the chief bridesmaid

The chief bridesmaid performs many important duties throughout the wedding process, working closely with on the bride on matters small and large. Chief bridesmaids are commonly sisters or dear friends of the bride. In the event the bride is a widower who is getting remarried, or the chief bridesmaid herself is already married, her title is changed to Matron of Honour. Among the chief bridesmaid’s many duties is to assist with the selection of the other bridesmaids, as well as the page boys, and flower girl, and to help the bride choose her dress and prepare come wedding day. The following is a list of tasks commonly performed by the chief bridesmaid.

9 months

Help choose the dress for the bride and bridesmaids

6 months

Meet with the bride, groom, and best man to discuss arrangements
If the dress for the bride is being made, ensure that everything is coming along as scheduled, and make arrangements as to who will pay for it

1 week before

Confer with the best man and ushers to ensure travel arrangements and scheduled times are still in order
Draw up a list of family and guests who should be escorted to their seats and pass it along to the best man
Take part in the wedding rehearsal
Get your hair cut
Secure a few large umbrellas

The day before

Pick up any hired clothing or accessories if applicable

On the day

Make sure the bouquets for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girl are prepared
Help the bride with her dress, make-up, and hair as needed
Help out the other bridesmaids, as well as the flower girl and page boys, to get dressed and remind them of their duties for the day
Depart for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride is scheduled to do so

At the church

Make final tweaks to the bride’s dress and veil
Trail behind the bride and her father as they walk up the aisle
Hold the bride’s bouquet throughout the ceremony
Be a witness to the signing of the register if needed
Follow the bride and groom from the church alongside the best man
Head for the reception along with the best man and bridesmaids after the bride and groom have departed

At the reception

Greet guests as a member of the receiving line
Help display and record the marriage gifts received
Help pass out slices of the wedding cake to guests
After the bride and groom have had the first dance, take the next dance with the best man
Help the bride change out of her dress and into her going away outfit
Take possession of the bride’s dress and any accessories if necessary

After the wedding

Be sure to return any hired clothing and/or accessories