Bridesmaids: What Is Our Real Job?

Ok so...I`m in college and the bride has 9 <- yes that is nine, bridesmaids. (The maid of honor is 3 hours away) Who is in charge of planning showers/poundings/parties and whatnot and when is the proper time for those events to begin. Also we live in a dorm--not to big of a problem but she recently said that she wanted to have a party with everyone from our hall...what can we do that is classy but yet...cheap. Thanks!!
Worried in Waxahachie....lol