Bridesmaids

When we picture a wedding, we often imagine the bride in her gown, the groom waiting at the altar, and a group of smiling bridesmaids beside her. Bridesmaids have been an important part of wedding traditions for centuries, but their role is so much more than just walking down the aisle in matching dresses. From offering emotional support to providing logistical help, bridesmaids bring warmth, fun, and love to the wedding journey. Let’s explore the many different aspects of bridesmaids at a wedding.

The tradition of bridesmaids dates back thousands of years. In ancient Rome, bridesmaids wore similar attire to the bride to confuse evil spirits (and sometimes ill-intentioned suitors). In other cultures, bridesmaids acted as protectors, helping to ensure the bride’s safe journey to her wedding. Over time, the practice shifted from superstition to symbolism: surrounding the bride with her closest friends and family members.

Modern bridesmaids take on a combination of emotional and practical roles, often acting as a bride’s support system during the engagement period and on the wedding day itself. Key responsibilities may include:

Pre-wedding support: Assisting with planning, fittings, and offering advice.

Bridal shower or hen party, helping to host or plan memorable celebrations.

Day-of assistance: Holding bouquets, fixing veils, or helping to keep the bride calm before walking down the aisle.

Emotional cheerleaders: Providing encouragement, reassurance, and plenty of laughter.

But all of this has become a bit misunderstood over the years — if you look at the internet, being a bridesmaid is all about gifts, matching dresses, expensive hen dos, tantrums, and matching spray tans!!! Don’t be fooled; having bridesmaids simply means having a bit of support from your friends, male and female, straight or gay, related or not …it really doesn’t matter.

Bridesmaid dresses have also evolved dramatically. While the stereotype is often “all the same dress,” today’s couples often embrace mix-and-match styles, allowing bridesmaids to choose dresses that suit their bodies and personalities—while still fitting a cohesive theme. Popular trends include:

Same colour, different styles: Everyone wears the same shade, but the cut varies.

Palette coordination: Dresses in complementary colours for a gradient or seasonal effect.

Sustainable options: Renting dresses or choosing outfits that can be worn again.

Accessories, hairstyles, and bouquets are often coordinated to complement the bride’s look, but personalisation is more welcome than ever.

Being a bridesmaid is a big honour, but it can also be a financial and emotional commitment. Between dresses, shoes, hair, makeup, hen parties and travel, the costs can add up. Many couples today try to ease the burden by:

Allowing flexibility in dress prices.

Covering hair and makeup services.

Scaling back on pre-wedding events.

Open communication is key to keeping the experience joyful rather than stressful; the group chat organised by an overzealous chief bridesmaid can ruin the strongest of friendships!

As weddings become more personalised, so does the role of the bridesmaid. Some couples opt for mixed-gender wedding parties, with “bridesmen” or “groomsmaids”. And it’s okay to have just one bridesmaid, your ride or die. Don’t think people will judge you if you don’t have a team of cheerleaders with you.

One of the major headaches for a bridesmaid can be the hen do itself, so why not keep two and let people choose which one they want to attend? An evening out in the local pub or an afternoon tea, bottomless brunch or a week in Ibiza — that way, older family members can come, friends with young families can join in, and those on a budget don’t feel left out. If you are planning a wedding on a budget, bridesmaids can be expensive, but they don’t need a gift package, costly presents, hairdos, or make-up. Just tell them the colours of your wedding, let them wear their own dresses, and your photos will be just as beautiful. You don’t need perfection; you need your best friends on your big day.

The common theme is love and support—expressed in whatever way best suits the couple’s personality.

Bridesmaids are more than just a tradition; they’re a living reminder of friendship, love, and shared joy. Whether they’re helping with wedding preparations, keeping the bride calm on the big day, or dancing the night away at the reception, bridesmaids play a truly special role. While trends and traditions may evolve, the core of being a bridesmaid—standing beside someone you love on one of the happiest days of their life—remains timeless.

Join me next week with some alternative hen & stag do ideas