Bridesmaids-for-hire business booms

One memorable case Hao experienced in September involved a couple who required bridesmaids with certain zodiac signs to perform specific responsibilities during the wedding, in accordance with custom.

The bridesmaids had to carry special items, including an ax, a pair of shoes and chopsticks, and a bowl of noodles, which symbolized the bride's good luck and starting a new life. The hired bridesmaids followed the customs, ensuring the smooth execution of the wedding rituals, she said.

Ax in Chinese is pronounced fu, resembling the pronunciation of another character meaning good luck.

The wedding process and related rules can sometimes be complex enough to make bridesmaids — close friends or not — tired and irritated. Some have even posted their complaints about unpleasant experiences on social media platforms.

One bridesmaid recently shared her dissatisfaction with her role at a wedding, where she felt unappreciated and overworked. The woman, who had taken two days off from work to fulfill her duties, arrived at the wedding venue at 10 pm. Upon her arrival, she was immediately tasked with decorating the room, without being offered any assistance or even a glass of water. After working tirelessly for a couple of days, she began to question the purpose of her role. She expressed her frustration, saying that being a bridesmaid required quick thinking and flexibility. "But am I an employee? Do not take it for granted," she said.

Another woman advised against agreeing to be a bridesmaid for a co-worker one is not close to. In her particular case, she had only agreed to take on the role because the bride was desperately in need of help due to her advanced age. However, her efforts went unrewarded, as she did not receive a bridesmaid gift or red packet containing lucky money. The meals provided during the wedding were takeout for lunch and leftovers for dinner.

Another bridesmaid emphasized that such roles should only be accepted if they assisted close friends, the only ones who could make the experience worthwhile. She said that as long as the bride is happy and joyful on her wedding day, other inconveniences can be overlooked, but those with average relationships would find it difficult to refrain from dwelling on trivial matters.

Such comments highlight the need for clearer expectations and more appreciation for bridesmaids, who often dedicate a considerable amount of time and energy to ensuring a successful wedding.

Professional bridesmaids can make the situation clearer because, after getting paid, they will do as etiquette requires. Despite being strangers, they can also offer emotional support, much like a friend would.

Zhang Yuxin, a professional bridesmaid from Xie's company, shared her experience of providing emotional support to a bride in Mianyang, Sichuan, in September who had second thoughts about getting married. Zhang and another bridesmaid consoled the bride, helping her communicate her concerns to her fiance. The situation was resolved after he explained to them that he had been busy at work and asked for forgiveness and understanding.

However, Qu Huan, who works as a hired bridesmaid in Dalian, Liaoning province, said she preferred having close friends or family members as bridesmaids.

She said that hiring strangers for such a significant role may result in a wedding lacking the sincerity and authenticity that close relationships bring.

"It is fine if a bride can find a good bridesmaid who will indeed help share worries and solve difficulties," Qu said. "However, if I just randomly choose someone from the vast sea of people without knowing them well, I will still have some doubts: Will this person be reliable and do a good job?

"What if I encounter someone like those young girls who have just started out in the bridesmaid industry. They might cause trouble for me. If I were to use someone, I would definitely consider my friends or people I know. Only if there are no suitable candidates would I hire one."

Li Menghan contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn