US woman offers bridesmaid-for-hire service

  • 08/09/2016
Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses
Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses

Being a bridesmaid is a big job that carries a lot of responsibility.

With hens' parties, dress fittings and managing a bridezilla often on the to-do list, why put your friend through it when you could hire a professional instead?

Jen Glantz started her bridesmaid business two years ago, providing brides with the gal pal they never knew they had - or perhaps never knew they needed.

Ms Glantz told Paul Henry on Thursday morning the idea came after she kept being asked to be a bridesmaid at her own friends' weddings, and thought, "Why not do it for strangers?"

"Two years ago I posted an ad on Craigslist, and after that ad went viral I received hundreds of responses from brides all around the world," she said.

Though being a bridesmaid can be stressful, Ms Glantz maintains it's been a great career choice.

"I've found that I actually love doing it - I love the wedding chaos, and I love helping brides who needed someone professional to step in and save their wedding."

That doesn't mean every wedding is a breeze - with one ceremony in particular standing out as a less-than-desirable experience.

"I did an outdoor wedding, and along the aisle there were animal droppings - so I actually removed the animal droppings with my bare hands so that the bride could walk down the aisle without getting poop on her dress," Ms Glantz laughed.

While announcing to your bridal party that you're hiring someone to fill their spot can be a little awkward, Ms Glantz says acquiring her services can actually help protect relationships.

"I see friendships ruined, I see bridesmaids never talking to brides again… When you have me there, I take on the dirty work and do all the stuff that might not be so glamorous for your bridesmaids, so that they can have a good time."

Ms Glantz is about to release a book on her career entitled Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire), which comes out early 2017.

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