Bridesmaids + Groomsmen are a traditional staple to any wedding. This is an opportunity for the lucky couple to include those closest to them in one of the biggest days of their lives and an opportunity for you to ROCK it! Being a member of the wedding party comes with responsibilities, none of which should be taken lightly, and all of which can greatly impact the overall success of the day. So here’s a handy list of ways that you can help your BFF’s special day be as smoooooooooooth and stress-free as possible.

Help keep things on schedule…
This is your MOST important job. Usually, a wedding planner or venue coordinator will be make sure that everything is running smoothly, but it’s your responsibility to be present + ready ON TIME …hey, even a little early won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Be sure to get a copy of the wedding-day timeline from the coordinator or photographer the day before so that you’re able to gently nudge the appropriate people if things start to get delayed.

Run interference…
There are going to be A LOT of people who want to talk to the couple on their wedding day, but they need to focus on each other and guests. Wedding party members should serve as point people for questions (for example, “Where’s the restroom?” “Is there a guest book?”) or help move them away from anyone who might be causing stress or anxiety. The overbearing Great Aunt who just won’t let them get on with their family portraits… step in and help keep her occupied so that the couple can stay on time = less stress = more fun.

Hold stuff…
This one is more for the ladies. It’s important to have a small “emergency kit” on hand. Prepare a clutch filled with your essentials (phone, lipstick, dental floss, hair pins, needle + thread, etc.), assign someone to keep track of it during the ceremony and reception. Should the bride need any of the items during the wedding day, she’ll know exactly who to turn to.

Do the right thing…
The sign of a true friend is someone who will immediately pull you aside and tell you that you have food stuck in your teeth. And that’s exactly what wedding party folks need to do for the couple, who should look their best at all times. So whether it’s a lipstick smudge on the cheek, her dress is out of place, or a collar needs to be adjusted, help them fix it ASAP. The coordinator + photographer will be keeping their eyes peeled also, but let’s face it, there’s A LOT to keep track of and everyone can use a little help.

Help the bride go to the bathroom…
Again, this is one for the ladies. Going to the restroom in a big ol’ wedding gown isn’t easy – so she’ll certainly need an assistant or two to help. There’s no need to be shy here ladies – just get it done! Wedding Dress + Bathroom Hack >>> here.

Be a calming force…
There may be some stressful moments throughout the wedding day, and it’s your job to make sure the couple doesn’t get swept up in the potential madness. Arrange ahead of time which of your will be in charge of gathering family members for photos, pinning boutonnieres, getting coffee, etc. Scattering is the enemy = Planning ahead is your new bestie.

Maintain an attentive, happy expression during the processional, ceremony, and recessional.
There is nothing worse for ceremony photographs than grumpy looking faces. You probably won’t even realize that you’re doing it. Maybe it’s really bright, you’re hungry, uncomfortable, or maybe it’s none of these things and you’re just focusing on the task at hand. Either way do your best to remember the following tips for a happy looking wedding party: 1. Look forward to the couple whenever possible – not at the ground or photographer. 2. Don’t lock out your knees. 3. Smile. Enjoy the ceremony and all the wonderful emotions that go with seeing your friends tie the knot. 4. It’s totally ok to cry. …just don’t hold your breath.

Make sure everyone eats…
Eating may be the last thing on their minds during the reception, but it’s important that they do… promptly. If you arrive to the reception before the couple make up a pair of small plates for them so they don’t have to leave their table to get food. Help keep guests at bay so they have a chance to eat + relax without being interrupted. Don’t forget about yourself and your fellow wedding party member. 🙂

First on, last off the dance floor…
Bridesmaids and groomsmen act as the epitomes of “party people” throughout the celebration and serve as examples to other guests. You should be mainstays on the dance floor, but also listen attentively to the speeches and be present for the cake cutting and other important events. If a family member or table looks lonely be sure to include them in some conversation and thank them for attending.

Keep track of gifts…
Whether a gift table is set up or not, there is a strong likelihood that guests will be handing the couple gifts + cards throughout the day. A wedding party member should be assigned the role of “Gift Keeper,” making sure that all the gifts get to a safe place. Also arrange where the gifts will go at the end of the night and let the Gift Keeper load up the appropriate vehicle after dinner.

Until they shut it down…
If possible, wedding party members should be among the last to leave the celebration and should make sure any end-of-the-night details are taken care of before heading home.

Did your BFF just ask you to be their Best Man or MOH? Congratulations! Please visit my FAQ page for information on booking Amanda Photographic for authentic, storytelling, and thoughtful wedding photography.

 

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