It’s an enormous honour and, let’s be honest, quite a lot of pressure too to be asked to be someone’s bridesmaid. It’s only natural that you want to help make your best friend’s wedding day as brilliant as can be, and that all begins with being a good bridesmaid yourself.
Follow these 10 steps for a bridesmaid success.
Be honest about what you’d like to wear
Uncomfortable bridesmaids do not make for happy photographs, so try to accommodate the bride’s wishes within your own comfort zones. The mix and match bridesmaids look might just be the way to go…
Attend dress fittings
Part of your job is to help your girl find her dream dress, but it’s also a good idea to be there for the fitting too, to learn how to help her into her ensemble, how to manoeuvre the train and/or tie up the bustle, if there is one.
Be a calming influence on the big day
The bride doesn’t want to feel in a rush or be tied up handling calls coordinating suppliers on her wedding morning. Ask for a list of contact numbers and deal with as many queries as you can in her place.
Don’t be late
Nobody but the bride herself is allowed to make the bridal party late for this very important date.
Don’t upstage the bride
Yes, you look very glamorous and you’d love the photographer to get a shot of you and your other half all dressed up, but remember that it’s not your big day.
Don’t be afraid to clarify and to ask for help
When in doubt, keep in constant communication with the bride especially about the tasks that you don’t know how to do. Also, asking your fellow bridesmaids for help and advice is a great way to build your friendships and it will ensure that the tasks are done right. Remember, no bridesmaid works alone.
Offer to help the bride
Whether that’s by carrying her lipstick, helping to coordinate the photographs or holding her dress when she nips to the bathroom… Check out these bridesmaids jobs and duties for more ideas.
Don’t get too drunk at the reception
Your formal duties might be finished, but you’re still an important part of your best friend’s big day.
Give a speech at the ceremony
It’s relatively common for bridesmaids to give speeches during the ceremony for all the obvious reasons; you’re someone the Bride considers close and loves, you’ve also probably got some history with the Bride. It can become pretty stressful when it comes to giving speeches, quite fast trying to write the perfect one but don’t over-stress it: keep it short, funny & light!
Prepare for the worst
All bridesmaids should be on call if something disastrous happens like a hairstyling mistake or a wardrobe malfunction. There should be an emergency kit that contains stuff like bobby and safety pins, band-aids, and even deodorant. If all else fails, continue being supportive to the bride. You’re her friend first and foremost. All your other duties come after that. Make sure the bride knows that you’re always there for her no matter what.
If you follow those steps, you’ll be sure to excel at your new job as the best bridesmaid ever!
But of course, that’s not all you can do to be a great bridesmaid, so please do share your advice in the comments below. Weddings Roatan can help make your big day true.
Contact us for more information.