Almost 7 Dresses

So sometimes I forget that not everyone has been in a wedding ...and when I say in a wedding, I mean as part of the bridal party- so in my case a bridesmaid.

I was recently in my 6th wedding and have a 7th coming up in June (yay Sara Beth!!)...and it dawned on me during this 6th bridesmaid experience that I better act like I know what I am doing by now! :) so here is my little blog about advice, tips, and rules about being a bridesmaid!! in no particular order.

• MOH - the maid of honor...even if its not you, all the bridesmaids need to be ready to support and back up the MOH...she is a busy girlie during those months and sometimes years before the wedding...and sometimes the MOH is the adorable but younger, non 21 sister - so she needs your help, especially talking about the bachelorette party...so offer assistance and tell the MOH that you like planning, or sending cards (aka invites for the bridal shower, etc.)
• the engagement - its a tradition that I started after my first few weddings, so sorry Sheena, I am sure I skipped this for you, and Sara - Yeah I haven't given you yours yet...I like to give an engagement gift, even if there is no official engagement party, just a little "congrats" gift, nothing big but just something to get the bride excited about her big day
• bridal party - as a bridesmaid it is your duty to help in any way with the shower that you can...a lot of times the mother of the bride hosts the shower , so you just need to come - but ask to help in any way possible. Some bridal parties have themes - so make sure the guests and other bridesmaids participant in the theme..as far as the gift goes..I say buy something off the registry for the shower...lastly I also say always have alcohol at the shower...even if its just some champagne and wine..but in general bridal showers are not the most fun anyone has ever had so don't make us suffer without alcohol - that was harsh I know - so sorry
• bachelorette party - no need to be dramatic and assume its the last night out ever for the bride, because hopefully it is not, but if you act like that then ALL are in for a good time!! for some brides the destination is important and if that is the case make every effort to get everyone wherever the bride wants to go (within budget obvi)....a few things i also think are:

1. I say NO NO NO to strippers but that is because I think they are gross
2. i say no matter whether the party is a whole weekend or one big night out consider this basic plan: lingerie party before dinner in hotel room or at someone's house - the bride always needs lingerie even if they hate it!!! you can spice it up with fun toys, lotions, etc...but make sure most of the lingerie is something even you would want to wear - i personally hate the real see-through kind but that is just me....btw victoria secret's semi annual sale - go to it and get lingerie there- at least 50% off
3. then go for dinner at a nice restaurant but no need to kill everyone's bank at dinner
4. lastly a night out with the girls...getting a limo is a great idea as well but the point is a night out with the girls, your favorite girls..all letting loose and having fun..
5. I definitely say games..at least a few..the list game is always a winner where you list the things the bride has to do throughout the night - like 1- get a guy to buy you a drink ...etc..
6. also props are a must like the "I am the bachelorette" sash is a definite; also the veil, and something for each girl who is going out to have is fun as well - like a button or sticker.....
7. number of guests...this does depend..i think of my own bachelorette party I hope to have one day and limiting can make it very hard, especially if you have a lot of family who will be involved in wedding...but also too many people might take away from your special night and make it seem like any other night out -which it is not

• the bridesmaid dress- I think the easiest thing to know here is that it will be $200 minimum by the time you hem and size it to fit you, its $200 that you probably spent for a one night event (as you will never wear it again) and lastly remember: its not your wedding!! so love the dress , hate it - WHATEVER just smile!!
• Finally the WEDDING weekend - just take the two days off work, because doing your best to be at all events is very important...bridal lunch, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the big day WEDDING..the main advice I have is BE THERE!! its a long fun weekend, but you are expected to meet and greet; carry gifts; carry flowers; be on the dance floor the entire reception to keep the party going and get the party started!! and simply just be there!! my gift to the bride is always something personal...I try not to do the registry for the wedding but instead give something more meaningful, but thats just me

At the end of the day, being a bridesmaid is an honor. I am lucky to have such amazing friends who think so highly of me to ask me to share their special day with them. It is an important job and one not to hold lightly - but one to cherish and have fun with!! I can't wait for June to do it all over again :)