Chief bridesmaid ... confidant, wingman and shoulder to cry on.

Picking your ‘chief’ is a big decision. They will be your wingman throughout and someone to lean on throughout the build-up.

The chief bridesmaid is usually a sister or close friend of the bride. If she is already married herself or if the bride is a widow and is re-marrying, her title becomes Matron of Honour.

The ‘chief’ is expected to liaise closely with the bride during all the wedding preparations and help to look after the other bridesmaids and any flower girls or page boys.

It’s a big role and extremely prestigious.

The chief will be expected to:

  • Be a sounding board and confidant to the bride.
  • Assist in general with the planning before and on the wedding day.
  • Plan and organise the hen party (along with the other bridesmaids).
  • Help the bride to choose her dress and the bridesmaids dresses.
  • Co-ordinate dress fittings with the bridesmaids.
  • Prepare an emergency kit for the day (helped by bridesmaids).
  • Help organise the attendants at the rehearsal and on the day.
  • Confirm final travel arrangements with the best man and any other ushers, including the time of arrival at the church or registry office.
  • Attend the wedding rehearsal if required.
  • Collect any hired clothing and accessories.
  • Ensure bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girl.
  • Help the bride with her hair, make-up and dress.
  • Help the other bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys to get dressed and give them any final instructions on their duties.
  • Arrange the bride's dress and veil.
  • Follow behind the bride and her father up the aisle.
  • Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.
  • Witness the signing of the register if required.
  • Leave the church accompanied by the best man after the bride and groom.
  • Depart for the reception with any other bridesmaids and best man after the bride and groom.
  • Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests.
  • Help to display and record gifts received.
  • 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 her dress, accessories and bouquet if required.
  • And finally...relax and enjoy the honour of the role.
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TOP TIP: It is really up to the bride what she expects of her chief so it’s important to sit down together and have an informal chat about the role.

Many of the traditional roles above can be carried out by other members of the party or you may think that some are just not appropriate for your day.

The key is to let people know (in a polite way of course) what their individual roles are.

Don’t expect people to just know what they are required to do.