Many Poles associate bridesmaids at a wedding with photos from American weddings, where there can be up to a dozen bridesmaids, and all of them are dressed alike. However, having a bridesmaid for a wedding has also been a Polish tradition for centuries. How do these two functions combine, and where will the roles differ?

Bridesmaid at a wedding is an honorable function, but also a certain responsibility. In the most serious variant, the bridesmaid must co-organize the party and bachelorette party, and at the wedding, take care of all the guests. In the "lighter" variant, she can play more carelessly, but she is also bound by a certain savoir-vivre. She shouldn't leave too soon parties and she should have fun remembering who is most important on that day and who should be focused on.

Bridesmaids at a wedding - Polish version or inspiration from the USA?

Currently, there are two main concepts at weddings when it comes to the appearance and function of the bridesmaid at the wedding. We know the first from weddings at relatives in the countryside and old books. In some places, folk wedding customs are still alive, such as undoing, in which the bridesmaids braid the bride's hair before the groom symbolically undoes it on the wedding day. In folk reality, bridesmaids are most often:

• sisters,
• cousins,
• neighbors

and all other young women, "friends of the family", sisters of friends, etc. At Dwór Korona Karkonoszy, we often discuss with the bridesmaid what she should look like ballroom or the menu.

Bridesmaids at a wedding can also have a slightly different function. This style was popularized by American movies. A row of bridesmaids in identical dresses and one of them as the main organizer of an extensive hen party, as well as a helper on the wedding day - these are the main determinants of this style. In this case, the bridesmaids at the wedding are more often closer or more distant friends of the bride. As you can see, in some respects these customs have points of contact. Traditions interpenetrate - old Polish customs are disappearing, and American ones are quickly entering the mass consciousness. Today, the bridesmaids wedding reception they can be both friends and family of the Bride, and their functions will be different depending on the chosen variant.

The duties of a bridesmaid at a wedding and the role of a wedding planner

To change the scope of tasks in terms of bridesmaid duties at a wedding is also influenced by the growing popularity of the wedding planner service. This is the person coordinating all organizational issues. Sometimes it is ordered by the head bridesmaid or the bridesmaid, other times it is made up of all the bridesmaids. Most often, the bride herself employs her. Such a person can sometimes replace the bridesmaid at the wedding and take the burden of planning off her. It is worth remembering, especially when the bridesmaid cannot organize the party for various reasons.

Some brides, in order not to be alone, hire a wedding planner who acts as a bridesmaid at the wedding. It is practical in the case of people who live outside their hometown and for various reasons do not have the support of any close friend that day. Wedding guests do not need to know that the bridesmaid at the wedding is on business.

Choosing a wedding dress for the bridesmaid

One of the most serious constraints regarding bridesmaids at a wedding is the choice of attire. She cannot ignore the bride's wishes and should rather comply with the dress code that is in force. If it comes to trying on or buying a dress from your own pocket, unfortunately you will also have to cooperate. Whether the dress will match the character and figure of the bridesmaid depends on the tact and taste of the bride. However, you need to show some understanding, remembering that the same dress must suit several people with different complexions, styles and figures. If the dress is unacceptable to the bridesmaid, it remains to go to the seamstress for corrections a few days before the wedding. Rather, you can't give up the proposed creation and come in something else. Sometimes only the color is mandatory, and each bridesmaid chooses her own outfit for the wedding.

If there is only one bridesmaid at the wedding, the bride usually gives her more freedom as to the outfit. Of course, she should not come in white or overshadow the Bride in any way. Other risky colors include red, which could attract more attention than the bride's white dress, and mourning black. When it comes to clarity and length, it all depends on the arrangements with the bride.

What accessories can't be missing at the bridesmaid's wedding?

If there are more bridesmaids at the wedding, it is best to determine the applicable accessories together. Charming and the cheapest possible are wreaths, but also floral or jewelry bands - for the head and wrist. Rather, it is better not to flaunt expensive jewelry at a friend's wedding, if the bride could be sorry that she has less exquisite decorations. When it comes to shoes, there is quite a lot of freedom here, unless the wedding organizer orders otherwise.