How to Be a Bridesmaid

Whether the bride is an old schoolmate, a favorite new friend, a trusted sister or your brother's fiancée, be honored that she has asked you to share in this joyous - and hectic - time in her life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Evening Gloves
• Hair Accessories
• Hosiery
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Makeup Kits
• Perfume
• Bracelets
• Diamond Earrings

1. Let the bride know you feel privileged to be chosen as a bridesmaid. She will appreciate your enthusiasm

2. Offer to help the bride and maid of honor with any tasks they'll be facing prior to the big day. This could include housing out-of-town guests.

3. Coordinate a shower - or assist the maid of honor in doing so - to be held for the couple or the bride.

4. Keep in mind that your bridesmaid dress is part of the big picture - if you are not crazy about the material or design, keep it to yourself. It is your responsibility to pay for the dress, shoes and lingerie.

5. Attend as many prenuptial events as you can - and give the bride one less thing to worry about by being punctual.

6. Contribute to the bridesmaids' gift to the bride, in addition to your own.

7. Pack an emergency kit for the bride for the wedding day: bobby pins, safety pins, hair spray, hair dryer - anything she may forget to bring and can't live without.

8. Be ready to fill in doing odd jobs, such as serving as an impromptu seamstress if the need should arise.

9. Jump-start the party - dance with the groomsmen and bring other guests onto the floor.

10. Mingle and help everyone feel comfortable.

11. Toast the newlyweds at the reception, alone or with another bridesmaid.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sensitive to the bride's wishes, if and when you throw a bachelorette party. Remember, it is your friend's wedding and you'll want to respect her desires.
• Save a roast for the bachelorette party and give a more formal toast at the wedding.
• Budget your expenses for the months to come. The costs for parties, meals and clothes may add up to more than you expect.

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[kellyanne]

on 1/3/2007 It's tough to say no. I have had a friend cut me out of her life because I said I couldn't afford the financial commitment. How can you say no, but still stay on your friend's good graces - tactfully?

on 6/30/2006 Remember, be the bridesmaid or maid of honor you yourself would want to have in your own bridal party. That's the best way to think about it. If you would want a "Yes" man as your bridesmaid (and I think you would), then be a "Yes" man and do what the bride desires.

on 11/22/2005 It's the brides day - you are there as her support crew. Do whatever you can to make it as easy as possible for her. Tell her you like the dress (whatever it may be), be friendly to her in-laws and her parents, go along with plans for the day (or any other events). Be flexible and open-minded. Remember that it's her special day!

on 11/22/2005 Not enough can be said about declining an invitation to be a bridesmaid if you think you cannot fulfill your commitment. This saves the bride and other bridesmaids hurt feelings and frustration. If you think you might not be able to afford it, and/or won't be able to attend the pre-wedding festivities, politely say no.

on 11/22/2005 Being a bridesmaid can be a big commitment in time and money. It may be very difficult to tell your friend that you won't be in her wedding. Try to be up front from the beginning and say that you appreciate the honor, but decline. You'll both be happier.