Expectations of Being in a Wedding Party
Getting asked to be in the wedding party of a friend or family member is an honor! You get to stand with them on their wedding day and celebrate all of the occasions leading up to it. However, we commonly hear of friendships and relationships ruined due to unclear expectations of what it means when you agree to be in the wedding party. To help you best understand what it means to be in a wedding party, we’ve outlined the general expectations for you here.
Pre-Wedding Expectations
The expectations of being in a wedding party start well before the wedding day. Couples often invite some wedding party members to dress shopping and dress fittings to help them get outside opinions. There may also be a wedding shower, bach party, and rehearsal dinner that you are expected to attend. Some couples may even require help planning these pre-wedding events and ask for you to lend a hand.
Before accepting your position in a wedding party it’s a good idea to make sure that you have the time and travel accommodations to participate in these pre-wedding events. If you don’t, you should let the couple know in advance so you can discuss it.
Wedding Day Expectations
On the day of the wedding, the couple should be your main priority. As a member of the wedding party, you will be expected to get ready with them, which sometimes means being up incredibly early for hair and makeup appointments. You’ll be expected to dress a certain way, and sometimes even have your hair and makeup a certain way. If these are things you aren’t comfortable with, you should discuss this with the couple before agreeing to be a party member.
During the wedding, you’ll probably be standing on the altar with the couple. You’ll be expected to participate in group photos and stay the whole time for the reception. Overall, you should expect to spend the wedding day making sure the couple has a great time.
Financial Expectations
One of the most complicated parts of being in a wedding party can be setting financial expectations. In general, wedding party members are expected to pay for their own outfits, travel, and lodging for every event leading up to and including the wedding day. There is usually also the expectation to help cover a portion of the guest of honor’s costs at the bach party. In addition, some couples may require you to pay for things like professional hair and makeup or to help with the cost of throwing a shower.
Being in a wedding party is expensive, so if you aren’t financially able to spend a large sum of money, don’t be afraid to say that! Politely explaining and choosing not to be part of the wedding party is often a much better route than bringing up the issue down the line.
Being a bridesmaid, groomsman, or other wedding party member can be a lot of fun! But it is also a lot of responsibility. Before you agree to stand beside your friend or family member on their wedding day, it’s good to lay out all of the expectations to make sure you’re on the same page.
Enjoy this blog? Check out these!
The Full Guide to Planning a Bach Party
Where to Get Ready on your Wedding Day
How to Dress a Mixed Gender Wedding Party
