How to Be The Perfect Bridesmaid

It is such an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid for a friend or relative, but it can be confusing to know exactly what is expected of you when you are a bridesmaid. This article will take the confusion out of being a bridesmaid for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A wedding that you are asked to be a bridesmaid in
• Patience
• Empathy

1. Be there for the bride. Check in once in a while and ask how she's doing. Ask if she needs help with anything. Ask how the wedding planning is going. While the wedding shouldn't dominate your friendship, you should let her know it is ok to talk about wedding things.

2. When you're asked for your opinion, give it! Don't say things like "whatever you want is fine with me". Give her an honest answer and help her weigh the pros and cons.

3. Don't stress out the bride by complaining about her decisions or making a big deal out of small things. She's got enough on her mind and she really wants you to help and support her.

4. Let the bride vent. Her mother is driving her crazy? Dad doesn't want to pay for the overpriced, 6-foot orchid centerpieces? All you have to do is empathize. Let her know you understand where she's coming from.

5. Help plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

6. Gently tell the bride when she is out of line. If you see bridezilla starting to surface, help her check her evil twin at the door.

7. Be on time. Nobody like a late bridesmaid. And if you must be late, make sure you let someone know when you expect to arrive.

8. The day of the wedding, help out wherever you can. Organize the groomsmen and pin their flowers on their jackets. Make sure the bride has a glass of water while her hair is being done. Do whatever you can to make sure things go smoothly.

9. Don't over-consume alcohol at the reception.

10. Have fun! Fun bridesmaids make the reception more fun. Besides, you've done some hard work to make this wedding happen - you deserve it!

Tips & Warnings

• Always be gracious and polite.
• Do what you're asked as long as it is reasonable. Doing dishes is not generally reasonable.
• Don't try to check the bride's mother. If her mom is out of line, nothing you say will improve the situation. Let the family handle it..
• Don't break your budget. If something is too expensive, say so and work out a solution with the bride. Many times the bride would prefer help over a monetary contribution to her shower or bachelorette party. No bride wants her bridesmaids to be in the poor house because of her wedding.

[fruitloop]

on 9/30/2009 You aren't being a bad friend if you tell the bride honestly that you can't afford something. A bride should be a friend in return, and take this into account. Remember always that you are all FRIENDS.

[ladykbd]

on 7/18/2009 Great tips, I'm a bridesmaid wedding next week. So far I've been doing pretty good. LOL!

[IcyCucky]

on 10/19/2008 What an exciting time! Very good tips!*****