An awesome bridesmaid is a gem indeed. She’s kind. She’s helpful. She’s the bride’s soul sister. And – she’s specially chosen from amongst many. Here’s how you can make all the difference as an awesome bridesmaid. You go girl!
Have hugs at the ready at all times
Trust us – the bride will need them. If you’ve been a bride yourself, you’ll know how everyone has an opinion about the wedding. If you haven’t been a bride, let us tell you – EVERYONE has an opinion about the wedding. When the bride gets that mad look in her eyes, or tears threaten to spill at any moment, offer a hug. Hugs are magic and they always work.
Offer to help first
Wink wink, here’s to being smart! It’s true that the Chief Bridesmaid will be the one responsible for the bigger things (like planning the hen do), but your help will be invaluable as well. Get in there first – nudge nudge – and you’ll get the best jobs. You could even ask to see the checklist and offer to help with specific things. Like all the cake tasting!
Photo from Sinéad & Shane’s real wedding by Emma Russell Photography
Take interest in the planning
Is the bride the one always texting first? An awesome bridesmaid is a proactive one. If you haven’t heard from the bride in a while, just send her a short message saying ‘just checking how you’re getting on, is everything good with the planning?’ It’s the truth universally acknowledged that a supported bride is a happy bride.
Be the sweet voice of reason
We all know the Pinterest power of persuasion! But, an increase in inspiration causes a proportionate hole in the wedding budget. Here are two handy questions to ask the bride: do you need this for your wedding? And, will it make your wedding better? Bring these out at appropriate moments to help her make wise decisions.
Be available for Mag sessions
Sadly (or luckily), we don’t mean posing for Annie Leibowitz’s next spread in Vogue – imagine the pressure! We mean a stack of bridal magazines or a laptop with some awesome wedding blogs, maybe a bottle of wine, and hanging out together to look at pictures. This usually happens at the start of planning, when the bride is gathering ideas – and what better way to do that than with the girls by her side?
Photo from Laura & Moe’s real wedding by Couple Photography
Awww, bridal dress shopping
You may be asked to go with the bride to some dress shopping appointments. Most bridesmaids think they should tell the bride she looks good in EVERYTHING – but it’s much better to be honest. For example, if the dress looks great from the front, but not so good from the back, tell her. Trust us, you’ll be doing her a big favour. Not even Barbie looks good in everything, with her one-inch waist.
Ouch, your dress shopping
In fashion, it’s all about striking the right balance. If you feel terribly self-conscious about showing your legs or arms, do ask the bride if she’s planning long dresses, or some bolero/pashmina options. If, on the other hand, you prefer to wear pink, and you’re given red, just wear it – it’s the bride’s decision after all. No bride wants their bridesmaids to feel awful on the day, we promise.
Take your beauty routine up a notch
First, everyone will be looking at the newlyweds. And then, everyone will be looking at the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Don’t believe us? Check out any of our real weddings, and you’ll see the wedding party features prominently in many photos. It’s a day to look your very best too – and you’ll love seeing yourself in those photos afterwards.
Photo from Tara & Fionan’s real wedding by DKPHOTO
Don’t sweat the small stuff
If something needs exchanging, resizing or replacing, check with the bride first if she’s ok with you doing it – then do it yourself, like the awesome bridesmaid that you are. Her checklist has already runeth over, trust us.
Be nice to other maids
Watching girls fight is only funny on reality TV – in real life, it’ll make the bride regret her bridesmaid choices, and that’s really not what you want. Be the cool cat. Don’t get involved in fights. The only side to take is the bride’s. Diplomatically suggest ways to solve things. And refer to point one – hugs, hugs, hugs.
Make sure she feels special
It’s not just a party being planned here – it’s a milestone day in a bride’s life. So when the stress gets the best of her, make every effort to help the bride remember the wonderful things which lie ahead, and that lots of people wish her eternal love and happiness. Wedding planning is a special time, and it’s even better with good friends to share and celebrate it – like you.
Main photo from Tara & Fionan’s real wedding by DKPHOTO
