When acquaintances kept asking me to be a bridesmaid, an opportunity was born!
I discovered that I had become quite skilled at being a bridesmaid, so I decided to turn it into a business. Now, I offer my services as a professional bridesmaid-for-hire to anyone in need. My rates are flexible, depending on the specific requirements of each client. Just like a real friend, I provide everything from helping choose a wedding dress to delivering a heartfelt toast.
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Embracing My Role as a Bridesmaid-for-Hire
In my early 20s, many of my friends were getting engaged, and I found myself taking on the role of a bridesmaid. Each wedding was unique, yet the responsibilities remained constant. I would order my bridesmaid dress early, assist in planning pre-wedding festivities, and provide ongoing emotional support to the bride. Remaining sober, I would also handle any unexpected issues that arose. Unexpectedly, even distant acquaintances began seeking my services as their bridesmaid. Venting my frustrations to my roommate, she amusingly dubbed me a professional bridesmaid, speculating that word of my expertise had spread. That’s when the idea of becoming a bridesmaid-for-hire truly took shape.
I realized that if people I barely knew wanted me as their bridesmaid, there might be a market for strangers seeking my reliable, helpful, and drama-free presence at their weddings. In June of 2014, I took a leap and posted an ad on Craigslist, offering my services. The response was overwhelming–within just 48 hours, I received hundreds of emails from individuals eager to hire me. Responding to this incredible demand, I founded Bridesmaid for Hire shortly after. Since then, I have been hired as a bridesmaid by clients from all across the globe.
Customized Services Designed Just for You
My rates are determined by various factors, including the number of pre-wedding events I am expected to attend, the frequency of phone consults leading up to the wedding, and the duration of my presence on the wedding day. Prices start at $2,700, covering three phone calls and eight hours of in-person support during the wedding. However, I have been paid as much as $5,700, which includes additional services such as attending bachelorette parties and assisting with wedding dress shopping.
While some may perceive hiring a bridesmaid-for-hire as sad or pathetic, it is actually a brave and practical choice. Not everyone has a close circle of friends readily available. According to YouGov, only 55% of Americans have between two and five close friends. Although someone may appear to have numerous friends based on their social media presence, it doesn’t guarantee the presence of a reliable support system when it truly matters. That’s where I step in.
Why People Choose to Hire Me
People often reach out to me because they lack close friendships due to various circumstances. Many have grown apart from their former friends, have friends scattered around the country, or find that their current friends are too busy to provide the support they need. These individuals are seeking a reliable support system before and during their wedding. Often, they have experienced loneliness during other significant events in their lives and want to avoid feeling isolated on their special day.
There are also clients who have other bridesmaids but feel that they do not receive adequate or appropriate support. Perhaps their friends are unreliable or prone to drama. In such cases, hiring me to join the bridal party can alleviate these concerns.
My clientele is diverse, with individuals from different backgrounds and professions. I have worked at weddings with budgets ranging from $500,000 for a CEO to $20,000 for a retail employee. My role often requires discretion, and I typically maintain anonymity. Most clients prefer to keep my involvement a secret, so I use a fake name and backstory when necessary. I dedicate several months to learning about the client who hired me, forging a genuine connection. Although our relationship is formed within the context of the wedding, it is authentic and meaningful. While I may continue friendships with some clients, I usually establish boundaries and conclude our communication once the wedding is over.
A Bridesmaid Who Provides Genuine Support
Just like a true friend, I offer a comprehensive range of services. From assisting with wedding dress selection to providing a listening ear for weekly challenges, I am there every step of the way. I help plan bachelorette parties, ensuring a stress-free wedding day for the bride. On the big day, I don a beautiful bridesmaid dress, walk down the aisle, and sometimes even give a heartfelt toast during the reception.
Hiring a bridesmaid is not a sign of sadness; it is an act of bravery. Getting married can be overwhelming, and having a supportive friend by your side can make all the difference. If you find yourself without close friends or lacking the same number of friends as your fiancé, it’s perfectly acceptable to invest in the services of a professional who can provide the assistance you need. In many ways, what I do is similar to hiring a wedding planner for logistical support. The difference is that I offer emotional support to those in the spotlight. Everyone deserves to have a companion who is there for them during their wedding adventure, even if that companion happens to be someone they hire for the occasion.
— Jen Glantz
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