You’re a bridesmaid? Congratulations!

The fun of all the pre-wedding activities, the excitement of being in the wedding…and the dress!  

This is a big deal!

And no pressure…but this is a big responsibility as well.

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is truly an honor.  Accepting the role of a bridesmaid is noble.  There are many important tasks a bridesmaid is accountable for.  Some of those tasks are exciting and glamorous (a regal walk down the aisle on the arm of a handsome groomsman?) and some of those tasks can be tedious and challenging (dealing with bridal shower guest addresses and RSVPs?).  

However, being part of a wedding is a team effort and you were selected as a bridesmaid for a reason.  You are important to the bride and groom and their beautiful day.

So…what are our tips for being a perfect bridesmaid no matter the task?  Here we share our favorite insights into making this a memorable, smooth, and happy affair!

10 Tips for Being the Perfect Bridesmaid

1. Meet or Talk with the MOH as Soon as Possible.  Some MOHs (maid of honors or man of honors) have every detail planned and you are to help execute it all.  Others may look to the entire bridal party for help with everything.  Make sure you introduce yourself to the MOH if you do not know her or him.  Get a sense of what they envision and how you can help.

2.   Ask Questions!  We find that most brides love to talk about their weddings, but many of them feel uncomfortable discussing it with those not involved.  Provide the bride and groom an outlet to talk about everything from their color choices to their honeymoon by simply getting together, sending an email, or giving them a call once in a while to ask specifically about the wedding details.  

3. Be Open.  We understand.  You may be dreading the bridesmaid dress shopping.  What is she or he going to pick?!  Is the color going to look good on you?  What about the cut and shape?  What if your arms aren’t accentuated or your hips look too big?  These are all normal and reasonable questions!  However, it’s important to be open-minded when it comes to dress shopping.  It’s ok to have an opinion and to share if asked, however, keep in mind that the bride may have a look in mind that she’s had for years.  If the dress is such a big deal to you, make sure you talk about it before saying yes to being a bridesmaid.

4.  Make Moments Special.  Going bridal dress shopping for her big purchase?  Helping her select flowers with the florist?  Or how about just a day at the mall looking for the right shoes?  Make these moments special for her.  Consider bringing a bottle of champagne and truffles to celebrate once she picks the perfect dress (if the store allows – or pack a blanket and find a nearby park or your host at your own home).  Meet her with her favorite coffee at the mall or provide her a small journal for notes at the florist.  Little things show that you care, that what you are doing is important to you as well as her, and that she and her wedding are important to you.

5. Start a Fresh Diet Plan with the Bridal Party if Desired.  Worried about looking and feeling your best for their big day?  Chances are, you’re not alone!  But don’t spend your days starving yourself and worrying about it.  Ask others in the bridal party if they are interested in teaming up for a little healthy kick before the wedding.  Decide what your healthy eating and exercise goals are and keep each other accountable.  Starting even a few weeks before the wedding can help everyone feel in tip top shape and less guilty when enjoying that cake!

6. Have a KIND voice.  It’s exciting to think about a bachelorette party out of state, a bridal shower at an expensive hotel, or even an extravagant set-up for the wedding day.  Especially when a bride and/or groom have their minds set on something in particular.  However, it’s important to be a KIND voice of reason when necessary.  Expressing that some “must-have” guests may not be able to take time off for both an out of state bachelorette party AND wedding may make their guest count go down, or that all of the bridesmaids can’t afford an expensive tea bridal shower at a fancy hotel but could at a local home, or even that you’d love to help with the extravagant set-up, but you will be busy helping her get ready and that professionals are where it’s at to help, are sometimes necessary to ensure for a happy and stress-free wedding.  Just remember it may be hard for them to hear, so be patient and compassionate.

7. Think of Little Extras Ahead of Time.  The wedding day will be busy!  So many times, little things go unnoticed or undone.  Some of our favorite things we’ve seen is bridesmaids who have made a play mix or CD of fun and memorable friendship and wedding songs to be played while getting ready, a well-written toast to the bride given by the bridesmaids right before “getting ready” begins, and a handkerchief monogrammed with the bride’s new initials handed to her before the wedding.  Think ahead!

8. Don’t Gossip!  Word gets around and it’s not worth the drama!

9. Have fun!  We know that there are a lot of responsibilities of a bridesmaid, but you having fun makes for good energy for others to have fun, too!  One of the best signs of a good wedding is watching how much fun the bridal party is having!

10. Being Perfect Means Accepting the Non-Perfect.  We all want it to be flawless.  But chances are, it won’t be.  Be flexible, stay positive, and show your smile.  That will go farther no matter what.

Are you an Orlando bride or bridesmaid that needs assistance in planning the perfect wedding?  We are here to help! 

Whether it’s a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or the wedding itself, making these moments spectacular is what we specialize in.  Contact me now at michele@michelebutlerevents.com to find out more!

Because being the perfect bride or bridesmaid may just mean having the perfect planner!