In the next 2 months I will be a bridesmaid 3 times in 3 cities on two coasts and in 2 countries. It must be Katherine Heigl exacting revenge because I gave her movie, 27 Dresses a bad review. I called the plot contrived and now I am forced to live out the fate of her character who had to race from one wedding to another as a bridesmaid.
Being in the bridal party has its perks. You don’t have to worry about what to wear, you get to be a part of the entourage and you’ll have your picture taken by professionals all day. But it’s not all fun and games. The role of bridesmaid comes with responsibilities. Your duty is to the bride on her special day so you could find yourself playing one or more of many possible parts: greeter, traffic controller, seamstress,
courier, translator, stylist or any combination of the above.
Here are some Dos and Don’ts for anyone on bridesmaid duty:
1. Do offer your opinion on the bridesmaid dress when the bride asks. Don’t insist on a particular style because it’s more flattering on you and then complain if the one you like wasn’t selected.
2. If you’re not keen on the idea of someone else doing your hair and make-up, do offer to do it yourself. But don’t show up like you just rolled out of bed or in your clubbed out, smokey-eye look unless that’s what the other bridesmaids are doing. It’s someone else’s wedding and you should respect their decisions on the overall look.
3. Do help liven up the party by hitting the dancefloor, but don’t dirty dance with Grandpa to the shock and horror of relatives.
4. Do help the bride lift up her gown as she goes to the bathroom. Don’t go back and tell everyone what you did.
5. Do feel honored when you’re asked to be a bridesmaid. The bride considers you a close friend and wants you to be a big part of her big day. Don’t accept unless you’re prepared to commit to the role. Think of yourself as an ambassador for the bride and her family and be prepared to act in good taste at all times.