A Plan Of Action For Bridesmaids
You have got the happy news. You can hear the wedding bells ring. And the best part is that they are not for you. Well, not yet, anyway!
The bride has chosen her husband-to-be, and now she chooses her emotional life boat, the people who are going to help her navigate the choppy and turbulent months leading to the wedding. She has chosen you to be one of her bridesmaids and you are more than happy to oblige.
There is a lot that goes into making a wedding smooth, flawless and enjoyable. There is the venue of the marriage, the reception, the wedding cake, the guests, the invites, the numerous logistical details and of course, the ever fluctuating and, unfortunately, inflating costs. No wonder the poor bridesmaid finds her best friend gradually turning into a dreaded Bridezilla.
We give the maid-of-honour and the bridesmaids a few life-saving tips which will help you emerge from your best friend’s wedding unscathed and with your friendship intact. This also holds true for the bride’s sister or sisters, if you are a part of this group of unsung heroes.
Think before you say ‘Yes, I do’
Being super-excited about your friend’s wedding is fine. But if you are expected to be by her side at a chalet in France, please give it a thought. There are a lot of costs to be considered which includes travel, stay and food. Agree only if you can afford it. Also don’t take on more responsibilities than you can manage. Check with your friend on the dates of all the important pre-wedding parties. If the dates are not convenient for you let her know in advance. It will save both of you unnecessary disappointments and shocks.
Plan your budget
Take into account all the exprenses that you as a bridesmaid may incur. Besides your dress, hair and make-up on the wedding day, you may also have to chip in for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Try to pool in your resources and ideas with the other bridesmaids. You can order the dresses in bulk which can give you discounts. Also top-to-toe color matching with the bridal troop is so passé. You can use the designer clutch and jewelry that you have, without shopping for new. Also keep aside a contingency fund, for the unseen expenses that pop up. Try to plan your travel with the other maids if possible, so that you can split the costs.
Be a part of all important occasions
Try to attend the engagement party, if there is one. Take an active part in hosting the bridal shower. The bachelorette party is organised by you and make sure it’s a special and memorable one for your friend. Let her bid adieu to her single life in style. But please make sure you don’t have yourself stamped all over the celebrations.
Be at your positive best
Your friend has made you a part of one of the most special occasions of her life. Be grateful for it and appreciate it. You may not enjoy the endless discussions you are forced to have on her wedding shoes, but please grin and bear it all. She will be back to her usual self in no time. Be genuine and shower her with all the affection you have for her.
Don’t let your style on the aisle make you weep.
Come on girl! Stand up for your friend. The bride’s sartorial choices may not be entirely to your liking. Her suggestions shouldn’t make you cringe or bawl. It’s her big day and it’s your duty to make it as true as possible to her wishes. There are numerous options in Jumior bridesmaids dresses that you, the bride and other maids can work out to your liking. Let the bride know your budget and constraints as well. It’s important that the bride, the bridesmaids as well as the junior bridesmaids look their best on the Big Day.
Lend an ear to your friend.
Please be at your accommodating best. Hear out your friend always. Try to find solutions to her unending worries and help out in every possible way. If you sense your friend beginning to crack under the stress and strain, do take her out for a cup of coffee. Be calm and pass on your peace to the bride. Be the ever-smiling ‘yes-girl’ and you have won your friend’s love for life.
What to do on the D-Day
Get your act together for the wedding march! Make sure you reach on time at the bride’s place. You should have ample time to get your hair and make-up done. Once you are ready see to that the junior bridesmaids are also dressed up. You have to keep in mind to get some extra tissues, lip gloss and perfume in your bag. You may leave for the venue of the wedding before the bride. Once you reach the church, there could be photographs taken of the bridesmaids and the younger attendants and you should see that all are present.
Once the bride arrives see to it that her train and dress fall well and that she is absolutely gorgeous for her grand entrance into the church. Once inside, the junior bridesmaids should be seated close to their parents. And take a deep breath, you have really done well.
Be by the bride throughout, anticipate all her needs and attend to it. At the reception see to the guests and make sure they are having a good time. In this way you can be a backup for the bride, she may not have enough time for all her guests. Also don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have some fun.
Conclusion
It’s a hard fact that everybody enjoys a wedding, except the bride and the groom! So if you have had the privilege of being a bridesmaid at your loved one’s wedding, make the most of it. Plan your expenses, communicate with the bride, keep your diary free so there are no work-related worries nagging at you. Look your best, feel your best, and have a great time!
Jessica Gray has been working as a freelance writer for a long time. She has a diverse background in wedding fashion and style.
