Tradition behind the "Bridesmaid"
The tradition of the bride heading to the altar, accompanied by a procession of women, stems back to ancient Greece. In that society, it was customary for a group of respected married women, who were also mothers, to surround the naive young bride on her way to her wedding in hope that the fertility and good fortune of these women would bring the young bride luck and protect her from evil spirits.
10 Strategies for Great Success & Less Stress
1) Listen to your Bride - Remember she is new at this wedding stuff too...even if this is #2.
2) Make an effort to get along with everyone - She picked each girl because they mean something to her so love her back by accepting and engaging everyone.
3) Keep opinions and ego in check - being a team player means putting up with other people's decisions now and then, Be as open-mined and non judgmental as possible.
4) Discretion is Key - Don't gossip with or about anyone involved in the wedding.
5) Be Reliable - If you promise or volunteer to do something then do it...she will assume she can trust you and it is off of her plate. If she forgets and duplicates, forgive her...she's got a lot to think about and is trying to make sure she doesn't overlook a detail.
6) Stay Calm - The unexpected will Always happen...Cake collapse, Grooms faint, flowers don't look like the mental picture. Be resourceful and capable of changing gears.
7) Focus on your Friendship - Keep your favorite photo of you and the bride near the phone and when you start to feel overwhelmed or your patience is wearing thin, glance at the picture to help you keep it all in perspective.
8) Set Limits - Yes, this wedding IS her life right now...But it's not yours. You should be available to her for dress fittings, parties, and other bridesmaid duties but you do not need to place your social life on hold while waiting for her big day. Recognize in advance when to draw the line and let her know if you feel she might be asking for too much of you.
9) Have a sense of humor - Be willing to find the funnier side of the situation at hand. So what if the Jr. Groomsman, who is 1/2 your age, is hitting on you or if the bow on the dress makes your back side look like a giant birthday present...it will be funny later so just start now. And remember, in the grand scheme of life does it really matter?
10) Enjoy Yourself! - If you're miserable, It Will Show. Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of this happy & festive occasion.
Inspired by "The Bridesmaid's Handbook" by Kathy Passero
No comments:
Post a Comment