Help Me Be The Best Bridesmaid Ever!
Posted by: Catherine Strawn
Filed in:
news
10:00AM, Sunday July 12th 2009
Three of my friends recently got engaged, and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’m a bridesmaid in one of the weddings and want to be as helpful to all three of them as I can, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be doing. In fact, I actually picked up a copy of Modern Bride last weekend when I was in a nail salon, because I thought it might give me a clue! It did not. Since many of you Frisky readers have been in friends’ weddings, or at least gone to one, I’d love for you to share the tips and tricks you’ve picked up along the way in the comments.
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megmcd
wrote on July 12 2009 @ 11:04 am: [report]
You should pick up the book “The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous” by Kate Chynoweth. It is a fresh, modern, and adorable little book that has all the info to make you a wonderful bridesmaid!
little miss nose it all
wrote on July 12 2009 @ 12:10 pm: [report]
also check out martha stewart’s wedding website. it’s got a TON of info on modern wedding/bridesmaid etiquette.
just try to be there for whatever they need and ALWAYS keep them in check from being a bridezilla. (also, if they’re your true friends they’ll appreciate anything and everything you do for them — no matter how big or small!)
vaiaster
wrote on July 12 2009 @ 01:25 pm: [report]
when i got married, i wish my ladies actually wanted to perform duties! originally they acted as though they did, but as the months inched closer, my husband, my mother and i ended up doing most of the work.
i was happy with that, though. i’m a structured person and everything came off without a hitch. still, it would’ve been nice if they could’ve called as it got closer, asking if i needed anything (lunch, massage, sanity?) and the gesture would’ve been nice…
tabby
wrote on July 13 2009 @ 06:42 am: [report]
From a very experienced bridesmaid:
1) Remember to check in with the bride. Some brides will call you and tell you what they need done, but the more polite type of bride doesn’t want to be a burden and is waiting for you to volunteer to help. So check in at least once every few weeks to offer your services.
2) Remember to check in with the other bridesmaids early so that you can figure out any plans for the parties (bridal shower or bachelorette) that you may be expected to host.
3) No complaining. If the bride picks awful colors that clash with your hair or skin tone, you may not whine about it. However, feel free to persuade the bride that she should let her friends wear flattering dresses. Tell her that you will all look horrible in the photos if she wants you to wear ugly dresses. Brides care about their photos.
4) It is your job on the wedding day to keep all the unnecessary drama away from the bride. Your friend is stressed enough and doesn’t need to worry about if her grandma is hitting the flask early. That would be your job. On her wedding day, just make sure that your friend knows you have her back (and the getaway car if she needs one).
Jessalyn
wrote on July 13 2009 @ 12:55 pm: [report]
If you don’t already know her, get the maid of honor’s email from the bride and let both of them know you want to help. My best friend recently got married and I didn’t know any of her other attendants, so I felt really awkward at first when I was contacting them about the bachelorette party, etc. The other girls were great once we all warmed up to each other a bit, but a “Hey, I’d like to help! What do you need?” email would have really made my day back in the beginning.