9 Commandments to be the ultimate bridal bestie
Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a pretty big deal – your friend is basically saying, "You're awesome and I want you by my side on the biggest day of my life!" But hey, let's keep it real: it's not all bouquets and bubbly. Being a bridesmaid comes with a host of responsibilities that the bride trusts you will deliver on flawlessly. Sure, this doesn't mean your bride friend can expect you to be at the end of the phone for a 3am floral brainstorming session or splash out thousands for your dress (that you’ll probably never wear again) - it's about being her support, lending a hand and perhaps throwing one heck of a bachelorette party before saying 'I do'!
First and foremost, your role as a bridesmaid is to support the bride emotionally, mentally and physically throughout the wedding planning process. Planning a wedding is stressful on its own, help alleviate this by being a bestie she can rely on. Be her confidante, her sounding board and her shoulder to lean on whenever she needs it.
No doubt, your bride-to-be is buzzing with excitement about her upcoming adventure and chances are, she can't stop talking about it! Don't let her think she's being selfish or boring you with wedding talk – she needs your support and enthusiasm. Be her sounding board, initiate those conversations and provide a safe space to share her ideas and vent her concerns. After all, being there for her during this time is what being a best friend is all about!
Bridesmaids, it's crucial to grasp the financial and other expectations placed upon you from the get-go. Have open, honest discussions about these responsibilities right from day one. Sometimes, even the standards you set for yourself as a bridesmaid may exceed your capabilities. Remember, honesty is key – with yourself and with the bride. If you find yourself unable to manage something, communicate openly. As a trusted friend, the bride will likely be entirely understanding of your situation.
While some brides may already have a clear vision for the wedding party's attire, if the bride seeks input, feel free to offer suggestions for bridesmaids' dresses, hair, or makeup. However, if you're asked to wear something that doesn't quite suit your taste, now's the time to speak up or forever hold your peace. Remember to communicate kindly and respectfully. There's one exception: if you're asked to wear something that truly makes you uncomfortable (like a dress that's too revealing or impractical for undergarments). In that case, it's completely acceptable to express your concerns. After all, your comfort matters too!
In the wild world of weddings, it's not unusual for bridesmaids to be a merry band of strangers. They might hail from different corners of the world, backgrounds and phases of the bride's life, leading to some interesting encounters. Don't leave it all up to the bride to play referee or set the vibe for the group. Instead, let's keep it breezy, spread some kindness and leave the drama at home. After all, this is a time for celebration and camaraderie!
Planning (and footing the bill for) the bridal shower and the bachelorette bash are among the major pre-wedding responsibilities. While the Maid of Honour usually spearheads these events, bridesmaids should step up to lend a hand in both organising and contributing financially wherever they can. Team work makes the dream work here! A week or two before the big day, make sure to get your hands on the wedding timeline. You don't need to commit it to memory, but give it a good once-over to understand the flow of the day and try to remember the key details. This will be a huge help to the bride and groom and shows that you're truly invested in ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
It's always a thoughtful gesture when bridesmaids ensure the bride stays hydrated and nourished amidst the whirlwind of wedding day excitement. Even if it's just light snacks throughout the day, keeping the bride fuelled is key. Remember to prioritise water intake, especially during those photo sessions when the couple is on the move. Be the ultimate bestie by thinking ahead and keeping the couple energised and pumped for their special day.
While you might usually be the first to sneak away during a night out, being a bridesmaid means you're on duty as long as your bride is still going strong. Don't hesitate to hit the dance floor, even if it clears out after a dreadful tune. Of course, it's essential to let loose and enjoy the festivities, but remember, your girl might need a helping hand unbuttoning those countless buttons on her dress at the end of the night.
If the bride's dress is particularly voluminous or snug, she may require assistance holding or adjusting it in the restroom. Additionally, you might be called upon to bustle the dress during the reception or aid in outfit changes. Don't forget to have your emergency kit handy for makeup touch-ups, unexpected mishaps, sore feet, and anything else that might arise. These things happen, be prepared!
