7 Bridesmaid Blunders and How to Avoid Them
Abby is a lover of all things weddings. Her goal…
Attention all future bridesmaids! If you’ve been chosen as one of the lucky ladies to stand beside your bestie on her big day, congratulations! Being a bridesmaid is an honor and a privilege – but let’s not forget that it also comes with great responsibility. To avoid becoming the next cautionary tale of bridesmaid blunders, keep reading to discover the seven most common mistakes bridesmaids make and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Being unresponsive or uncooperative
One common issue when serving as a bridesmaid is being unresponsive or uncooperative. When a bridesmaid is unresponsive, it can hinder smooth coordination between the bridal party and lead to many mistakes. Being unresponsive, from missing dress fittings to unanswered texts regarding bridal shower arrangements, adds stress to a busy bride’s life.
Do this instead:
Respond promptly to the bride’s messages and inform her about any conflicts or issues. Being cooperative means putting aside our personal preferences and focusing on what will make the couple happy.
2. Being negative or critical about wedding decisions
Wedding preparations can bring out the best and worst in people, especially when being essential about wedding decisions. Bridesmaids often get caught up in this web of opinions, as everyone seems to have something to say about the bride’s choices. However, it is essential to remember that behind every decision lies a personal story and unique vision.
Do this instead:
Ultimately, being a bridesmaid means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and embracing their dreams wholeheartedly. By taking an empathetic approach, practicing open-mindedness, and promoting positivity throughout the wedding planning journey, you can ensure your role as a supportive bridesmaid while forging deeper connections with not just the bride but also other members of the bridal party.
3. Clashing with other bridesmaids
Each bridesmaid has her own opinions and ideas about how things should be done, and conflicts are bound to arise when these opinions clash. However, engaging in drama or disputes with other bridesmaids only makes the wedding experience unpleasant for everyone involved.
Do this instead:
It’s crucial to remember that the reason you were chosen as a bridesmaid is because the bride values your presence and friendship. Putting aside personal differences and coming together as a team can create an uplifting atmosphere for everyone involved in this joyous occasion while creating lifelong memories and friendships.
4. Overstepping boundaries with wedding vendors
One of the most common mistakes as a well-meaning bridesmaid is attempting to negotiate prices or make changes without consulting the bride first. While you may believe you’re helping by trying to get a better deal to improve the wedding day experience, ultimately, these decisions should be left up to the couple. Disregarding their input and going behind their backs with vendors can create tension between everyone involved, potentially resulting in financial consequences for the couple.
Do this instead:
While your opinions and suggestions may be valuable, always check with the couple before taking any actions involving wedding vendors. By respecting boundaries and allowing them to make decisions for their big day, you’ll help ensure a smoother planning process and maintain strong relationships with the happy couple and their chosen vendors.
5. Partying too hard
It’s understandable to want to let loose and have a great time at all the pre-wedding parties and reception. In the excitement of the event, it can be easy to get carried away with drinks without realizing how much you’ve consumed. This lack of awareness can lead to stumbling around, slurring words, or even worse – passing out in front of everyone.
Do this instead:
Avoid matching others’ drink-for-drink, as this often leads to bad decision-making and an unenjoyable experience for you and the bride-to-be. Instead, focus on celebrating within your limits and being present in cherishing these special moments with everyone around you.
6. Bringing uninvited guests
It’s common knowledge that weddings can be an expensive affair. Between the venue, catering, and decor costs, couples often meticulously plan every detail to fit their budget. So, imagine the shock when uninvited guests suddenly appear at wedding-related events or even the wedding itself! This unwelcome surprise strains the couple’s carefully allocated budget and causes logistical nightmares.
Do this instead:
Even if you think an uninvited guest would be a great addition to the party, remember that weddings aren’t about us as individuals; they’re about celebrating the love between two people committing their lives together. Following proper etiquette and adhering to the bride’s guest list can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
7. Not following the dress code
Not following the dress code as a bridesmaid may seem like a minor oversight, but it can have significant implications. Beyond just being a matter of etiquette, failing to adhere to the dress code or wearing attire that distracts from the bride can be disrespectful. By disregarding the dress code or wearing something inappropriate, you risk stealing focus and diverting attention, which can ultimately damage our relationship with both the bride and other guests.
Do this instead:
Adhering to dress codes is not just about looking good; it shows commitment to being part of a celebration and demonstrating our love and support for the couple. Instead of trying to stand out or make a personal fashion statement when it comes to wedding attire, prioritize blending in seamlessly with the overall aesthetic chosen by the bride.
Final Thoughts
Being a bridesmaid is an honor and a privilege, but it comes with its fair share of responsibilities. By avoiding these common bridesmaid mistakes, you can ensure that you fulfill your duties and create a positive experience for both the bride and yourself.
Remember to communicate openly with the bride, keep your commitments, dress appropriately, avoid stealing the spotlight, and prioritize the bride’s needs above all else. So go ahead and embrace your role with grace and enthusiasm – after all, it’s an experience that will create memories.
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Abby is a lover of all things weddings. Her goal is to ensure that couples have the perfect day and leave no stone unturned while making their special event memorable.