The Chief Bridesmaid

The chief bridesmaid's duties are concerned mainly with two things: assisting the bride in her preparations on the big day, and looking after the younger bridesmaids. She holds the bride's bouquet as the couple undertake their marriage, carries emergency supplies for the bride, and may also act as a witness to the marriage. She also looks after the bride's wedding clothes when she changes.

It is quite usual for the bride to ask her eldest unmarried sister to be her chief bridesmaid, or, if she has no sister, another (usually) unmarried relative or her best friend.

The Chief Bridesmaid's Duties

Before the wedding day, the chief bridesmaid needs to:

• Help the bride keep track of acceptances and presents as they come in and with the general planning of the wedding
• Discuss her dress or outfit with the bride, and ascertain who will pay for the outfit
• Organise the Hen Night
• Attend the wedding rehearsal

On the day itself, she should:

• Help the bride with her hair, make-up and dress
• Help the other bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys get dressed and give them any final instructions on their duties
• Ensure bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls
• Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride

At the ceremony, she will:

• Re-arrange the bridal dress, veil and train when the bride arrives
• Follow behind the bride and her father up the aisle
• Lift the bride's veil at the chancel steps
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
• Witness the signing of the register
• Leave the ceremony after the bride and groom, accompanied by the best man
• Depart for the reception with any other bridesmaids and best man

At the reception, she should:

• Help to display and record gifts received
• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests
• Distribute slices of the wedding cake to the guests
• Have the first dance with the best man
• Help the bride change into her going away outfit
• Take care of the bride's dress and accessories if needed

After it's all over she needs to:

• Return any hired clothes and accessories
• Keep the remainder of the wedding cake until the couple return from their honeymoon