As a bridesmaid, you play an essential role in ensuring the bride's wedding succeeds. But while the bride has many things on her plate, it's important for the bridesmaids to be well-prepared.
From ensuring that you have the right dress for the big day to packing the necessities, here are some helpful tips to ensure that you are ready for the wedding.
The Necessities
Let's begin with the necessities.
- A cheerful attitude
It's the wedding celebrant's big day, so maintain a positive attitude. Smile always, support the bride in the best possible way, and ensure you resist all the urges to steal the spotlights. It's the bride's day; let her enjoy it with the groom.
- A timeline for the weekend
Did the bride or maid of honor send any itineraries or timelines? If yes, try to print it before the start of the wedding adventure. By doing so, you'll have a good understanding of your movement schedules.
- The wedding invitation
The wedding invitation, where did you keep it? If it's in a distant location, try to keep it close. And check it often so you know important information regarding the wedding, such as the time of the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception.
- Your phone charger
As one of the bridesmaids, you'd have many reasons to make multiple calls or send quick messages. Unfortunately, all of these could run your battery down. So, ensure you bring along a wall phone charger or a portable one that can charge your phone when on the go.
- A copy of your speech
Were you asked to give a speech? Whether at the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, or during the reception? If yes, try to have a few copies of your speech printed out. And try to keep them in an area where they can be easily reached.
Fashion Fundamentals
Here are some important fashion fundamentals to take with you:
- A rehearsal dinner outfit
Rehearsal dinners are usually held the night before the big day. Therefore, you mustn't forget to carry along a semi-formal outfit for the event.
Aren't sure of the semi-formal outfit to take along?
A pantsuit or dressy skirt and blouse will do. You can also go for flowing maxi dresses. Anything less fancy is a great pick.
- Your bridesmaid dress
Before the big day, you want to ensure that your bridesmaid dress is sorted. We recommend shopping for your bridesmaid dress 6 months before the big day; this will give you enough time to select the appropriate dress and make necessary adjustments where needed.
Also, and most importantly, be sure to adhere to the selected bridesmaid dress design or style. For instance, if the bride recommends designer bridesmaid dresses for the bridesmaids, ensure you go for them. Most times, brides often consult with bridesmaids before choosing a specific bridesmaid dress. So, don't be worried about being left out of the decision-making process.
With your dress ready, insert it into your bag, so you don't forget it before leaving.
- The wedding shoes
Did the bride select a specific pair of heels while shoe shopping?
Or did she tell you to bring a pair in a certain color? If so, ensure you have the right pair packed. Don't go with something different, no matter what.
- Your dancing shoes
You'll need a standard wedding shoe and a casual dancing shoe. The latter will come in handy when you step out on the dance floor after the reception starts. Or when you become tired of wearing your uncomfortable wedding shoes. Ensure you go for something that feels light on your feet to make dancing easy.
- Jewelry
Don't forget to bring your jewelry along. However, try to stay moderate so you don't over-accessorize. You can take along your necklace, earrings, and bracelets. Put them in a small bag or box for safekeeping.
- A change of clothes
Do you plan on attending the after-party? If yes, try to bring a different dress to take off your bridesmaid dress and wear something more comfortable.
- Stain remover
You wouldn't want a little stain to ruin a good day. We advise that you bring along a mini stain stock or stain remover wipes to clean off stains when they happen. And it's possible they'll happen, especially when you least expect them to.
Conclusion
It takes adequate preparation on your part to ensure that you grace a wedding in style. So, with these lists, create a checklist of the things you need to take along and ensure you take every one of them with you. The earlier you do this, the better for you.