The Scoop on Jen Glantz ‘Bridesmaid for Hire’

Jen Glantz never pictured herself in the wedding industry, but now can never imagine being anything else besides a bridesmaid…for hire. Inspired by joining her closest friends, in their weddings, Jen saw a need for an understanding soul that would help guide women through this very important time in their lives. It all started one night with a simple Craig’s List Ad and the willingness to be any brides much needed right hand woman. She now is the force behind the very well known website, Bridesmaid for Hire.

Today, Jen has a booming business, Bridesmaid for Hire, a tell-all book coming out February 7th and the joy of helping women across the country and around the world. Learn more about her work as a bridesmaid and some of her favorite memories in the Q&A below.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida.

How would you describe yourself as a kid?
I was a tomboy and very, very shy. I had a unique way of looking at things and wasn’t scare to be who I was. But, I did have speaking out, that’s how I found my love for writing.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved writing and using it to communicate. I also loved going to the library and learning and just writing anything, including Poetry. I knew I wanted to write, but I also wanted to help people. So I also wanted to be a teacher.

What was your family like?
I grew up with both my mom and dad raising my older brother and I.

What did you major in, in college?
I studied journalism and English at the University of Central Florida.

When did you start your professional bridesmaid business?
I started by business 2 years and 1 month ago!

How did you become a professional bridesmaid?
I was a bridesmaid over and over again. After my eighth wedding for my close friends, I realized there was no one, the bride trusted, that was behind the scenes. Someone, who was just there for the brides for any crisis, problem or questions. I loved helping people in difficult situations, so I thought I could be there for other brides too. I started by business and have been going for over two years.

What was your job before starting this company?
I was working as a copywriter for a tech startup in Manhattan.

How does the process work?
It starts with a call to the bride. We talk through her wedding, the plans and what her needs will be. We then determine if I will help her virtually. So help her over email and the phone for planning and preparation. I could also be there for the bride in person, before the wedding. Lastly, I can be there full time for the wedding and walking with the wedding party. Depending on what each bride needs for her experience, we determine that and go from there.

Will you be expanding the business?
I am lucky to have so many people want to join me in this business. Currently, I do have a few people that work with me and do attended weddings with me. I would love to expand and hopefully that is in the future plans.

Have you built any relationships from this journey?
I am so fortunate to have a job where I meet so many interesting people. The brides and I have such a strong relationship during the planning of the wedding and during, it’s hard to just stop communicating. So, I do keep in touch with my brides! I love to hear where life has taken them. I have also built genuine friendships from this and I am very thankful for them.

Where is the best location you have traveled to for a wedding?
It might sound crazy, but Minnesota! That was my very first wedding after starting and it will always be my favorite. The people were so great and the positive experience left a great impact. I am very lucky to have traveled all over the country helping brides. Also, with the virtual side of my business, I am able to help brides around the world.

How many weddings have you been in since stating this business?
I have been in over 40 weddings, but I have been apart of many more virtually.

With it being wedding season, do you have a lot coming up?
Every day is wedding season for me, so I am lucky to help brides all year! I have two weddings this weekend and am working with more brides virtually.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
So many people ask about how I got started, how I like my job and just the little stories and details about weddings I have experienced. So I realized I needed to sit down and pull it together in a book. The book is about what I have learned through my experience, my own personal views on love and how the job has changed my life. It’s due out in February and I am very excited about it.

What has been the most rewarding part of the your job?
Being able to work with and help so many women, who just do not have anyone else to turn to, during this time. A lot of brides do not want to ask certain things of their bridesmaids or even feel embarrassed by it. They do not want to be judged and just need an extra pair of ears to express all of the thoughts they are having. It can be a very stressful time so I am here to take pressure off and help the bride through it all. It has been a very wonderful experience.

What is your favorite part of the wedding process?
Right before the bride is about to walk down the isle. I give her a little pep talk. I remind her to be present in this day. She worked so hard to make sure everything went perfect, but now she just needs to focus on embracing this day.

What is the most outrageous thing you have done for a bride?
Oh-there is just too many stories to tell. Anything from taking my strapless bra off and giving it to the mother of the bride because she forgot hers to scooping up animal droppings to make sure the bride does not get her dress in them.

Have you changed the way you look at weddings since this experience?
This has completely changed the way I look at weddings. I wasn’t one of those girls who imagined her wedding or dreamed about that day. The wedding aspect of my job is not what I love, it’s that I get to help people during a very difficult time. I have been to all different types of weddings and I know I want mine to just be simple and fun. Basically like a giant birthday party meets New Year’s Eve type of celebration.

What is the best advice you could give to brides as they plan their wedding?
Plan the wedding of YOUR dreams. A lot of people will try to change your opinion on everything. Don’t listen to what the bridal industry is telling you to do-or your family and friends. Do what you want to do for your big day.

If you want to hear more of Jen’s amazing bridal advice and her tails from weddings, don’t forget to pick up her new book, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire). ((Book Link))You can also check her out on Twitter and visit her website.