Brides almost always choose their sisters, best friends and favourite cousins to complete their circle of bridesmaids. In retrospect, some brides complain that their bridesmaids simply did not live up to their expectations on the wedding day.
Complaints from brides about their bridesmaids have run the gamut from taking too long to get dressed, hogging time with the hairdresser, arriving late, refusing to pay for their gowns or fussing about attire, hairstyles or accessories!
Here are five tips for being a bridesmaid that the bride will rave about:
Be prepared for the bride’s “planning” meetings or phone calls—Many brides are notorious for being detail-obsessed and fussy. If you don’t want to hear all and sundry about the wedding planning, then, being a bridesmaid may not be for you!
Clear your calendar—A good bridesmaid will have to make time to attend all pre-wedding activities. This can range from giving the bride a lift on errands, going to dress fittings, and assisting the bride with any pre-wedding shopping that she needs to do such as deciding on the invitations, cake, favours or even registry. You will also have to be there for the wedding rehearsal.
Help host the bridal shower or bachelorette party—This activity is probably going to be the most enjoyable one during the entire process. The Maid of Honour (MOH) typically plans and hosts the bachelorette party—whether it’s a “club crawl,” tea party or brunch. Bridesmaids will certainly have to assist in the planning and be there on the bridal shower day.
Get your speech ready—Some bridesmaids may be asked to deliver a toast at the wedding. Your job here is to be complimentary to the bride, reminisce and wish her well. You can be sweet and sentimental or quirky and funny, choose whichever style suits you and one that would not turn off the bride.
“Day-of” roles—So...it’s the day of the wedding and you absolutely must be there and be on time. You will have to be a part of the photo shoot post-ceremony, which can take up to an hour and a half or more. During the reception, you may also have to lend a hand with any duties the bride has assigned to you or assist the MOH.