Bridesmaid Files - Volume 1

For the first time in my life, I'm going to be a bridesmaid! Last time I was in a wedding, I was the flower girl.  We are 8 weeks away from the big day. Here are a few things I've learned on the journey ..thus far:

Show Up

Agreeing to be a bridesmaid is a commitment. When you "sign up", you commit to showing up to several things, not just the big day. There's dress shopping, dress fittings, hair trials, makeup trials, bouquet picking, venue selecting, wedding party dinners and a host of other To-do's on the bride's checklist. Keep in mind, these dates do not include the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner.

*Food for thought: If you are dealing with a bride that doesn't quite know what she wants, you might just repeat a few of those To-Do's. (Lucky for me, the bride has stuck to her vision)

It Ain't Yo Wedding (Translation: It is not Your Wedding)

It doesn't matter what colors you would have picked, type of flowers for the center piece or which venue you would have gone with. It is simply not your wedding. Now, that doesn't mean you can't give your opinion. But lets be real here, does your opinion really matter? Answer = NO. Why? Simply because... you guessed it.. It's not your wedding. You can't get mad if the bride doesn't take your advice and/or suggestions into consideration.

*Food for thought: When it's time to plan your big day, do it your way. All those things you would have done differently, write them down for when its your turn.

Friendships Will be Tested

You and the bride have been friends for years. Never missed each others birthdays. You've cried together, laughed together, and kept some great secrets. Actually, you told her you were going to be her bridesmaid. She didn't have to ask. Now, the friend you've come to know and love is obsessed with finding the perfect shade of blue satin table cloths to match the blue carnations she's picked for her center pieces (a color choice you never would have picked by the way).  The only conversations you have are about her ever changing seating chart and her DIY wedding projects.

*Food for thought: This goes back to knowing what you are signing up for.  If you can go through this and come out as friends on the other side, your bond can only be stronger.

Support and Encourage

Some girls have their big day planned out long before they meet Mr. Right. Your primary job as a bridesmaid is to support and encourage the bride's vision. There's ALOT that goes into planning a wedding. Not everyone is blessed to have a wedding planner to take care of all those intricate details and endless To-Dos. The bride will be undeniably overwhelmed. That's where the bridesmaid comes in.

So lets recap..

1. You show up. That's the best way to show your support.
2. The bride chooses daisies and sunflowers as her theme. *Remembering*- it's not your wedding, you help her find the best daisy and sunflower vendors in town, which also shows your support.
3. You turn one of those DIY wedding projects into a girls night in. The memories you make will last way longer than the big day.

Have you ever been a bridesmaid/groomsmen or a bride? Share your stories and survival tips below... 

Need more tips?! Check out:

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And if you're just looking for a little comedic relief, check out one of my favorite movies:

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Will You Be My Bridesmaid card - courtesy of Etsy.