What is a bridal assistant, and do you need one?

A bridal assistant is a trained professional whose only job on your wedding day is you. Not the guests, not the decor, not the hall. You.

Your planner runs the event. Your makeup artist does your glam. Your family is busy hosting. A bridal assistant fills the gap in the middle: the hundred small things that land on the bride when nobody else is looking after her.

What does a bridal assistant actually do?

• Plans your wedding morning with your glam team, so makeup, gele and dressing run on time.
• Keeps your dress, shoes, rings and accessories ready and styled for detail photos before the photographer asks.
• Helps you dress, from zips and buttons to your train, and handles every outfit change between trad, church and reception.
• Makes sure you eat and drink water. Brides forget. We don’t.
• Handles vendor calls on the day, so your phone stays in your bag.
• Carries your emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, tissues, lip touch-ups and whatever else the day throws at you.
• Gives you ten quiet minutes before you walk out, to breathe and take it in.

Do you need one?

You probably do if any of these sound like you:

• You’re having more than one ceremony, like trad and white wedding, on the same day or the same weekend.
• Your bridesmaids and family want to enjoy the day too, not spend it running around for you.
• You’re flying home to Lagos for your wedding and won’t have much time on the ground.
• You want to be fully present on your day, not managing it.

Bridal assistant or bridesmaid?

Your bridesmaids are there to celebrate with you. A bridal assistant is there to work for you, from the first brush of makeup to the last dance. Many brides have both, and their friends are grateful for it.