[Photo: ashleybosnick.com]
Leave all of the planning to the maid of honor.
Part of the duties of the bridal party is to help plan the bride’s shower and bachelorette party, and while the maid of honor can definitely take charge of these tasks, it’s unfair to leave it all up to her. Everyone should be prepared to pitch in. Even if a bridesmaid isn’t local, she can still offer suggestions and offer to help out financially.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Make dress demands.
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to fashion, and you will likely have your own vision of what you want your bridesmaids to wear on the big day. Agreeing to be a member of the bridal party means relinquishing some control to the bride. You do want to listen to any concerns about cost or if a dress is too revealing, but don’t feel the need to try to cater to everyone’s fashion musts.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Expect the bride to do it all.
It’s not enough to just pay for the bridesmaid dress—each maid also needs to coordinate her fittings and alterations. No one should be relying on you to set appointments and make sure everything is handled on time for the big day.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Show no enthusiasm for planning.
You might want your girls with you when dress shopping, meeting with the florist, checking out bands, etc. And while you can’t expect them to make it to every single appointment, they should each try to at least show up for the big ones (like saying yes to the dress).
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Be a party pooper.
Even if a bridesmaid is on the shy side and doesn't love to dance, that doesn’t mean she should sit at the table all night looking at her phone. She can still be a stellar bridesmaid at the reception simply by remembering to smile and mingle with fellow guests.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Complain about money.
Being a bridesmaid is not a cheap commitment. While it’s not fair for the bride to expect her maids to get into debt to buy a dress and pull off other bridal party duties, they also shouldn’t complain every time they need to reach into their wallets. If you can cover some of their needs as part of the bridal party gift, then great. But don’t feel obligated to help anyone out financially--spending money is par for the course when being in a wedding.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Try to take center stage.
One of your maids might still be single and looking for her perfect match. The wedding--and the events leading up to it--is not the time to remind everyone that she’s ready for it to be her turn to walk down the aisle.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Fail to help on the big day.
Bridesmaids do more than just stand at the altar and pose for pictures. They should also be ready to help out the bride on the wedding day with whatever you need, from running last-minute errands to holding your dress while you use the ladies' room.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
Stress out the bride.
The last thing you need in the days and weeks leading up to the wedding is one of your bridesmaids adding to your stress. If any of them have an issue, they should take it to the maid of honor so you don’t have to deal with it.
[Photo: Ryan Ray Photo]
