A bridesmaid is a woman or girl chosen by a bride to be part of her wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids stand with the bride during the wedding, usually wearing matching or coordinating dresses that the bride helps select. They support the bride in practical ways: helping with wedding preparations, attending pre-wedding events, and being there for their friend on one of the most important days of her life.

The tradition goes back centuries, when bridesmaids wore dresses similar to the bride's to confuse evil spirits who might try to harm her. Today, being asked to be a bridesmaid means the bride considers you one of her closest friends or family members. It's an honor that comes with responsibilities: you might help address invitations, attend dress fittings, or plan a celebration called a bridal shower.

Weddings typically have multiple bridesmaids, with one maid of honor (or matron of honor if she's married) who has special duties like holding the bride's bouquet during the ceremony and giving a speech at the reception. The male equivalent is a groomsman, who stands with the groom. While bridesmaids traditionally were women, modern weddings sometimes include close friends of any gender on the bride's side too.