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Bridal Party Survival Guide: The do's and do not's of being a bridesmaid

Congratulations! You have been selected to be one of the lucky females to stand by your friend's side on the happiest day of her life! This is one of the most important duties you will ever have to fulfill in your life. A bridesmaid is a special human being, and you have been chosen by the bride-to-be to help her go through this amazing, yet stressful, journey of her life. With this being said, you have ultimately agreed that no matter what happens, no matter how crazy the bride may get, you have certain obligations to abide by.

First of all, you are not the one getting married- she is! Your most important task is to put all of your selfishness aside and be there for your friend. The last thing you want is to have an upset bride because she does not feel as special as she should be feeling, just because you do not like something she has planned. You have to be supportive, regardless if you agree with the outcome or not. This rule is most important when dress shopping takes place. If she asks you for your opinion, do not give any insight until you ask her "What do you think about this one?" It is not your dress, it is her dress. To clarify, put all of your opinions aside and just be supportive. It's your job.

Additionally, these are the times where you will see the bride-to-be in her most vulnerable state. She will want everything perfect, but somethings will not end up the way she wanted it to be. There will come times when something does not work out, and she will become flustered about it. You may think it is no big deal, but are you the one getting married? No, you most certainly are not. Just be there when she needs a shoulder to cry on, have a glass of wine on hand ready to go, and just let her vent to you about why she is upset. You are not Dr. Phil by any means, so just be there to comfort her when she needs you.

Most importantly, do not take away the spotlight. There is no need to make any special requests for your own benefit. For once in her life, this is all about her and her husband-to-be. This is the time when you put all of your own needs aside and you focus on her. This may be difficult for you, but trust me, it is the most important task you are required to do. If you do get a plus one, it is encouraged to bring someone who is going to be okay being by themselves for a little bit. You will be preoccupied with the bride all day, and you should bring someone who is familiar with other individuals attending the wedding. If you bring your boyfriend of three years or so, do not expect a proposal from him that night. The worst thing in the entire world is celebrating your marriage with all of your family and friends, and suddenly you see your best friend's boyfriend on one knee at your own reception. Once the wedding is over, then you can discuss this with your partner. Until then, the spotlight will be cast upon the bride and groom only, not you.

She is going to laugh, she is going to cry, and she is probably going to get drunk at her Bachelorette party. She is not prohibited from expressing these behaviors in any way. You need to be there for her, through thick and thin. The day you become engaged, you are going to want amazing and supportive females by your side, who are willing to take care of you unconditionally. Do the same for your dear friend. Besides, weddings are a once and a lifetime event. She is only getting married once, and she needs to be able to look back during this time with happiness and no regrets.


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