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Your BFF's Getting Married? Here's Every Bridesmaid Duty You Need to Nail!

Date 7 February 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins

Shaadi season's here and your bestie just pulled a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on you. Cue the happy tears, bear hugs, and celebratory chai sessions! But hold up, being a bridesmaid is no cakewalk. From hunting down the perfect outfits to being the bride's 24x7 cheer squad, you've got a whole list of bridesmaid duties to tick off. Don't worry, here's the ultimate guide to being the best bridesmaid ever and making your BFF's big day extra special.

Understanding the Role of a Bridesmaid

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of your bridesmaid to-do list, let's first understand what being a bridesmaid really entails. In Indian weddings, bridesmaids are usually the bride's closest friends, sisters, or cousins who form her support system throughout the wedding journey. From being her emotional rock to helping her navigate the chaos of wedding planning, bridesmaids wear many hats (and sometimes, even the groom's pagdi during the joota chupai!).


As a bridesmaid, you'll be expected to be by the bride's side through thick and thin, rain or shine, and even when the mehendi artist is running two hours late. You'll be her personal stylist, therapist, and sometimes, even her punching bag (blame it on the wedding stress!). But above all, your role is to ensure that the bride has the most magical, memorable wedding day ever.

The Comprehensive Bridesmaid Duties Checklist

Brides-to-be, take note: your bridesmaids are about to become your real-life superheroes. Picture this: It's 2 a.m. on your wedding day, and your bestie-turned-bridesmaid is racing to your rescue with a spool of thread to fix that tiny rip in your lehenga. Sounds familiar? Well, bridesmaid duties go far beyond just looking pretty in matching outfits.


If you've been bestowed the honour of being a bridesmaid, buckle up for a whirlwind of responsibilities that'll make you the ultimate wedding wingwoman. But fret not, we've got your back with this comprehensive bridesmaid duties checklist that covers everything from pre-wedding prep to post-shaadi madness. Ready to dive in? Let's go!


Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties

  1. Be her shopping buddy: From bridal lehengas to bridal sarees, accompany the bride on her countless shopping trips and help her find the perfect outfits for every function. Don't forget to give honest opinions, even if it means vetoing that neon green bridal gown she's somehow fallen in love with.
  2. Plan the bachelorette: Rally the girl gang and plan an epic bachelorette party that the bride will never forget. Whether it's a wild Goa getaway or a cozy pyjama party, make sure it's a celebration that's tailored to the bride's personality and preferences.
  3. Attend all pre-wedding functions: From the engagement to the mehendi, make sure you're present at every pre-wedding celebration. Bonus points if you can master the art of juggling a chilled Mojito while getting your mehendi applied.
  4. Help with DIY decor: If the bride's going the DIY route for her decor, offer to help with crafting those mason jar centrepieces or stringing up those fairy lights. Just make sure you have a first-aid kit handy for those inevitable hot glue gun burns.
  5. Be her stress buster: Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so make sure you're there to lend a listening ear and offer words of encouragement whenever the bride needs it. Pro tip: Keep a stash of her favourite chocolate handy for those extra stressful moments.

Bridesmaid Duties on the Wedding Day

  1. Get ready with the bride: The morning of the wedding, gather all the bridesmaids and get ready together with the bride. Help her with any last-minute touch-ups, and make sure everyone's looking their absolute best.
  2. Help her get dressed: Assist the bride in getting into her bridal lehenga or bridal saree, and make sure everything's in place before she makes her grand entrance. Double-check that the dupatta's draped just right and that there are no lipstick stains on her teeth.
  3. Hold her bouquet: During the ceremony, hold the bride's bouquet and make sure it's readily available for all those picture-perfect moments.
  4. Be her personal assistant: From holding her lipstick to making sure she's hydrated, be the bride's go-to person for anything she needs throughout the day.
  5. Ace the bridesmaid poses: When it's time for those group shots, make sure you've mastered your best bridesmaid poses. Practice that 'looking lovingly at the bride' gaze and that 'candid laughter' shot until you've nailed it.

Post-Wedding Bridesmaid Role

  1. Help with the send-off: After the reception, help the bride gather her belongings and make sure she has everything she needs before she leaves for her honeymoon.
  2. Return any rented items: If there were any rented outfits or accessories, make sure they're returned on time to avoid any late fees.
  3. Keep the memories alive: Gather all the photos and videos from the wedding and create a beautiful album or montage for the bride to relive her special day.

Bridesmaid To-Do List: A Timeline

Here's a simple breakdown of bridesmaid duties as per the timeline of Indian wedding. Cue some ideas from the same and curate your custom bridesmaid duties to-do list now!

6 Months Before the Wedding

  • Go shopping with the bride for her bridal lehengabridal saree, or bridal gown
  • Start planning the bachelorette party
  • Attend any engagement celebrations

3 Months Before the Wedding

  • Finalize the bachelorette party details and send out invites
  • Help the bride with any DIY decor projects
  • Attend the bridal shower

1 Month Before the Wedding

  • Confirm your outfit and accessories for each function
  • Help the bride pack her trousseau
  • Attend the mehendi and sangeet celebrations

On the Wedding Day

  • Get ready with the bride and other bridesmaids
  • Help the bride with any last-minute touch-ups
  • Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
  • Be the bride's personal assistant throughout the day
  • Ace those bridesmaid poses for the photos

After the Wedding

  • Help the bride with the send-off
  • Return any rented items
  • Gather photos and videos to create a memory album

Common Questions About Bridesmaid Roles

Q: Do bridesmaids have to pay for their own outfits?

A: In most cases, yes. Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own outfits, accessories, and any travel or accommodation costs.


Q: Can bridesmaids choose their own outfits?

A: It depends on the bride's preferences. Some brides may have a specific colour or style in mind, while others may give their bridesmaids more freedom to choose their own outfits within a certain theme.


Q: What if I can't afford to be a bridesmaid?

A: Be honest with the bride about your financial situation. Most brides will understand and may be willing to compromise or find alternative solutions to help reduce costs.


Q: How many bridesmaids should there be?

A: There's no set rule for how many bridesmaids there should be. It ultimately depends on the bride's preferences and the size of the wedding party.

Forever On-The-Bride-Side!

Being a bridesmaid is no easy feat, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. From the countless shopping trips to the tearful moments of joy, being a part of your best friend's wedding journey is a true honour. Just remember, when the going gets tough, put on your best smile, grab a glass of champagne, and know that you're making memories that will last a lifetime.


And if you're looking for the perfect bridesmaid outfits, don't forget to check out Mohey's stunning collection of bridal sareesbridal lehengas, and wedding gowns. With Mohey's exquisite designs and unparalleled craftsmanship, you're sure to find the perfect ensemble to make you feel like the ultimate bridesmaid goddess.


So go forth, dear bridesmaid, and conquer the wedding world with your unmatched style, unwavering support, and unbeatable dance moves. The bride's counting on you, and we know you'll rise to the occasion like the true queen that you are.

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