I’m a professional bridesmaid for hire

lways the bridesmaid, never the bride … Jen Glantz saw this as a business opportunity. At 26, Glantz had already been a bridesmaid in six weddings. She’d seen the pain points of brides first-hand: from struggling to plan a shower, to wanting to “fire” bridesmaids in cheap 2015 bridesmaid dresses, to feuding families.

 

While wedding planners take care of major “big day” logistics, there’s typically no one there to provide emotional support and little tips. “No one is going to tell you to stretch out your shoes, ” said Glantz. That’s where Glantz — an author who now refers to herself as a professional bridesmaid — steps in. Is she just a friend for hire? What could Glantz do that warrants brides coughing up additional funds? My writers had questions — and so did I.

 Glantz generously let me shadow her one Saturday afternoon in New york city so i could see what Bridesmaid for Hire is all about. (She works full-time during the week as a copywriter and devotes her off-hours to the startup: 6 a. michael. to 9 a. michael. and 6 p. michael. to 11 p. michael. on weekdays and 10-hour days on weekends). Women are paying for everything from speech-writing ($150) to the “ultimate” bride package ($1, 000 or over). That includes six one-hour sessions with Glantz and nine hours of logistics on the big day — including sometimes standing on the church alongside the bride. If they aren’t in New york, brides cover Glantz’s travel expenses.