5 Rules of Etiquette Every Bridesmaid Should Follow

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5 Rules of Etiquette Every Bridesmaid Should Follow? There is a certain etiquette that is expected from a bridesmaid at the wedding. And if you intend to be a helpful addition to the bride’s tribe, it’s time to brush up. Here are 5 rules of etiquette that every bridesmaid should follow when it comes to being the perfect bridesmaid.

Honesty and Openness

At the very beginning, you have to be real with yourself! Can you take on the responsibility of being a bridesmaid? It is better to say no than to spoil the wedding because you couldn’t keep up with your duties. Be open with what your limits are; the bride can be accommodating with certain areas of her wedding. For example the budget for the dress you will purchase, or the amount of responsibility she gives you. It’s also important to recognize you can be honest without being mean. The bride asked you to be a part of her bridal party because she wants your input and trusts you; that being said, at the end of the day it is still her wedding, only she and her groom need to be happy with the decisions made.

If there is something you don’t like, understand that it’s not okay to complain to the bride, because you’ll just be adding more stress. Proper etiquette indicates that being respectful while being open and honest with the bride and groom are the best ways to lay the foundation for a great wedding.

Availability

In the role of the bridesmaid, although you are not called upon as often as the maid of honor, you can and may be asked to participate in planning numerous events and being present for a number of important decision-making appointments. Proper etiquette indicates a bridesmaid should be available to the bride and maid of honor as much as possible, and you should attend (at minimum) one of the pre-wedding events (such as the wedding dress shopping, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding, etc.).

Preparedness

It is important to show up on time for all appointments and events. You should also do your best to be prepared to fix everything! Prepare emergency bags for every important part of the wedding process. You can prepare emergency bags for the wedding day, bachelorette party, and even wedding dress shopping. Anything can go wrong on any of these days (and you can never be too prepared)!  Proper etiquette indicates that a bridesmaid is someone the bride can rely on when any disaster strikes.

Dedication in Planning

The sooner you realize that planning a wedding is a long, stressful, and tiresome process, the easier it’ll be for you to get through it all. It’s important to not take on more than you can handle because you are a part of a team; everyone has their own superpowers and everyone should use them to bring their best to the table. Another important reason is that planning can take months and you want to make sure you can see it through all the way to the end. Proper etiquette indicates that bridesmaids should use their best skills, knowledge, and known contacts to give their best effort in executing the wedding and pre-wedding functions.

Budgeting

One thing many bridesmaids don’t recognize is the amount of money that you need to be a part of the bridal party. For instance, bride can expect you to pay for your own bridesmaid attire. That includes the dress, hair, makeup, accessories, and shoes. As the bridal party, you also plan events together without the bride and groom. You and the rest of the team will have to pay for these events. Proper etiquette indicates budgeting and allocating your funds appropriately is the best way to survive all of the wedding costs from beginning to end.

Bridesmaid etiquette involves so much more than just one’s behavior! It’s better to know what bride will expect from you before diving into this great honor. For more information on bridesmaids’ expectations, read The Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaid.

 

 

Header Image Credit: @karol_makula_photography