Being a bridesmaid is one of those age-old traditions that has been passed down year after year like your great-grandma’s cocktail jewelry. So when you’re best friend or close family member asks you the question, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” you may find yourself dancing around a list of questions over what you’re supposed to do and how much will this ultimately cost you? Don’t worry too much. We’ve got you covered with our list of the 10 most frequently asked bridesmaid questions.
1. What am I supposed to do before the actual wedding happens?
It’s simple. Be there to support the bride. Offer to help with things you’re awesome at — like organizing tasks, DIY crafts, or being her pop up therapist.
2. Do I have to buy the bridesmaid dress the bride picks out?
Nope! But you do have to wear it. You can rent it or borrow it from a savvy site online. Either way, you should have it hanging in your closet at least a month before the wedding.
3. So, how much will this whole shindig will cost me?
Depending on your location and the requests of the bride, you may end up spending anywhere from under $400 to over $2,000.
4. When do I get the bride her gifts?
The main gift milestones are the engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelorette party and then of course on the wedding. If you can’t afford gifts for all these events, choose a DIY type gift and save some cash that way or go in on group gifts.
5. What should I bring with me the day of?
Your own mini-survival kit of toiletries. A phone charger. Extra comfy shoes to change into. A positive very energetic attitude. Your bridesmaid dress-of and of course, your epic dance moves.
6. Can I back out of it?
Of course. But no one likes a last minute no-show. Let the bride know way ahead of time that you can’t be a bridesmaid anymore. Be sure to tell her a detailed reason why.
7. Do I have to go to everything?
No, especially if you live far away. But if you can’t go to something, let the bride know in a timely fashion and send a gift or a handwritten letter. Something to make her feel special.
8. Do I have to make a speech?
If you want to say a little something, the time to do it could be at the bridal shower or even the rehearsal dinner. It’s best to float the idea around the bridal party and pair up with a few other maids to deliver a speech before the wedding.
9. How should I prep for the big day?
Stuff your purse with Band-Aids and Advil. Make sure you have your bridesmaid dress ready to go. Practice catching the bouquet once or twice.
10. Am I going to have fun?
It depends. How good at you at the Electric Slide, the Hora, the Cha-Cha slide?
