Being a bridesmaid is such a big honour and so much fun. But depending on the couple you're doing it for, and the kind of wedding they're having, it can also be a lot of hard work. Most of the job though, is just about showing up, and showing an interest. However, lots of bridesmaids ask us what they should be doing to help the couple throughout the wedding planning, or what jobs the bridesmaids need to do on the day.

Here, we've rounded up the ultimate list of bridesmaid duties - and while you won't be required to do everything on the bridesmaid checklist (we hope!), check in with your bride to see what she'd like you to take care of and do your share. We guarantee you'll be on your way to securing your status as the best bridesmaid ever.

Image by The Wedding Photographer via One Fab Day

Bridesmaid Duties Before the Wedding

• Plan the hen party - we've lots of hen party planning features to help with this one!
• Create a WhatsApp group with the bride and all the bridesmaids (you might want one with groomsmen too, depending on the structure of the wedding party).
• Check in with the couple regularly - offer practical help as often as you can.
• Be specific - enquire about particular jobs rather than asking generally what needs to be done.
• Visit the wedding venue if required - help make decisions on layout and décor. Decision fatigue is very real.
• Meet the wedding coordinator at the venue, and offer yourself as a person of contact on the day for any issues.
• Help with any wedding DIY sessions.
• Make yourself available for wedding dress shopping and fittings where possible.
• Make yourself available for bridesmaid dress shopping and fittings - do some leg-work in finding dresses.
• Listen to any wedding planning woes - be supportive and enthusiastic.
• Turn all pre-wedding events into an excuse for brunch, cake and/or cocktails.
• Book some pre-wedding pampering - tan, nails, waxing, facials etc.
• Make sure your room is booked if staying at the venue.
• Get a wedding gift.

Image by Sun & Beau via One Fab Day

Bridesmaid Duties on the Week of the Wedding

• If you can, try to take a couple of days off work so you're available to help out
• Attend any beauty appointments organised for the bridesmaids
• Help shop for, and organise the wedding bathroom baskets
• Help with transport, last-minute errands, and wedding set-up
• Make sure you have the shoes, accessories, and underwear you need
• Help the bride to pack
• Prep an on-the-day emergency kit
• Prep a wedding morning playlist and buy in some bubbly - here's a playlist we prepared earlier!
• Help diffuse any pre-wedding stress or tensions
• Get a list of the couples suppliers and their contact info for the day
• Get a copy of the wedding timeline and familiarise yourself with it
• Attend the ceremony rehearsal, this is important so you know your cue - from when you’re supposed to walk down the aisle, to where you’re supposed to stand
• Attend the rehearsal dinner

Image by The Lous via One Fab Day

Bridesmaid Duties on the Wedding Morning

• Wake up early, be prepped and on time.
• Help keep the atmosphere in the room upbeat - tunes on!
• Make sure the bride eats breakfast.
• Ensure the hair and makeup are running on time.
• Introduce yourself as a go-to person to any key people, like the photographer, videographer or florist.
• Keep an eye on the time throughout the morning.
• Field any questions from guests and suppliers, and keep any issues away from the couple where possible.
• Make sure the prep room doesn't get too hot or crowded, it should be a fun, calm space for the bride.
• Help the bride into her dress, and assist with shoes and jewellery.

Image by The Lous via One Fab Day

Bridesmaid Checklist on the Wedding Day

• Help her in and out of cars, or down stairs if she needs assistance.
• Fix her dress and veil throughout the day, such as at the top of the aisle, or when posing for photos.
• Take her bouquet for the ceremony.
• Arrange for cans or a 'Just Married' sign to be on the back of the wedding car.
• Help round family members up for photos.
• Pay any suppliers you've been asked to pay.
• Carry an emergency kit and the bride's lipstick - let her know if she needs touch-ups.
• Assist her going to the bathroom, if required - here's how it works!
• Keep the bride hydrated and fed - make sure she drinks water and have a snack handy in your bag.

Image by Treasure & Heart Photography via One Fab Day

• Assist with the little members of the bridal party.
• Make a speech - we love it when a woman takes the mic and we have a post on how to give a great maid of honour speech here!
• Encourage guests to sign the guestbook or visit the photo booth.
• Help the bride into her second dress if she has one for dancing.
• Be first on the dance floor and encourage others to keep it filled for the night!
• Arrange for candles, rose petals and bubbly in the bridal suite.
• Help with any send-off the couple have planned such as a sparkler exit.
• Take the wedding bouquet and put it in water for preserving.
• Tip any staff the couple wants to tip - here's who you might consider.
• Help the bride out of her dress, and pack it up so it doesn't get damaged.

Image by Lima Conlon Photography via One Fab Day

Bridesmaid Checklist Day After the Wedding Day

• Make an effort to be down for breakfast with the couple - full debrief on the day with bubbles!
• Collect any cards from the venue's safe for the couple.
• Ensure any flowers and decor is packed and moved for day two celebrations or to a car for transport home.
• Box up keepsakes such as framed photos, guestbook and photo booth snaps.
• Offer to do the bride's hair and makeup for her day two celebrations - she might be running low on energy.

Did you find this bridesmaid checklist helpful? Get more tips on how to be the best bridesmaid ever here!