Are you a bridesmaid?

I thought I would bring you more wedding planning information on this blog instead of just focusing on my own stuff. To celebrate my new pink and purple bridesmaid jewellery, here’s a guest post for those special people who will spend the day by your side and help with any mishaps.

Enjoy.

Nothing is better than seeing your best friend walk down the aisle. Especially when you’re stood with her at the altar. Being a bridesmaid is both a huge honour, and a huge responsibility. You get the best seats in the house for the vows, and get to party the night away with your best friends.

But donning a bridesmaid gown is about more that sneaking off with a groomsman at the end of the night. It is your job to hold the brides hand when she’s nervous, listen to her stress, and try and keep the bridezilla at bay.

Bridesmaid Etiquette Uncovered

If you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid, the key is striking the perfect balance. Sure, there is plenty of fun to be had. But your top priority should be the bride. Experience bridesmaids will know the ropes. But if you’ve never been given the honour before, there are a few things to bear in mind.

While every bride, bridesmaid, and wedding is different, there are some aspects of bridesmaid etiquette that should be adhered to. Here are some top do’s and don’ts for being a brilliant bridesmaid:

Do’s

Be honest: Whether you’re a bridesmaid or Maid of Honour, you need to be honest with the bride. If her bridal gown of choice leaves her looking more like the wedding cake than the star of the show –it’s your job to tell her. She’ll definitely appreciate the honesty. After all, that’s what friends are for.

Compromise: When it comes to your dress, you need to be open to choice. Your friend will have an idea how she wants everyone to look, so do your best to co-operate. Choosing bridesmaids dresses that suit everyone is a difficult enough task. Make it easier for the bride by being lenient.

Be patient: Brides will get stressed when planning a wedding. They will rant, they will moan, and they will cry. As her bridesmaid and her friend, you need to be that shoulder to cry on. Listen to her, offer advice, and be there to help her out.

Be there for her: Even if you don’t agree with every decision she makes, you need to support your friend. If after your honest input she still wants to go ahead, make sure she knows you support her decision. You also need to be there are the reception. Mingle with guests, give a tasteful toast, and hold the brides dress when she goes to the bathroom!

Don’ts

Get drunk: Sure, a wedding is a celebration. Everyone is in high spirits and there is a huge party at the end. But as the bridesmaid you should stay relatively sober. Not only do your actions reflect badly on the bride – you’re her friend after all – you also make yourself look pretty silly.

Organise a wild hen: Just because you’re single, it doesn’t mean you should plan a wild bachelorette party as an excuse to pull. Chances are your friend won’t appreciate it and things could get messy. Instead, listen to what she wants to do and plan accordingly. If your bride says ‘no’ to custom t-shirts and male strippers – listen to her!

Steal her thunder: Whatever you do, don’t try and take the limelight off the bride. It’s her day to be the centre of attention, so let her. Don’t cut your bridesmaid dress short the night before to flash more leg than everyone else. Stand dutifully in the background and people will still notice you. Your day will come – don’t ruin someone else’s.

Being a bridesmaid for your friend or family member is a huge honour. Be there for your friend and enjoy your day too. Just relax, enjoy the day, and make sure you’re always there for the bride. After all, when it’s your wedding – wouldn’t you want your maids to do the same?

This guest post has been written by Wedding Favours Delight, supplier of unique favours for your big day. For more top tips on wedding etiquette, check out their website.