THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID

• Carrying out a small toast to the Bride and Groom following the Best Man’s speech. It is a fashion that is creeping into UK Weddings having originated in the good old US of A and is catching on slowly but surely on these shores.

• Taking time to dance with all the Groomsmen at some stage during the evening (you hussy!)

• Helping the Bride get ready to go away on her honeymoon and looking after her dress whilst she’s gone.

• Arranging to have the Bride’s dress dry-cleaned and boxed so it is all nicely sorted for her on return from her honeymoon.

If the thoughtof everything that lies ahead scares the ‘you know what’ out of you, then you must be sure that whilst daunted, you are definitely up for the challenge. The last thing the Bride needs is her right-hand gal dropping just before the Big Day, so if you simply cannot face it, make sure that she knows well in advance. Many other first choice Matron’s in the past have politely said no, so you won’t on your own there. If you are pregnant, otherwise engaged or even have a history with the Groom then these are all perfectly acceptable reasons for relinquishing the role, but just because you don’t want to take the day off work or ‘don’t look good in dresses’ are not satisfactory excuses.

We can't promise you that what lies ahead will be easy, but it certainly is rewarding. Your best friend’s Wedding is so important and exciting for her, and we have a niggling feeling you’ll feel that way too!