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You need to understand your bridesmaid duties, because it's such an honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid

... and you need to know what you're expected to do!

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 ...

1. Your 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.

As a general rule, if you're paying for your own bridesmaid dress, you should expect to choose it ... if the bride / bride's family are paying, be prepared to be flexible and fit in with their wishes!

2. 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 biggest 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.

The key to organising a successful event is finding out what the bride-to-be wants.

Questions to ask youself ... just because you're pregnant.

1. 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)
   
   
2. 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?
   
   
3. Will you be chief bridesmaid? (There are usually extra responsibilities involved! Find out NOW what they will be!)
   
   
4. 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!
   
   
5. 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!

3. Your Bridesmaid Duties in the week before the wedding

i. Up to one week before the big day

Attend the wedding rehearsal and help out at the rehearsal dinner.

ii. 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!

4. Your Bridesmaid Duties on the day of the wedding

i. 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.

ii. At the ceremony

• Follow the bride up the aisle, behind the chief bridesmaid
• Help arrange the bride's dress / train as she joins her husband-to-be, at the start of the ceremony
• Help with any little bridesmaids
• Leave the church after the chief bridesmaid
• Accompany the chief bridesmaid and any other bridesmaids to the reception

iii. At the reception

Stand in the receiving line (if any) to greet guests

iv. After the wedding

Return any hired clothing / accessories on time

It's 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!

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