A wedding party is all smiles and entertainment for everybody around, but one person. Her hands are usually too full, practically leaving out any possibility of amusement. Even the happy couple, who will remain in the limelight throughout their big day – and who must be up to the status – will be less preoccupied. Surely, because they have someone to rely on: the chief bridesmaid.

All Girl’s Night

The girl, chosen for the role, acquires a lot of duties and responsibilities. She will be quite busy even well before the date. One of the tasks is arranging something called ‘hen party’ – or night for the bride-to-be. It is the opposite of the bachelor or stag party – a symbolic say-good buy-to-your-single-life for a man who is about to tie the knot.

On the North American continent the event also goes by the name ‘bachelorette party’, or stagette in Canada. The derivative suggests that people imagine the gathering to be as racy and sodden as the event for the groom’s male company. Bear in mind, though, that a good friend of the bride plans things most comfortably for her, with regard to her social preferences and character.

Some pre-marriage all-girls’ parties turn out to be wild and drunken indeed – with male striptease and other attributes of feminism and gender equality epoch. Most often, however, it is a nice get-together with chitchat over tea and cookies for the bride’s female friends and relations. It is very important to arrange it in such a way that won’t be embarrassing or humiliating for anyone, the guest of honor particularly.

When the wedding day comes

The woman, who is about to get married, is not supposed to be very active in the organizational activities. So, girls – those, who are going to take wedding vows soon – carefully select your ‘maids of honor’ – otherwise they can disappoint or let you down. The hen night, we spoke of above, is just the beginning of the ‘acid test’.

On the day of the nuptial ceremony the chief bridesmaid is to attend to the bride’s needs. She also has to make sure that everything runs smoothly as planned. Wardrobe is, probably, the most attention-consuming charge. The chief bridesmaid:

• Helps the bride into her gown and out of it, when the reception is over;
• Checks that the dress doesn’t hitch or catch, when the couple gets in and out of the car;
• Evens the clothes out, etc. in preparation for photo sessions;
• Fixes the bride’s hair and make-up, when necessary, and so on.

The lady’s dress should be elegant and beautiful, but subdued in style. The worst etiquette blunder anyone can pull is to overshadow the bride on her big day, picking out a look that is too flashy, fancy or inappropriate.

It is already viewed as tradition, that all bridesmaids at a wedding wear the same color and often design. There are always exceptions. It makes sense to choose a balanced palette, suitable considering the surrounding. Rosy or pink bridesmaid dress is a safe option. Other popular classic shades include blue and mauve.

The chief maid of honor is charged with the task of directing people in the ceremonial functions. She is the person lining up the retinue and guests before they go down the aisle ‘down the aisle’. The girl helps to hold the bouquet while the rings are exchanged and so on and, occasionally, may even be asked to make a speech!

The busy lady acts in close concert with the best man, the groom’s right hand of the day, who has a number of own duties. The two will usually assist each other in every way throughout the nuptial. For example, they are entrusted with preparing the room for the newlyweds: bringing champagne and glasses, arranging flowers – scattering some onto the bed, maybe.

Apart from various practical things, it is essential to keep cool, calm and collected. Marriage ceremonies can be exhausting and stressful for the bride and her groom. Someone should also be able to offer comfort and reassurance, when needed.