Jobs for your bridesmaids!

Finding your dress
You don’t hit the shops on your own normally, so there’s no need to leave the girls out of helping you buy the dress! Take along your chief bridesmaid plus your mum or sister to give you enough people to help you decide (and give honest opinions), without it becoming overwhelming.

For further fittings, one person is plenty, and make sure your mum’s there for your final fitting to see the finished look. It can be nice to ask your fiancé’s mum along to one fitting too. If you want to involve more of your bridesmaids, then why not plan an evening together and indulge in a girly wine-and-wedding-mags evening to discuss which dresses might suit you?

Choosing the bridesmaid dresses
Spend time looking around the shops or online, so that when you take your maids shopping you’ve got a good idea of what you want. Turn the day into an event by organising a girly lunch to get everyone in a great mood, and think about briefing your bridesmaids about the look you’re aiming for before they get carried away with their own ideas.

Plus, be prepared to compromise – not everyone’s going to look great in the same dress. If you really can’t find something that everyone likes, consider working to one colour and different styles, or go for a mismatched look.

Decorating your venue
The easiest way to add personality to your venue is by roping in your most talented girlfriends and family members. If your mum or aunt is handy with a sewing machine you can get them on bunting duty, and an artistic mate could design your table plan. Invite all your friends around and make an evening of crafting big-day details – a few bottles of red wine are a must! And ask some reliable friends to help you set up at the venue – you need people who won’t let you down and aren’t afraid of hard work.

Organising the hen do
Traditionally, this is the domain of the chief bridesmaid, and it’s up to you whether you help out with arrangements. If you’re letting your maids take over completely, give them some pointers on what you’d love – and hate. You don’t want the sophisticated celebration you had in mind to turn into L-plates and male strippers (or vice versa!).

One of the biggest hen do dilemmas is whether to ask your mum and future mother-in-law. A good compromise can be to organise a spa day or tea party for your closest friends and family members you want to have along, then have a second night out for a larger group of friends.

The night before
Surrounded yourself with people who’ll make you feel relaxed. Avoid your mum if you know she’s going to be stressing about last-minute details, and stick to people who’ll be up for a chilled-out evening or laid-back dinner.

Perhaps arrange a sleepover and pampering evening for your bridesmaids. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get their nails done and to chat through the running order – but set an early curfew to avoid dark circles!

The wedding morning
Your wedding morning is when all the girls get together for hair, make-up – and champagne! Get everyone organised by drawing up a rough timetable of when you’ll all be having your hair and make-up done, and give your most responsible bridesmaid the job of coordinating everybody’s times. You’ll also want one of your maids to check that the cars arrive in good time, and do up your dress, and don’t forget to have some photos taken with your mum and maids as you all get ready!

The day itself!
You’re the bride, so your main focus should be on enjoying your day. Work out in advance the roles you’re assigning which bridesmaid, and check they’re fully briefed. If any of them will need to make payments to suppliers (a job to split with the best man), make sure they have clearly labeled envelopes containing the correct amounts.

Your mum will be seated when you walk down the aisle, so ask her to look after your bag, and hand your bouquet to your chief bridesmaid when you reach the altar. If you have lots of close girlfriends, involve them in the day by asking them to do a reading at the ceremony. Plus, if you know any friends with a great voice or musical talents, why not get them to perform at your reception?