Would you hire a professional bridesmaid?

A new trend is catching on in the wedding industry and already, some 'sophisticated' brides might consider hiring a professional bridesmaid for their big day.

So, if you are getting married this year and don't want to go through the hassle of deciding which of your friends should be on your bridal train, you can hire the services of a professional bridesmaid for $2,000 (N382,599.38).

We all know weddings are very stressful and one minor mishap can turn a bride from beautiful to bridezilla. In order to avoid this, 26-year-old Jen Glantz, a copywriter and author of All My friends Are Engaged, created BridesmaidforHire.com. In a nutshell, her services acts as a "gal pal" for the bride.

Bridesmaid for Hire consists of 4 packages for brides to choose from, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,000. The cheapest package is a virtual consultation where they will assist with planning, problem solving and to-do lists through the use of an online video collaboration tool.

Of all the packages, the most expensive one is the hands-on "bridesmaid by your side" option for $2,000, which will provide on-ground support for all pre-wedding events and actual participation as a bridesmaid or maid of honour in the wedding party. According to Glantz, the average package sold is between $1,000 to $1,200.

The concept of hiring a wedding professional may be approaching a cultural watershed. Just as it was depicted in the recently released movie, "Wedding Ringer" that chronicles the story of a socially awkward guy who hires a professional who provides best men for needy grooms. Separately, the 2011 hit "Bridesmaids" showed the disaster that can ensue when you opt to go the traditional route with friends.

The increasing popularity of hiring professional wedding party participants begs the question of the price tag that we are willing to allocate to look good in front of other people. So how much is your ego really worth?

Glantz decided to start the business a little over a year ago, when she had attended so many weddings that her friends nicknamed her the "Professional Bridesmaid." She posted an advertisement on Craigslist that quickly went viral.

The demand from women all over the country asking for professional bridesmaid services ultimately became so overwhelming that she decided to create the website. That became a platform to assist many brides in need.

"When I was in multiple weddings for friends, I saw behind the scenes for the wedding … I saw there was a lack of a person who is designated for the bride and her personal needs," said Glantz.

Though the concept of renting a bridesmaid or groomsman may seem ridiculous to some, the demand that Glantz experienced is indicative of the changing landscape of personal connection. The necessity is so strong that people are now paying for it.

Would you hire a professional bridesmaid for your wedding? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.