Your friend asked, you said yes. But what does being a bridesmaid really mean? Much more than strutting your stuff in a frilly frock (although this is key). From soothing the bride’s pre-wedding jitters, to pulling a MacGyver and fixing a fallen updo with a few bobby pins and some dental floss, here are a few tasks you should be prepared for on the big day.

Stylist. A good bridesmaid is ready with reassurance and sound advice when it comes to assembling the perfect wedding day garb. But a great bridesmaid can hitch up a bustle with seconds to spare, not to mention expertly smooth wayward hair, and strategically place a veil so it won’t budge even during an impromptu chicken dance (God forbid). Rocket yourself to the ranks of “best bridesmaid ever” and clear your calendar a few days before the wedding for group manicures, pedicures, massages, and day of hair and makeup. No bride wants to hear you’re “too busy” or “not interested” in joining in on this bridesmaid right of passage.

Quality Control. This is a good time to let your inner Type A personality shine. The bride will be a little preoccupied on the big day; so overlooking smaller details falls in your court. Swing by the church early to make sure flowers and programs are in place, or visit the reception location ahead of time and see to it that everything is running smoothly.

Chauffeur. Come on, ’fess up, you’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a stretch limo with mini-bar controls at your fingertips. Ok, you’ll probably have to rely on your little Honda Civic sans mini bar, but if Uncle Chuck and Aunt Betty need a ride from the airport, you’re their girl. The transportation problem of friends and family are the last thing the bride needs to worry about.

Host. It’s impossible for the bride and groom to mingle with every guest for an equal amount of time. That’s where you come in. Dazzle guests with your keen hostess abilities and make everyone feel welcome on your friend’s behalf.

Toastmaster. Dig deep and remember what you learned in the speech class you took for the easy “A” in college. More and more ladies are stepping up to the Mic to toast their gal pal on her big day. True, bridesmaids aren’t required to give a toast, but why let the boys get all the limelight?

Psychologist. Weddings can bring on a case of the crazies in even the most together bride. Be there for your friend to calm her down when soon-to-be in-laws are making freakish requests (like going on the honeymoon), or the groom’s ex-girlfriend crashes the rehearsal dinner.

In The Bag

Save the day and fill your purse with these last-minute wedding day essentials. If you can’t squeeze in everything, put the rest in a cute basket in the ladies room—every woman at the wedding will be your new best friend. 

• Bobby pins
• Breath mints
• Chapstick
• Clear nail polish
• Deodorant
• Dental floss
• Flask (depending on how the day is going)
• Hairspray
• Mascara
• Nail file
• Nylons
• Safety pins
• Tampons
• Tissues