5 Things I've Learned as a Bridesmaid

Wedding season is finally over (for me) and after attending 4 weddings, and being in one as a bridesmaid, I learned some things. A few of these things I’ve learned will be applied for my next wedding in April 2022, in which I’m a bridesmaid for. The other lessons I’ve learned though, I’ll be applying to my own wedding in the future. Either way, I’m sharing these things in case anyone else wanted to learn or use them!

It is never too early to get your dress but there is such thing as being TOO late, so don’t be the latter.

Let me preface this by saying that I actually had my dress well ahead of time but have heard horror stories of bridesmaids waiting until a month before the wedding, which isn’t ideal. You have to consider that some websites adjust the true color of the dress when photographed, so there’s a possibility of it being the wrong shade when it arrives. There may be a fitting issue, in which you’ll need to get alterations done and during peak wedding season, it will be hard to get an appointment in with any tailor. You also need to coordinate your shoes, so that’s another task to get done. Plus you’ll save time and stress overall if you plan ahead so don’t wait.

Designate a runner or two to save yourself dress (as the bride).

A runner is someone who literally will handle any and all tasks for you the day of the wedding. It is not the wedding coordinator’s job to run your errands so you’ll need to assign someone to do this. For example, if you need to order glasses for the champagne from room service or buy extra pins for another bridesmaid, the runner will deal with it. The runner can be someone in your bridal party or on the groom’s side, or it can be a relative that doesn’t mind hanging around during the preparation the day of. Whoever it is, it is their job to basically say “I got it” and handle it so you (the bride) don’t freak out.

No matter how much you plan, rehearse, prepare — there will always be something unexpected that will happen so make sure you appoint someone to handle that for you (both the groom and bride should have one person each to handle any chaos that might occur).

There has been at least 1 thing, mostly minor, that occurs on the day of the wedding, and everyone needs to understand that it’s OK when it does. As far as I’ve seen, the bridal party is usually really good at diverting whatever attention is needed to them so the bride never has to hear about it or worry. However, it is also good to assign someone this role so that there’s no question of “who’s got this?” From figuring out a backup location to shoot getting ready photos because the original spot isn’t working to having the coordinator nag you instead of the bride, about who’s taking home the gifts. This person could be the same as your runner or you can have a separate person that’s just in charge of whatever is needed that the coordinator won’t do (during the wedding).

You can ask the make-up artist to use your own beauty products, but make sure that’s OK with the bride first.

So I have sensitive skin and have gone through the whole cystic acne process so my biggest worry was what make-up was going to be put on my face. Thankfully, I asked my cousin (whose wedding I was a bridesmaid in) about it and she let me know that the make-up artist (MUA) was open to using my own products. I know not many would be this willing but it never hurts to ask. The day of, I brought my own brush and beauty products to use, and worked with the MUA on creating a natural look that also wouldn’t ruin my lash extensions. It was truly the best experience I’ve ever had with getting my make-up done (and I’ve worked with quite a few MUA’s in my past). Again, not every MUA will be as receptive but it’s worth a shot.

Always bring an extra pair of shoes for the reception (as a bridesmaid and/or guest)

I feel like this is common sense or a practice that is already in use by many, but I just want to emphasize how relieving it is to change out of 5” heels at the reception. I’m not a heels person to begin with, but I can walk in them and wear them for a good portion of the day. However for me to truly have fun and enjoy the dance floor, I need flats/sandals/sneakers! Thankfully my boyfriend always volunteers to bring my extra pair of shoes from the car and/or will carry the little tote bag all ceremony for me.