YOUR BRIDESMAID RESPONSIBILITIES: Top 3 Things You’ll Spend Money On Planning and hosting parties. The bridal party is in charge of planning and throwing both the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. This means you should brainstorm game ideas, research locations, chip in on the cost of decor, food, and prizes, help decorate, and as- sist with hosting duties. Shopping for bridesmaid dresses. The bride may ask you to help her narrow down or choose bridesmaid dresses. She values your opinion, so don’t be afraid to let her know your thoughts about silhouette, color, and budget. Tread lightly, though. Ultimately, the decision is the bride’s – not yours. Helping the bride with planning tasks. Though this may not be asked of you, you should be prepared and willing to help the bride with any wedding planning tasks, like attending wedding dress shopping trips and fittings, and helping with any DIY projects. Attending pre-wedding events. These include: shopping trips, engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, ceremo- ny rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. Being a bridesmaid is a huge time commitment, but you should try your best to appear at each event. Keeping the bride sane. As the bride’s best friend, you’re going to have to deal with some bridezilla moments. Listening to some scream- ing or comforting an inconsolable bride is part of the job description, and it’s your responsibil- ity to step in and make sure the bride remem- bers what really matters – marrying her fiancé. Your wedding day look – While you probably already accounted for buying a bridesmaid dress, you’ll also need to buy shoes and jewelry, plus pay for your hair and makeup to be done. Gifts – As a bridesmaid, you should be prepared to buy gifts for the engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party. For the bridal shower, feel free to ask the other bridesmaids if they want to go in on a gift together! Parties – Not only will you help plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party, but you’ll also be expected to help finance these events, whether you bring a cookie tray, pay for DIY supplies, or chip in toward a rental fee. You may also have to pay for your own transportation and lodging if you go out-of-town to celebrate. Share this list of responsibilities and expectations with your bridesmaids! Cost Range of Being a Bridesmaid: $700 to $1,500+ BRIDESMAID ATTIRE Christina Wu - 22817 available at American Commodore Dress Shoppe Bridesmaids Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honor but also a massive commitment. A lot of time, money, and patience is required to make your best friend’s wedding absolutely perfect – not to mention all the responsibilities! Here are just a few things you should be prepared to tackle as a dutiful bridesmaid. 28 | TODAY'S BRIDE