If you’ve ever thought that being a bridesmaid is just an excuse to get glammed up and share in the bride’s spotlight on her special day then think again. While it's a great honour to be chosen, the realm of duties that a bridesmaid must attend to are far ranging - from selecting dresses to organising the hen’s party to getting the bride down the aisle and the list continues.

But it’s not all bad news, sharing in the happiness of a close friend on their big day is a precious and uplifting experience.

So to ensure that you’re up to the challenge check out our top tips for bridesmaid success:

1. You need to get organised early on. As soon as the wedding date is set get started on your pre-wedding event planning. This includes venue, entertainment and logistics planning for the Hens party. If your bride is keen to establish her collection of homewares it may include a kitchen tea as well.

2. You need to provide constant support to the bride throughout the planning period particularly to provide emotional support during this challenging time. If you can pitch in and be proactive during the planning stage the bride will appreciate it. Whatever tasks there are that need doing such as getting invitations printed, selecting flowers, organising seating arrangements, and helping choose readings for the ceremony, it is your job to assist with a positive attitude.

3. One of the main duties of a bridesmaid is to assist the bride in choosing both her own dress and those of the bridesmaids. When offering advice on either gown it is important that your opinions are honest because at no other time will looking good be probably so important - and I am talking about the bride. While it is important that bridesmaids dresses suit their owners - deciding on the cut and colour rests primarily with the bride and should not be disputed.

4. The organisation of the cars, alcohol and suits traditionally rests with the groom and his groomsmen, but a quick check that they are on track for the wedding day will put everyone's mind at rest.

5. Hair, make-up, shoes and the choice of accessories are another area of specialty for a bridesmaid. Again, honesty is crucial. No bride wants to turn up to her wedding looking completely unlike herself. So if you think that things are headed in that direction it is your responsibility to say something.

6. Often a very stressful experience for all involved it is the duty of a bridesmaid to ensure that the bride is relaxed and happy on her wedding day. If this means that the champagne is to be kept chilled and flowing leading up to and following the ceremony then so be it. Just ensure that you keep nibbles up to the bride and give her regular waters to ensure the bubbles don't go straight to her head, particularly prior to the wedding service.

7. At the wedding service, in addition to making sure the bride makes it down the aisle looking spectacular. A bridesmaid is responsible for keeping the bride's veil and train immaculate, holding the bridal bouquet during the exchange of vows and, depending on who else is in attendance, you may be called upon to sign as a witness on the the wedding certificate.

8. Although many of your official duties end after the wedding ceremony it is important that you stay close to the bride and are attentive to her every need throughout the reception. Minor tasks such as applying touch ups to the bride's hair and make up, helping her to meet and greet guests, and keeping her dress train off dirty surfaces even helping out in the powder room if the bride requires it - all go a long way in helping things run smoothly.

9. Put together a wedding kit for the day which includes bits and pieces like bobby pins, Hollywood tape, makeup, hairspray, and tissues to keep your bride looking flawless all day and into the night.

10. A bridesmaid is in charge of collecting gifts and cards at the wedding reception, passing the guest book around and assisting guests to find their seats and make them feel comfortable. If disposable cameras are a feature of each table make sure photos of all the guests are taken and developed after the wedding to be ready for the bride's return from her honeymoon.

12. Have fun. It is an honour to be a part of a bridal party and the the best opportunity to help celebrate one of the most important days in your friend's life so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to let loose on the dance floor and enjoy yourself.

While the list of responsibilities is long, don't forget there is usually more than one bridesmaid to share the duties with so enjoy the experience and be the best bridesmaid you can be.

Contributing Writer Alex Brown

Alex is a holiday writer, with a love of languages and a background in economics. Interests in travel, linguistics, fashion news and celebrity trivia.