Bridesmaids
How to Choose
In addition to family members and friends, the bride's retinue often includes at least one of the groom's sisters. Older girls and young teenagers can join the party as junior bridesmaids.

What Do They Do?
The bridesmaids often help the maid of honor plan the shower and the bachelorette party or cohost these events. They attend all prenuptial festivities if possible. The bride, or her maid of honor, might ask bridesmaids to assist her with numerous small tasks, such as securing hotel rooms for out-of-town guests and keeping a log of gifts at the bridal shower. You may want to consult with bridesmaids before you select their dresses -- they could be a great help.

Bridesmaids purchase the dress you have chosen and have it fitted in time for the wedding. If they're wearing dresses of their own choosing, they need to be aware of any style or color specifications you may have. At the ceremony, bridesmaids precede the maid of honor in the procession; they are often paired with the groomsmen. If there is an odd number of bridesmaids, two women can walk together, or a groomsman can escort one on each arm.

Etiquette Tip
It is customary for the bride to give her attendants gifts as tokens of appreciation --jewelry is popular, but anything you know they will enjoy is appropriate. The gifts need not be identical, but they should all be of equal value -- with the exception of the maid of honor's gift, which can be more expensive, to reflect her larger contribution. Many brides treat their bridesmaids to a pre-wedding luncheon and distribute their presents at this time.