From Theatre Kid to Professional Bridesmaid: A Unique Career Path
Growing up, Tash Sutton was a self-confessed “theatre kid,” a label she never imagined would pave the way for a career in wedding coordination. Her early passion for performance, however, proved to be surprisingly valuable when she began working for a wedding coordination business. What started as contract work, coordinating weddings for a company known as Hire a Bridesmaid, has since evolved into something far more personal and professional. Today, Sutton not only owns the business but also dedicates herself to assisting clients who are seeking a professional bridesmaid.
The transition into this unique role was somewhat serendipitous. “About eight months in,” Sutton recounts, “the previous owner approached me and said, ‘Look, I’m actually becoming a little bit too well-known on my Instagram.'” She explained that she had an abundance of upcoming bridesmaid commitments she could no longer fulfil and asked if Sutton would be willing to take them on. Sutton initially found the request “the craziest thing I ever heard,” but a spark of curiosity led her to agree to give it a shot. “That was how it basically fell into my lap, and I just started running with it from there,” she explains.
Her very first experience as a professional bridesmaid was, by her own admission, “the craziest day of my life.” She was initially brought in simply to even out the numbers in the bridal party, as the bride wanted someone professional and trustworthy by her side. This experience solidified her understanding of the service’s value. “I just knew that this was an experience that a lot of people had that they wanted someone by their side that they knew could do the job and could let the rest of their bridal party actually enjoy themselves,” Sutton reflects.
Contrary to common assumptions, Sutton clarifies that being hired as a professional bridesmaid is rarely due to a lack of friends for the bride. Instead, she observes that many bridal parties are inexperienced or feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the role. “A lot of the times the bridal party either aren’t experienced, they haven’t done this before, or they just feel really terrible for putting all this pressure on them,” she says. “And they just want someone to come in and basically whip everyone into line, keep everything running, and just be a constant support by their side.”
While professional bridesmaid services aren’t the most frequent request for her business, Sutton still receives a significant number of enquiries. The process typically begins with a consultation between Sutton and the bride, with the subsequent steps varying depending on whether the bride opts for a “secret” or “professional” service.
Professional Bridesmaid Service: In this capacity, Sutton is openly acknowledged as a professional bridesmaid. Her role is to manage the bridal party, essentially acting as an executive assistant for the bride, providing comprehensive assistance and support throughout the wedding day.
Secret Bridesmaid Service: This is where a touch of intrigue comes into play. Sutton and the bride concoct a fabricated story about how they met, creating a believable friendship. “No one knows that I’m hired; they do think that we have a friendship, which, to be honest, we do form one because we are quite constantly talking leading up to their wedding. But how we met is kind of a little bit of a fib,” she admits. The extent of who is privy to the secret is entirely at the bride’s discretion, with Sutton noting that even the groom might be unaware of her professional role.
Although she has never been “caught out,” Sutton acknowledges that she has occasionally sensed guests’ suspicions. Her clever tactic to deflect any probing questions involves a pre-prepared list of five questions. “I have a list of five questions that I always ask people, and it always gets them distracted from what they were asking me originally,” she reveals. Her key insight into navigating these situations is simple yet effective: “The best thing that I’ve learned in this time is people love to talk about themselves, and that to hide in that conversation is your best bet.”
Beyond the crucial meetings with the bride, Sutton emphasizes the paramount importance of connecting with the existing bridesmaids before the wedding. This pre-wedding rendezvous is vital for gauging the group’s dynamic. “Because if I have a bridal party that is incredibly quiet and not bringing the party vibes, I know that I’m going to have to rally them on the day,” she explains. Conversely, “If I have a bridal party that’s super rambunctious, I’m going to note that down that I’m going to have to keep everyone in line. So I find that that pre-bridal party meeting is very crucial in influencing how I’m going to approach the day.”
On the wedding day itself, Sutton’s primary objective is to orchestrate all the minor details, allowing the bride and her friends to truly relax and savour the occasion. This task becomes even more complex when operating under the guise of a secret bridesmaid.
Sutton often finds herself seated at the head table with the bridal party and has even received honourable mentions in speeches. While she has never been formally asked to deliver a speech, she’s not entirely opposed to the idea. “Definitely something I think I could pull out of my back pocket if I ever needed to,” she says with a laugh.
Despite the professional nature of her work, Sutton maintains a grounded perspective. “You’ve got to constantly remember that it’s their most important day,” she stresses. “It keeps you quite humble to remember that you’re a part of someone’s most important day of their lives, potentially. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
