Tasks & Meaning
Especially on big and traditional weddings the bride chooses to have a hand-picked selection of bridesmaids by her side. Even if the tradition has changed the last centuries it is still a proven thing.
We will give you some tips to decide which friends are appropriate enough to be your maid of honor.
History
In the Middle Ages the bridesmaids had the role to take care of the bride. They wear similar dresses to look as beautiful as the bride herself. So if a vicious demon came to seize the bride he would have been so confused by all the beautiful woman he would disappear as quick as he arrived. Of course the function of bridesmaids has changed over the years…
Today
As it was an more ungrateful task to be a bridesmaid then, it is an honor today. If your friend asks you to be her maid of honor you would, of course, appreciate that and happily agree to that exciting role.
But you should not forget that it is not always a pleasure being a bridesmaid. It can also be exhausting as you have some important duties.
As a bridesmaid you will help your friend getting ready at the day of her wedding. You will make sure her look is flawless and breathtaking. Together with her bridesmaids the bride will enjoy all preparations for the big day. Instead of panic or fuss she will feel joyful anticipation.
If choosing the right wedding dress or the decision of the bridesmaids dresses, you should not walk this road alone. Let your inner circle be part of it, too.
Who you choose for being your bridesmaids is entirely your decision. But your decision should be well thought out as you should not take it back.
In Germany three to four bridesmaids are norm. In the USA it is quite usual to have six to eight bridesmaids by your side. How much you truly choose is your decision, too. It can be more or less, it does not matter. But you should make sure that it will not be too much.
In a calm moment you going to ask your chosen ones and let them know that you need help at your big day.
Criteria
A bridesmaid should be a good friend for you. It is usual that the bridesmaids belong to the brides friends and not the grooms. It could end up bad if your bridesmaid uses to be close to your groom or even be his ex-girlfriend. Their task is to be your right hand during all preparations and the day of the wedding.
You should never forget that you ask your bridesmaids for a big contribution. They will also be in the spotlight during your wedding. Furthermore it is pretty usual that the bridesmaids have to pay for transport, sleepover, dresses and accessories on her own. They should have been proven oneself as an organizational talent and most important: be motivated!
Dresses
The outfits will be chosen together with the bride. You can enjoy your girly friendship by a glass of Prosecco and just have an amazing time together.
There are plenty decisions to make regarding the dresses. Which color? Which style? Same dresses? Different dresses?
The bridesmaids dresses should harmonize with the wedding dress but it should never outshine it.
You should start making this decision early enough so you will not have any pressure at the end.
Bridal Shower
This trend from the USA is capturing Europe more and more.
It is a girls night where you meet up all your bridesmaids and have an amazing time together. If Brunch or at the beach club or at lunch or dinner or even at home on your couch with a family pizza. This is your party and you will choose how to spend it.
Traditional the bridesmaid will bring small gifts. Those can be funny and functional or even made for the wedding night…
The bridesmaids will take part of preparation during the planning period and implementation at the day of your wedding. You shall have an unforgettable time together and enjoy each moment.