YOUR Bridesmaid Duties as a Pregnant Bridesmaid
How to be sure you don't take on too much!
 It's an honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid! But, will you cope?
You'll need to understand your bridesmaid duties to be worthy of that honour! And, as a pregnant bridesmaid, you also need to be totally confident that you'll be able to carry out all of your duties throughout the lead-up to the wedding and on the wedding day itself ...
... it's definitely not all about choosing a fabulous maternity bridesmaid dress, following the bride up the aisle and smiling for the cameras! So what have you really let yourself in for then? Here's the scoop on what being a pregnant bridesmaid is really all about...
Bridesmaid Duties Before The Wedding Day
Months before the actual wedding day, adult bridesmaids usually get together with the bride-to-be to help with planning and preparations.
One of the most enjoyable bridesmaid duties is when the bridesmaids go shopping with the bride to help choose dresses and accessories both for the bride herself and for the bridesmaids. And while this IS the fun bit, remember ... Before anyone buys anything, it's important to be very clear about who is paying for what! Traditionally, the bride / bride's family will pay for the bridesmaids' outfits, however times do change and it's worth checking your assumptions before any financial commitments are made.
Bridesmaid Duties at the Hen or Bachelorette Party
 Most brides-to-be want a party with girl-friends before the wedding day and it's one of your bridesmaid duties to organise this for her! Big boozy hen parties or bachelorette parties are very popular, however some brides prefer to have a pampering party at home. You'll need to find out what the bride-to-be wants to be able to organise the event. As you are pregnant ...
- Will you have the energy to organise the party? (How many weeks pregnant will you be? You might feel great now, but expect to be tired when you reach your third trimester)
 - Where will the party be? (It's become very popular to have a hen weekend away from home ... and that could involve flying. Will you still be able to fly?
- Will you be chief bridesmaid? (There are usually extra responsibilities involved! Find out NOW what they will be!)
- How many people will be at the party and will you be organising lots of friends of the bride-to-be from out of town? (This can be very stressful, so you'll need to be very organised and let people know what you expect of them!
- Who can help share the workload? (How many bridesmaids are there? What about the bride's female relatives or other girl-friends)
What's your contingency plan just in case things don't go according to plan? Have you discussed this with the bride-to-be?
Other areas where you might be expected / asked to help
- Planning and organising the bridal shower
- Choosing and ordering wedding decorations and wedding favours
- Addressing wedding invitations and place cards ... especially if you have good hand-writing!
Your Bridesmaid Duties in the week before the wedding
Up to one week before the big day
 You'll need to book time for the wedding rehearsal in your schedule. Check with the bride-to-be how much time you need to set aside for this rehearsal. (Check that there will be somewhere for you to sit down ... there might be quite a lot of 'hanging around')
The day before the wedding
Collect any hired clothing and make sure your outfit is complete.
If you'll be getting ready tomorrow at the bride's home, check that your bag is packed with everything you'll need tomorrow!
Your Bridesmaid Duties on the day of the wedding
Before the ceremony
- Check with the chief bridesmaid / bride's mother for any last minute instructions
- Help the bride to get ready ... steady her nerves ... just 'be there for her'
- Help younger bridesmaids to get dresses and ready
- Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride, to be ready to help her from her transport when she arrives.
At the ceremony
 - Follow the bride up the aisle, behind the chief bridesmaid
- Help with any little bridesmaids
- Leave the church after the chief bridesmaid
- Accompany the chief bridesmaid and any other bridesmaids to the reception
At the reception
- Stand in the receiving line (if any) to greet guests
After the wedding
- Return any hired clothing / accessories on time
It's such a huge compliment to be asked to be a bridesmaid ... don't say 'No' before working through all the options. After all ... you've been asked because you're special!
Find beautiful maternity bridesmaid dresses here.
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