How to Behave as a Good Bridesmaid
So one of your best friends is getting married & she's asked you to stand by her side on her big day as a bridesmaid - congratulations! This is such an honour. After the excitement has worn off a bit, you might be thinking how you can help her enjoy one of the most amazing times in her life. Whether this is your first time being a bridesmaid or your hundredth, it's never a bad idea to touch up on some of the skills that takes a bridesmaid from "good" to "holy cow, I can't believe how thoughtful my bridesmaids are!" Check out our top seven ways to earn the role of a bridesmaid.
Don't Complain
This might be the number one tip for bridesmaids. Remember, this day is not about you, so if you don't like the light blue bridesmaid dresses or the date of the wedding, keep it t yourself. Some of the littlest utterings from bridesmaids (and others) it what can send an already stressed-out bride into a tailspin, so if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Don't Ask, Just Do
Instead of asking your DIY bride what projects you can help with, tell her, "I'm coming over Tuesday night with a bottle of wine and we're tackling your wedding favours." Some brides are uncomfortable asking for help and are afraid to be a burden to their ‘maids so don't put her in that position. Offering help in this way lets your know you want to and are even looking forward to it.
Make Friends
Sometimes the biggest dramas can stem from a bunch of bridesmaids not getting along, all wanting to take charge, or no one wanting to take charge. Do your very best to make friends with these ladies, and it pay off so much in the long run. (You may even forge a lifelong friendship!) If it seems like there's no way you can connect with a certain 'maid, remember that you are all here for one reason: you all love the bride. Ask how they met; share some funny stories about the bride, whatever you need to do. It will mean the world to the bride to see all her best friends & sisters getting along & enjoying each other's company.
Remember that the maid of honour (or maids) is supposed to be your leader, but if it seems like she's not taking charge in the first few weeks after being asked, take it upon yourself to collect email addresses and phone numbers and send out a mass email to all the brides. On the other hand, if it's clear that the maid of honour knows her role, let her have it and be supportive. Before sending out your thoughts or ideas to the whole group, email the MOH first.
Be Her Rock
Wedding planning is stressful and often brings to the surface all sorts of issues. When your friend needs to complain or vent, be that person she can go to and just listen. Let her get it all out, and be her neutral sounding board. When it comes your time to talk, be positive. Let her know you know it's stressful, but in the end it will all be worth it.
Make the Bachelorette Party Amazing
The bachelorette party will look a little different for every kind of bride, and although you might not want the same for your own, go with the flow. If your bride is a partier and wants to spend all night dancing on tables, party on with her. If she would rather stay at a cabin on the lake for a weekend and cook gourmet meals together, revel in the relaxation alongside your friend and your new friends - the rest of her bridesmaids.
Work with the other bridesmaids to make the bachelorette out of this world and all about your bride.
image from cheap bridesmaid dresses
Don't Drink Too Much
At the wedding bath, at the bride to be, at the testing, at the marriage... doesn’t over-do it. Don't create the new bride embarrass myself about her lovers and definitely don't create her cope with you because you're too intoxicated to manage yourself. We're all grownups here, so consider that before you add that fifth cup of vino.
Be the Day-Of "Point Person"
On the day of, a thousand factors will be going on and it's essential that most it never gets to the new bride. Even if she has a marriage coordinator, provide to be the factor individual on the big day by doing factors like having onto her cellphone, creating sure she consumes & beverages h2o, supporting the adviser & close relatives, etc. During my buddy's testing supper a few decades ago, she reported how many of of our buddies were text messaging her with factors like, "How do I get to the venue?" "Do I need to carry a gift?" etc. I could not believe it! I was concerned that it would only be more intense on the morning hours of so I provided to keep on to her cellphone for her and manage those types of phone calls and text messages. It did not seem like a big cope at plenty of a chance to me, but later she informed me how thankful she was that someone provided to do that and how much more she was able have fun with her day.
I have no question that you're going to be an awesome bridesmaid! Basically keep these guidelines in thoughts, keep in thoughts who all of this is about, and relish the festivities!!