style and can be dressed up or down depending on the event's formality.

● Braided Hairstyles: Braids are versatile and can be incorporated into various hairstyles, such as braided updos, side braids, fishtail braids, or braided accents. Braided hairstyles add texture and visual interest to the overall look.

● Sleek and Straight: Straight and sleek hairstyles can create a chic and modern look for bridesmaids. This style works well with different hair lengths and can be enhanced with a center part, a side part, or by adding hair accessories.

● Accessorized Hairstyles: Adding hair accessories, such as floral crowns, jeweled clips, headbands, or hair combs, can elevate any hairstyle and add a touch of glamour or bohemian charm. Consider incorporating accessories that complement the bridesmaid dresses and the overall wedding theme.

No matter what hairstyle you choose, make sure it is something you feel comfortable in and that will make you look your best on the wedding day. Always consider the bride's vision and the overall theme of the wedding when choosing bridesmaid hairstyles. Also, it's a good idea to consult with a professional hairstylist who can provide personalized recommendations based on hair type, length, and face shape, ensuring that the chosen hairstyle complements each bridesmaid's features and enhances their overall wedding look.

Statement Accessories For Bridesmaids On The Wedding Day

When choosing statement accessories for bridesmaids, consider the overall wedding style and theme. For example, if the wedding is formal, you'd want to choose more elegant and sophisticated accessories. If the wedding is a casual event, choose more fun and playful accessories. Ensure these statement accessories are supremely comfortable yet stylish and you feel like a diva wearing 'em. With a little planning, you can easily find the perfect statement accessories to help you look your best on the wedding day.

● Handbags: Handbags are a practical accessory that can also add a touch of style to any outfit. For weddings in 2023, look for handbags with classic shapes and timeless designs.

● Hair Accessories: Statement hair accessories, such as floral crowns, jeweled clips, or hair combs, can be a beautiful addition to the overall hairstyle. They can add a touch of whimsy, bohemian charm, or vintage elegance. Consider the hairstyle and the wedding theme when selecting hair accessories, ensuring they complement the overall look.

● Earrings: Earrings are a classic and elegant accessory that can add a touch of glamour to any outfit. For 2023, look for earrings with bold shapes and statement-making details, such as crystals, pearls, or feathers. Statement earrings can be a great choice to highlight the face and add sparkle or color. If the bridesmaid dresses have high necklines or are heavily embellished around the neckline, statement earrings can provide a beautiful focal point. Choose earrings that won't get tangled or hidden if your hair is worn down.

● Statement Necklaces: Necklaces can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. For 2023, look for necklaces with delicate chains and simple pendants. A statement necklace can be a stunning choice for bridesmaids. If the dress has a low or strapless neckline, a statement necklace can draw attention to the upper body and add a focal point. However, if the dress already has intricate beading or embellishments around theneckline, it may be best to opt for more subtle accessories or focus on other areas, such as earrings or bracelets.

● Bracelets and Cuffs: Bracelets are a fun and playful accessory that can add a pop of color to any outfit. For 2023, look for bracelets with bold colors and unique designs.Statement bracelets or cuffs can add a touch of glamour and elegance to the wrist area. They can be worn alone or stacked with more delicate bracelets for a layered look. Consider the sleeve length and style of the bridesmaid dresses when choosing bracelets to ensure they won't interfere with the overall look.