A wedding day can be just as nerve-racking for the bridesmaid as it is for the bride. To each bridesmaid the pressure of the role will vary, but if it’s your first time, making sure you do all the right things at the right times can be daunting. So for every first-time bridesmaid there are a handful of things to know ahead of the day:

Offer out your strengths

As we all know, planning a wedding can be time consuming and the bride will need her bridesmaids to help. So when it comes to offering up your skills, put your hand up for a task that you know you can nail. Whether it be planning bridal showers and hen’s parties, or helping select colour palettes for the bridesmaids dresses, know what you can do. Follow our suggestions to help make your bridesmaids duties on the day a breeze.

Follow the bride’s lead

You have been dreaming of the day when you would be a bridesmaid to your best friend, but it’s her special day. So if she chooses a dress, colour, or song that isn’t your cup of tea, bite your tongue because you’re there to support her through.

Prepare for wedding emergencies

Any type of wedding emergency is that last thing the bride or groom need to deal with on their big day. That’s where the bridesmaids step in. While you are there to support the bride, help with make-up and dry her happy tears, you don’t know what event may unfold that you will have to resolve -- guests could be causing havoc before the ceremony or the brides sister hasn’t arrived yet. So be prepared for the unexpected because the bride will turn to you for help.

All bridesmaids should be happy

A happy bunch of bridesmaids will make for a happy bride, so making sure that you all get along will be key.

Knowing the guests

You may not know all of the bride and groom’s friends and family, but making the effort will pay off on the day. There’s always that one family member that doesn’t get on with the other, so study up and be there to resolve any issues if they arise.

Keep a close eye

Having your wits about you may save the day. During the night, just keep an eye out in case something were to happen between guests or that dinner will be served late -- the last thing the bride and groom would want to deal with.