In recent years, an old wedding day role has been given a new title: the personal attendant. Many people consider a personal attendant to be a throw-away role, or the job you give to the gal that just missed the cut on being a bridesmaid. I’m here to tell you that being chosen as a personal attendant is an honorable title that should be taken seriously! You will be at the bride’s side all day, like a personal assistant, making sure she is happy, tended to, and that the wedding day timeline is running smoothly. If you’ve been selected for this very important role, I will help you become the best personal attendant ever.

Understand your pre-wedding duties and the wedding planning checklist.

Determining what the bridal attendant’s pre-wedding duties are can be confusing since you’re not a bridesmaid. However, you are still part of the wedding party. Generally, if the bride asks you to help with any part of her wedding planning checklist, you should. Common duties include: addressing invitations, decorating the venue(s), planning or attending showers and parties, and, most importantly, learning how to work with her gown. I highly recommend attending the final fitting with your bride to learn how to bustle her dress. It’s your job to make sure she looks beautiful on her big day, and whether you’re lacing up a corset wedding dress, or bustling a long train, practice makes perfect. Once you’ve helped the bride with her tasks, ask her for your own wedding planning checklist. Make sure you know what she expects of you and the wedding day timeline she desires.

What are bridal emergency kit essentials?

One of the most important roles of the personal attendant is to create the bridal emergency kit. This kit will contain everything that the bride or wedding party could possibly need on the big day. What should be included in your bridal emergency kit?

• Lip gloss, makeup, makeup remover, and Q-tips
• Tissues, tampons, and deodorant
• Pain-killers, Pepto-Bismol, Band-Aids, and personal medications
• Granola bars and water bottles
• Mints, dental floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush
• Hair combs, hair spray, bobby pins, hair ties, and a mirror
• Tide-to-Go, fashion tape, a sewing kit, and a lint roller,
• Any personal items belonging to the bride or wedding party

These are only the essentials! Feeling overwhelmed? I recommend the travel section at your local Target or Walmart. You’ll find almost all of these items for a reasonable price.

Images courtesy of Staja Studios (Left) and Appleye Photography (Right)

The big day has arrived: Know your wedding day timeline.

It’s finally the big day-- you’re ready for this. You know your wedding day timeline, you have your bridal emergency kit, and you’re ready to be at your bride’s side all day. If there’s an early-morning start, it’s your job to bring breakfast and coffee (maybe mimosas?) to the bride and her ‘maids. Other duties include steaming garments, helping the bride get dressed, overseeing pre-ceremony photos, helping the ushers organize and escort guests, and pinning boutonnieres on the groomsmen, if they need help. You may also have to prevent the bride and groom from seeing each other before the ceremony, and deliver their cards or gifts. Lastly, fluff the bride’s train and give her the biggest hug (and maybe a tissue or two) before she walks down the aisle.

Is your wedding planning checklist complete?

The ceremony is over— you can breathe again! You might be asked to transport flowers to the reception venue or carry a few gifts, but once the reception has begun, you can join in on the festivities. Now do you understand? Being selected as your bride’s personal attendant is an honor! It means she trusts you enough to make sure her dream day is a success. Bonus: You get to pick out your own dress!

Do you have any personal attendant tips? What was in your bridal emergency kit? Let us know in a comment below!

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