Wedding preparation is famously stressful for the bride, but never underestimate the work that goes into being a bridesmaid. Between the bridal shower, the bachelorette, and the day itself, the average American bridesmaid spends around $1,500 supporting her friend's wedding.
Still, nothing compares to the joy of celebrating one of your best friends. As a first-time bridesmaid, you may feel nervous when the day finally arrives. Remember the job description: you are there to support the bride. Focus on making her day better and the time flies.
Having planned my own wedding twice, I have my bridesmaids to thank for keeping me sane. Here are five ways to be the bridesmaid every bride hopes for.
1. Communicate with the other bridesmaids
Throughout the process, stay in sync with the maid of honor and the rest of the party. Not every bride has a wedding planner, and the bridal party often fills that role on the day.
- Make sure the dressing room has enough snacks and drinks.
- Know the schedule and arrangements cold.
- Be ready to adapt when something changes at the last minute, because something always does.
You may spend more time with the other bridesmaids than with your own date, and some of my best group chats were born in a bridal suite. One team, one dream.
2. Stay on your toes
Guests cancel, vendors run late, beauty products malfunction. Expect the unexpected. If something goes wrong and you can fix it, be the remedy. If you cannot, find somebody who can. Go to the bride or groom only as a last resort.
3. Pack the essentials
Your purse is the team's emergency kit. Ask the bride in advance what she wants on hand, then pack perfume, bobby and safety pins, stain remover, scissors for stray threads, and a pair of flats for the dance floor.
4. A small memento goes a long way
A thoughtful pre-wedding gift or a personalized keepsake makes the day feel even more special, and it does not have to be expensive. A handwritten note showing your appreciation can mean more than anything from a store.
5. Remain calm
Things will go sideways somewhere. Stay positive and relaxed anyway. If someone is going to lose their cool on the wedding day, do not let it be you. Be the shoulder, the therapist, and the good energy in the room.
In conclusion
There is a reason the bride picked you. You have been through challenges and celebrations together already, and the wedding is one more adventure. It does not matter how you look or feel at the end of the night as long as your bride is smiling. And we know a thing or two about wedding-day smiles here: our Wedding Collection exists so the whole bridal party photographs bright.
