5 Free Bridesmaid Resources That Your BFFs Will Want to Know About

When you're asked to be a bridesmaid, you're filled with excitement, daydreaming about your dress and the memories you'll make at the bachelorette party. But then, the mental ping-pong of worrisome thoughts may start bouncing around your head: "What do I have to do first?" "How can I tell the bride I can’t drop $2,000 over the next 11 months?" "What are the rules of being a bridesmaid anyway?"

Since taking on bridesmaid duties is often considered synonymous with "being broke," it’s nice to have help on your side that doesn't cost a thing. That way, you can feel organized, prepared, and stress-free for free!

Whether you're a bride trying to look out for your squad or a bridesmaid searching for a starting point, here are five free resources to check out (and share among the group) that will make the job easier.

1. A Relatable Podcast

Unfortunately, not every bridesmaid question is Google-able. And while Brides.com has most of the answers, it's sometimes helpful to hear about other people's experiences and apply their lessons learned to your own bridesmaid approach. The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is a show for brides and their bridesmaids that offers advice for navigating tricky situations—a great on-the-go resource for those looking for some pre-wedding ease.

2. Online Checklists and Info Sheets

As bridesmaids start to jot down all of the things they think they have to buy, do, or remember, they can easily end up with a to-do list that feels never-ending. Instead of starting from scratch, use a free Bridesmaidastials.com checklist to organize all responsibilities. Another online offering that will help both the bride and bridesmaids is a one-sheeter like this one. Each attendant fills out a form and makes a copy for the bride. Now that everyone's on the same page (literally), this baby should be kept easily accessible—hung on the fridge or kept at a desk—so you never lose track of a thing.

3. A List of Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses

As a bridesmaid, one of your biggest expenses will be your dress. If the bride has asked for her BMs to weigh in on this decision, a list of affordable yet stylish bridesmaid dresses is a valuable resource. Now your team can work together to find options that will inflate confidence without deflating bank accounts.

4. A Complete Guide to Being a Bridesmaid

If you’re a rookie bridesmaid, you might want a full rundown of your duties from start to finish. Spend some of your free time reading through a short guidebook, like this one from Dessy, that walks you through what to expect from the day you're asked to be a part of the wedding party until you finally walk down the aisle and stand by the bride’s side.

5. A Much-Needed Laugh

There will be times when the wedding planning and tasks become too much, and brides and their bridesmaids will need a breather. We recommend a YouTube break with a round of videos that are pee-your-pants funny. If they're wedding-themed, even better—this compilation of the best scenes from the gal-pal film Bridesmaids is a must-watch. The goal is to remind everyone that among all of the task-tackling and money-spending, this is supposed to be fun.