Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaids

I am jumping back in to Wedding Wednesday in honor of a friend's wedding this weekend. This post is going to have several parts, so bear with me. I have to make up for my delay somehow, right?!

A lot of us are at the stage in life where we receive the ring pop box, and we get asked to be a bridesmaid. At the time we are probably jumping for joy, super excited for our friend. However, sometimes we feel overwhelmed/confused/broke/etc. Being a bridesmaid and a bride have really helped me understand both roles, and how they can sometimes be frustrating. I wasn't the perfect example of either by any means, but I did learn a lot during the process. So here are a few tips that I have learned along the way, some points I wish I had been better with!

How to be a rocking bridesmaid:

1. Be excited. Wedding planning is stressful. Let your girl know how pumped you are to celebrate with her every now and then. It makes her feel loved in a somewhat stressful time. Whether it is a coffee, random text, or whatever best fits your relationship. 

2. Be honest. This is tricky, and something you have to be constantly aware of. For example, if you can't afford a $250 wedding dress/shoes/hair/makeup/life, that is okay. Chat with your bride about options for paying for it. She chose you for a reason, so she will be willing to work with you. If you think her attitude sucks, talk to her [carefully]. Remind her she has a team here to help her, even if it is just to escape planning and color swatches. 

3. Be there. Don't be the bridesmaid that just shows up on the day of. Be apart of her planning, even if it just adding stamps to envelopes. Wear your neon tutu with pride at that Bachelorette Party because you may not know it now-- but it means the world to her.

4. Be her friend. I think this is the most important one, because it embodies all the ones above. Just because you feel like her minion at times, or you think she has gone total bridezilla... you're still her friend. One she loves dearly. Remember that. And breathe, because one day she will do all the same crazy things for you.

How to be a rocking bride:

1. Be excited. Don't make everything seem so stressful-- it scares your bridesmaids [lol]. Do something random to let them know how much you appreciate them dealing with your crazy self. Something as small as snail mail or a text, let them know that they are your best friends.

2. Be honest. Let them know what you are thinking about their wardrobe or whatever they may have to spend money on. Allow them to have some freedom, even if its only jewelry. Be open with them, and most importantly be receptive when they are open and honest with you. This is your day, and they know that. But, you also want them happy to still be your friend.

3. Be there. Yes, this is your day. But life doesn't stop just because you are getting married. Take time to be intentional with your girls outside of wedding related things. If your friend is crying her eyes out or stressed to the max, probably not the best time to ask about color swatches or dress lengths.

4. Be her friend. Remember between addressing the invites, picking out dresses, and trying on your dress that these girls want to celebrate you, but they also did this because they are your closest friends. So cherish that bond. And make sure they know it. And most importantly-- have fun-- it goes by so, so fast!!