Babbler Poll: Top 10 things brides want their bridal party to know:
Smile
Smile for the pictures. Whether it's hot or cold outside, these photos will be cherished for years to come. Look happy for your friend. You've been asked to be a part of a very speial day. Behave like it.
Don’t wait for the bride to ask for help, offer it
Some people have a hard time asking for help because they don't want to put anyone out. If the bride says that she's getting ready to send out her invitations, ask her if she needs any help.
If the bride asks for help, help
Be a good friend
To be a part of any wedding - on any level is very stressful. True friendships are made, and others are broken. I myself tried to back down from a wedding two weeks prior - but the bride would not let me, as it would make her BP look un-even. In the end, it killed our friendship of over 20 years. I remember standing up in front of everyone crying as I read my MOH speech. They were not tears of Joy for the Bride and Groom, but tears of sadness for the end of a friendship.
Be honest about what you can and cannot do, how the bride really looks, what you like and don’t like (before the wedding day)
Don’t complain about the cost.You've been asked to spend some of your hard earned cash ... don't complain about it when the time comes to part with it. Be completely honest and upfront with the bride, especially about what you are willing to spend $$$. I had a bridesmaid that said that money was no problem and SHE picked a $250 BM dress and then continued to complain about how much it was costing and the cost for alterations, etc. It really ended up bumming me out. Keep in mind that you have other costs besides the dress - shoes, hair, makeup, alterations.
Don’t complain on the wedding day, to anyone about anything.
The only advice I can add would be for the BMs or MOH NOT to complain about decisions that the bride/groom have made that does not effect them, eg. don't complain about the photographer's style, the flowers, or the bride's gown. These are not decisions that need the blessing of the BM or the MOH so please think before you criticize something that does not affect you. Unless someone is being extremely difficult, disrespectful or rude PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NO complaining on the wedding day!
You’ve offered to go with the bride to look for her gown, at least look excited
Help the bride in selecting your gown and accessories
Please let the bride know if you have any real needs (not preferences) when it comes to the dress and shoes, eg. I can’t wear heels, I need a gown that I can wear a proper bra with. If at all possible, accommodate the bride’s wishes.
Before you accept the role of maid of honour or bridesmaid ask the bride what she expects of you and let her know what you can and can’t do
Don’t talk about your up and coming wedding plans during meetings with your bride and/or her other bridesmaids
If a bride has her heart set on a bridesmaid dress for you, give your opinion and if she still wants it…buy it and wear it with a smile
Keep in contact with the bride
When the bride requests dress fittings, rehearsals, sizes, general info, get back to her in a timely manner. Regular contact - just to check up - is very much appreciated and valued. It is nice to not have to be the one to do the calling too
It’s the bride’s day!
Opinions during the planning stages are great but don’t push your ideas on the bride, she has the final say. The bride is the star of the show, so focus on her instead of worrying what you look like.
Be understanding
Take the high road (don't take it personally) and know that getting married is like being on some crazy emotional roller coaster for the bride. She may be having to juggle 10 other people (family, FI, etc.) as well as planning the BIG event, working, looking after a family, going to school, whatever. Cut her some slack. When the wedding is over, she will revert back to the friend you know and love.
If you don’t know, ask
If you aren’t sure of what to do, where to be, what’s going on…please ask the bride.
Don’t take advantage
“I am paying for the dress, makeup, manicure, pedicure, putting her up for the week, picking her up/returning her to the airport 2 hours away. For that I get "I don't want to send invites for your shower. Can't you just put them in with the wedding invites?" "I don't want to go to your mom's house to get measured for a dress, I don't like her" "Can't you take care of the shower details?" "FI can't stay at the house the night before - you can't see each other" ... hello?!?
Quote from: http://www.frugalbride.com/advicetomoh.html
