Master List of Wedding Etiquette for the Bridal Party
- Royal Affairs Ballroom
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A bridal party invitation is both exciting and overwhelming! If you haven’t participated in a bridal party before, you might feel unsure about your role. The master list of wedding etiquette for the bridal party will prepare you for a stress-free experience that is full of fun.
The internet can be confusing at times with what is appropriate and what is not during a wedding. There are old ways of doing things, and there are new ways of doing things.
In keeping with tradition, we will be sharing etiquette that is timeless for the bridal party. For some newer takes on etiquette, this article from Brides.com may be helpful.
First things first, the goal of wedding etiquette is to honor the bride and groom for the deep bond of friendship you enjoy with them. Second, the bridal party provides support, assistance, and encouragement throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. Keeping these two things in mind as you navigate your responsibilities will help you feel joyful and peaceful as you participate in the fun activities. An additional recommendation is to communicate with the bride throughout the wedding planning time to avoid misunderstanding and to clarify expectations.
Bridal Party Checklist:
Send an engagement gift
Shop for the necessary (required) bridal party attire
Book necessary travel
Attend all bridal showers
Attend the bachelorette party
Attend the rehearsal dinner
Get ready with the bridal party
Send a wedding gift
Participate in the ceremony, photos, and day of events
Give a speech (if asked)
Be a helper
Attend farewell party
Show support and encouragement throughout
Engagement gift
Once you receive an invitation to be part of the bridal party and have determined you can participate, it is customary to send an engagement gift. An engagement gift can be something celebratory like an engraved (or just pick their favorite) bottle of wine, champagne, or other beverage along with a set of glasses from which to drink.
Do you know where their first date took place? Send a photo or a watercolor picture of their first date along with the details of the event. We love these options you can find on Etsy. A beautiful, thoughtful, affordable engagement gift!
Bridal party attire
The bridal party attire will include the dress, shoes, and accessories necessary for the wedding itself. Some brides may prefer other items to be included, and some may gift those items to the bridal party. It’s best to budget and set money aside so that there are no surprises and everything needed arrives in time.
Travel plans
It is generally expected that travel to the destination is paid for by each member of the bridal party. Book your travel plans including airfare, car rental or ride share, and hotel accommodations in advance.
Bridal showers
Generally, there will be 1-2 bridal showers, but it’s important to attend whatever showers you are invited to and show support for the bride. This does not mean that a gift is necessary at each shower. You can pick a shower or bring a gift to the wedding. Generally, it is easier to send a gift to one of the showers rather than the wedding.
Bachelorette party
As a member of the bridal party, it’s important to attend the bachelorette party events. Each member of the bridal party is expected to help plan, pay for, and attend this event. That also means you cover the bride’s portion of the event. The maid of honor will often pay for the event and collect money from the bridal party that covers the cost of the bride as well.
Rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will be attended by all involved parties. This rehearsal will allow all people in the ceremony the chance to walk through the event and then celebrate at the dinner afterward. The bridal party will be present, show support, and encourage the bride.
Get ready
On the day of the wedding, the bridal party will get ready together at a designated place. This is a great opportunity for fun, fellowship, and encouragement for the bride. Being prepared with extra bobby pins, safety pins, baby wipes, mints, and other necessary items is an important part of bridal party duties.
Wedding
Your role in the ceremony should be pretty clear. Follow the instructions given at the rehearsal dinner and be prepared with words of encouragement for the bride before she walks down the aisle. The maid of honor may need to hold the bouquet at some point during the ceremony, but otherwise, the bridal party is to stand beside the bride showing years of friendship and community.
Wedding gift
Make a selection from the couple’s registry for the wedding gift. Pick something they both want that is listed on the registry to avoid any unnecessary exchanges. It is acceptable to agree with other bridesmaids and pool money to select a larger gift. Make sure the gift is received at a bridal shower prior to the wedding ceremony and reception. Someone has to bring all the gifts home at the end of the evening.
Give a speech
If you are asked to give a speech or toast, prepare what you will say in advance in order to avoid stumbling over words, getting too emotional, or forgetting what you want to say. We’ve written about writing a great speech or toast here. Prepared speeches allow you to communicate the message clearly and encourage feelings of peace during delivery. Avoid consuming too much alcohol prior to the speech as this can make for an embarrassing moment for all parties.
Help
Look for ways to help. The purpose of the bridal party is to take the responsibility off of the bride (and groom) so that they can completely relax and enjoy the day. At the end of the evening, gather up anything that needs to be kept from the tables, or pick up anything that the bride may have left behind and take it home for her. Look for ways to be helpful. Notice something that needs attention and do it.
Farewell party
Farewell parties are most common in destination weddings, so if your bride and groom are hosting a farewell party, it is necessary to attend. Schedule your travel plans after the farewell party. For destination weddings, this is often a breakfast where people gather to eat and then say goodbye.
Show support and encouragement.
The purpose of the bridal party is to show support and encouragement throughout the planning process and all of the festive events for the wedding. Your goal is to be available, peaceful, and encouraging so that the bride and groom can thoroughly enjoy their special day. One day it will be your wedding day, and you will have a bridal party sharing in the joy as you plan your wedding. Think of the kind of help and support you would need or want, and do that.
At Royal Affairs, we see many weddings throughout the year. Even as traditional wedding etiquette changes, we still notice some things remain the same. The bridal party is a place of honor selected by the bride. Be a hospitable guest and bridal party member.
Our goal is to make the wedding and reception as stress-free as possible. Our staff strives to relieve any burden from the entire wedding party so they can truly enjoy every minute of celebration. If you haven’t seen Royal Affairs Ballroom for yourself, call us today and schedule a private tour of the venue. You will love the beautiful space and outdoor rooftop area. Call today at 972-221-6565 and secure your preferred date.
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