By Bridget Mora
When you agree to be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding, what you are really agreeing to do is to help ensure her happiness. She has likely invited you to participate in her wedding because you are one of her dearest friends, and there is a lot that you can do to support your friend during the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Here are some handy tips for bridesmaids to help you be the best bridesmaid a bride could ever have.
Tip No. 1: Assume that the bride will go a little crazy, and be there to pull her back from the brink. A wedding is such an emotionally charged time that even the most level headed bride is sure to have some stressful moments. When she is on the verge of a breakdown because the printer spelled her name wrong on the invitations or her fiance chose a golf weekend with his buddies over a trip to a wedding show, a good bridesmaid will help the bride to calm down. Take her out to dinner or a funny movie, and help take her mind off of the wedding for a few hours until she has calmed down. Depending on the bride, other proven stress relievers include pedicures, yoga classes, dancing, or shoe shopping.
Tip No. 2: Anticipate the bride's needs as much as possible. You know that her mother drives her crazy? Then run interference at the bridal shower and occupy her mother with an engaging conversation to keep her away from the bride. You know your friend dreads shopping? Then make appointments for her at the bridal shops and take her to find the perfect gown. If the bride is a people pleaser? Let her think that you love the bridesmaid dress that she has chosen, even if you hate the color. You can always spruce it up with some fabulous bridesmaid jewelry to make it look prettier, and the bride will be happy if she believes that you are happy.
Tip No. 3: Be prompt and responsible. If the bride says that everyone needs to have their deposits into the bridal shop for bridesmaid dresses by Saturday, get yours in on Thursday. When she asks you if you have made your plane reservations, be able to truthfully answer yes. Don't be that one girl that the bride has to chase down for everything. It adds such a level of unnecessary stress to the wedding planning if the bridesmaids have to constantly be reminded about everything.
Tip No. 4: Take the time to look your best for her wedding. If your roots are showing, make an appointment with your colorist. Be sure that your nails are freshly manicured and get your hair styled. Do not show up to the wedding in a dress that is wrinkled, shoes that are scuffed, or bridesmaid jewelry that needs to be polished. It is bound to make the bride feel like you did not care enough about her wedding (even if you are genuinely overjoyed for her).
Tip No. 5: Find out how you can help while she is on her honeymoon. Perhaps you could deliver the presents to her house that guests brought to the wedding. Maybe she needs someone to walk her dog and water her plants. You could even leave the newlyweds a bottle of Champagne and a happy note welcoming them home from their honeymoon. Now that would be the mark of a first class bridesmaid!
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, etiquette, and style. Thank your attendants for being a part of your wedding with beautiful handcrafted bridesmaid jewelry.
Source:www.isnare.com |
