You’ve been given the wonderful job of being a bridesmaid to your lovely friend, but sometimes the pressure of organising events, having outfit fittings and generally being there for your bestie can take it’s toll. So here is my simple guide to easing some of that stress, meaning you enjoy the run up to the big day along with performing your duties on the actual wedding x
1. Buy/try on your bridesmaid gown, shoes and accessories with plenty of time…
You should try and aim to buy/try on your bridesmaid gown within plenty of time before the wedding. Not only does this minimise stress of everyone involved – it also allows time for adjustments if needed and if the bride changes her mind on style and colour. A brilliant place to get gowns from is Maids to Measure
Do not leave it to the big day to stitch loose straps, or mend a broken zip that you knew wouldn’t work – both of which has happened during weddings I have been involved in. Not only does this look terrible in photographs, it will also mean you are constantly worried about how your gown looks and not feel confident at all.
Be organised on this one!
2. Confirm with the bride your travel/hotel accommodation if required PLUS timings!
If you don’t know what time you need to arrive or be available for the bride, ask. Check timings – what time do you need to be with her for breakfast, hair, makeup or even changed into your gown. Which car are you riding in and do you need to stay with her, or book a local hotel. Take the initiative and confirm what is going on, as the bride will have so many things to think about she may need a little push to sort the little details with you.
3. Decide whether you want hair and or makeup, and tell the bride.
This subject is always a little touchy with brides as they usually always want to pay for bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done, but financially this is not always possible (weddings are expensive!) So really think about whether you want your hair and or makeup done, and if so are you willing to help pay for this? Quite often I am involved in weddings where only one or two bridesmaids are having their hair and makeup done, and it makes the rest of the bridal group really regret their decision as they either don’t have the same products or can’t achieve the same professional finish.
If you do want either or both, then tell the bride in plenty of time and not a couple of days before the wedding. That way, numbers and timings can be confirmed and any final bills paid in plenty of time.
4. Don’t bring your hang-ups or personal problems to the bride on her wedding day.
This can sound really harsh but in practise I have seen so many bridesmaids verbally attack brides on their special day for not doing this, or not thinking to organise that. Meaning that poor bride who has spent an enormous amount of money making it a special day for everyone, now feels like rubbish on her wedding day. No one wants to see that.
Leave your hang-ups and personal problems at the door and be there for your friend. It’s one day where you can just enjoy yourself and be with friends and family, so buck up and let your hair down!
5. Make sure both the bride and yourself have a prosecco in hand for most of the morning x