How to Be an Awesome Bridesmaid 

It’s simple. Every bride will want something different from their bridesmaids.

You may be required to help with the organizing, or the bride may want you actually to get involved in preparing things if she is a DIY kinda gal. Or perhaps decorating invitations and helping create the theme. Maybe you have a real laid back bride who just wants you to show up and make sure she has a great day and her hair is in place for photos. 

However, I think it’s safe to say there are a few basic principals to being a great bridesmaid. Also, its important to be a bridesmaid that the bride is proud to have stand beside her on her big day. Sometimes being a bridesmaid is just someone that goes the extra mile, because let’s face it, wedding planning can be overwhelming and sometimes all that is needed is just support. 

I was lucky enough to stand next to one of my best friends this August for her beautiful wedding to her long time boyfriend. The moment she asked me at a restaurant in Toronto over sweets was an unforgettable moment and from then, I was along for the ride leading up to their big day.

Ashley is like me, and she always knew what she wanted, and when she was stuck, Pinterest was right there to inspire! Although I wasn’t a maid of honour, there are still duties as a bridesmaid that need to be considered if your bff is tying the knot!

Take an interest and provide ideas

The bride may not take on board everything you say, but they do welcome a fresh voice and outlook without being pushy of course. Maybe you could offer some unique wedding ideas that she may not have considered or even use her idea as a jumping off point for executing things. Also, one piece of advice would be to listen. You may have already heard about first dance dramas or wedding cake disasters but you need to be there for her. Offer up your help and advice when you can!

Take on some of the organizing

A bride may not want you to steal her thunder, but organising and helping with things such as music choices could be a big help. I remember Ashley asking for helping with intro music which was both fun and created so much hype for the day! Needless to say, she chose “This Is What You Came For” for my walk out along with another bridesmaid and groomsmen, so you know I had to drop it low!

Taking care of some of the little jobs may free up the bride’s time to relax and enjoy the experience and it can really be a fun job to help with. If your bride is planning a more DIY affair, then help with any crafts you can. Maybe you are excellent at design, or just happy to do the mundane tasks. Any offer of help will be greatly appreciated.

Don’t make a comment on the dress

I think many bridesmaids may not like the dress that has been picked for them, but remember this is the bride’s day. I was lucky enough to adore my dress, but I also did have a bride that was willing to hear thoughts and concerns. Though, the last thing a bride needs is a bridesmaid moaning about the style or colour of the dress. It’s one day, so the best thing to do is accept it for what it is!

Remember to have fun

Remind the bride that she needs to enjoy the experience of planning a wedding. It will be over before she know’s it. It’s also a lovely idea to have some time when wedding talk is off limits. Take your bride out shopping or for some lunch every now and again. It will do her the world of good to have a break from planning, and also give you both a chance just to be yourselves. Ashley and I went to see “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” which was the perfect way for her to forget about her to-do list but still kept in theme of the celebration to come!

Know your duties

As a bridesmaid or maid of honour, there are individual requirements set out of you, but the bride may have her ideas herself. Will the bride want you to do a reading in the ceremony? Do you need to provide a toast during the wedding breakfast? Are you responsible for the guest book or anything else during the day? It’s great to establish what you need to be doing on the day so there are no mistakes. Also, if she hasn’t thought about a clear plan of who is doing what, help her out with it! With so many things on the to-do list, it’s expected that the bride might slip on a few things. 

Finally, It’s an honour to be named a bridesmaid, so enjoy yourself and the day! 

What are some of your bridesmaids tips?

Photos courtesy of Leann Weston Photography 

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