FAQ Friday; How to be a Bridesmaid

{The Question} As a bridesmaid what are my expectations?

If one of my dear friends asked me to don a long-sleeved gown as part of my bridesmaid duties, I think I'd probably open my big mouth and tell her I was penciled in to be sick on her big day (Au contraire, if the frock with sleeves looks like the sassy gray number above then yes, please I'll wear long sleeves while promising not to make any references to Little House on the Prairie). In wedding world these days where anything goes, what expectations do you need to fulfill when you did get asked to stand up beside your best gal pal on the biggest day of her life? Besides the traditional expectations of wearing a special dress, joining in on the bridal festivities and maybe even preparing a speech here's my coles notes version on how to be the best bridesmaid possible; stemming from personal experiences as a planner, bride, bridesmaid and maid of honour (I really have filled all of those positions). Read on bloggettes!

{Communicate} I like to think that being a bride-to-be is sort of like being an expectant mother. Both roles require enduring months of planning with the built up anticipation of this life changing experience as the grand finale to your experience. When you're a bride, you'd like nothing to get in the way of 'your' day and that includes any strife between girls you've selected as your attendants. As a bridesmaid your role isn't just to make the bride happy and to be there for her, but it's to play nice with the other bridesmaids regardless of if you like em or not. The easy way to avoid any tiffs with anyone is to  communicate. I can't stress this enough but much like how communication is the key to a successful romantic relationship, it's also an important component of being a member of a bridal party. Swap numbers with the other girls as soon as the bride has selected all of her bridesmaids and don't let petty little girl tiffs become the bride's problem or the demise of the entire experience. Talk it out. Work it out. You're an adult. And the bride is your friend. Treat her like one.

{Just Ask, Just Do} Some chicks (ahem, me) are a bit of a control freak and convince everyone else that they really don't need any help planning their wedding. Those 300 programs that need cutting? Nah, super bride can do em. The floral arrangements, set up of candy bar and last minute check in with vendors? No biggie. See that girl in the white gown, she'll figure it out. Woman are always so hesitant to ask for help and inconveniencing people by asking them for a hand is sometimes the last thing we want to do. I mean after all, as a bride we've already asked these people to fork over cash for everything else, why would we burden them any further asking for help with small wedding details. News flash; if you're a bridesmaid just ask. Ask if the bride if she needs some help and be sensitive to her emotions that especially on her wedding day, are an inconceivable mix of nerves, anticipation, excitement and happiness. Better yet, just do. If something needs to be done or looks like it need a good fixing, don't be afraid to step up and pull a Nike.

{Grin and Bear It} Your fashion-disaster, stuck in the 1990s bestie is getting married and you're convinced you'll be walking down that aisle looking like a wad of cotton candy. Your first instinct is to beg and plea for a prettier rose-hued gown, without the endless layers of tulle under the skirt and a sequined bodice. But then you remember the time she consoled you over you first big break up, the time she held your hand when you grieved over losing your grandma, and the time you two promised to be friends forever and that tacky dress that costs half your rent check doesn't seem so bad. You could always go as Cyndi Lauper for next year's Halloween right? Although the above given example is slightly over the top, you get my point. Sometimes you just gotta, grin and bear it.

What were your experiences as a bridesmaid?