Don’t Make These Simple Mistakes
It’s an honor to be someone’s bridesmaid, to know a bride considers you a close friend and trusts you to take on some of the duties. But being a bridesmaid isn’t for the faint of heart and many make mistakes along the way without even realizing it. Let’s dive into 20 common ones you should avoid at all costs.
Photo by Uluç Erdem Ersen on Pexels
1. Not Listening to the Bride
While it’s exciting to plan the bachelorette party, it’s more important to listen to the bride. If she asks for something modest, don’t throw a lavish, R-rated party halfway across the country. She has enough on her plate without having to worry about rogue bridesmaids.
2. Prematurely Agreeing to be a Bridesmaid
It’s okay if you can’t make it to the wedding. It’s okay if you can’t commit to bridesmaid duties. But don’t agree otherwise. You’re only putting yourself and the bride under more stress. 
Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash
3. Spending Too Much Money
The unfortunate truth is that weddings are also expensive for the bridal party—between dresses and bachelorette party costs, most bridesmaids pay hundreds of dollars. However, you can sidestep that pitfall by setting a budget. No true friend would ask you to spend more than what you’re comfortable with.
Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash
4. Picking Fights With the Bride
Bridesmaids need to toe the line between confident and argumentative. It’s okay (and encouraged) to voice your opinion, but don’t squabble over the dress. At the end of the day, this is the bride’s day and she’ll have the final say.
Surprising_SnapShots on Pixabay
5. Getting Way Too Invested
Being a bridesmaid is exciting—but it’s not an open invite to every cake tasting! The best bridesmaids know when to lend a helping hand and when to give the bride her space.
6. Forgetting to Plan Ahead
Bridesmaids need to be on top of their game, and that includes the nitty-gritty details. Order your ensemble on time. Arrive early to events. Plan hair and makeup in time for the big day. Keep on top of the little things to ensure a smooth wedding day.
7. Not Speaking Your Mind
You aren’t obligated to agree with everything. In fact, acting like a yes-man only causes resentment and friction between you and the bride. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, especially if something doesn’t sit right with you.
8. Making Inappropriate Speeches
Wedding toasts are a time for shared laughs and good memories—not inappropriate speeches. You don’t need to tell every guest about your raunchy Cabo trip, and you certainly don’t have to disclose details about ex-partners. Keep it classy and keep it short!
9. Bringing Drama to the Bride
The bride has enough to worry about without petty drama. Speak with other bridesmaids or approach the maid-of-honor to settle disputes. Unless you really need to share something with her, try to keep the bride away from any conflicts.
10. Caught Without Essentials
Don’t forget to take care of yourself on the big day! Essentials like lint-rollers, deodorant, tissues, and sewing kits belong in your tote bag. They’re not only useful for you, but they could save the bride too.
11. Demanding a Plus-One
Bridesmaids aren’t entitled to a plus-one, so don’t assume you’ll get one. Weddings are incredibly expensive and not every couple wants to invite strangers. If you don’t get one, let it go; the worst thing you can do is argue with the bride about it.
12. Getting Completely Hammered
We all love an open bar, but it’s your job to drink responsibly. Not only that, most bridesmaids know better than to drink too much the night before! The last thing anyone wants is to see you hungover on the wedding day.
13. You’re Not Up for the Task
Only accept a bridesmaid position if you’re up for the task. It’s perfectly fine to politely decline and spare yourself the headache of errands, speeches, and potential drama. However, if you do accept, you need to handle the responsibilities!
14. Making it a Competition
Whether you’ve never been a bridesmaid or you’ve done it a thousand times, there’s no need to compete. The rest of the bridal party is supposed to be your team, not your enemy, so oneupmanship won’t go over very well.
15. Bringing Uncomfortable Shoes
Some bridesmaids dance the night away. Others tend to the bride. Either way, you’ll need comfortable shoes! Ditch those heels after photo hour and hop into comfy flats—your feet will thank you.
16. Saying Yes to Everything
Your job as a bridesmaid isn’t to agree with everything. Speak your mind. If you can’t take a week off of work for a bachelorette getaway, don’t agree to one. If you can’t afford something, tell the bride. There’s no point in ruining relationships or emptying your savings account.
17. Ignoring the Other Bridesmaids
Get to know your fellow bridesmaids! Even if you’ve never met them before, now’s the perfect time to make new friends and band together. You don’t get brownie points for running errands alone. If anything, you only make it harder on yourself.
18. Forgetting About Yourself
You’re just as important as anyone else, so take of yourself! Get your tail feathers on the dance floor. Have a drink or two. Mingle with guests you haven’t seen for years. However you enjoy yourself, just make sure that you do.
19. Leaving the Wedding Early
No bride wants to see her friends leave before the fun is over. As a bridesmaid you’re expected to hang around until the end, so stay put unless something urgent happens. (The bride may also need your help throughout the night!)
20. Assuming Your Role is Over
Don’t assume your job is done just because the wedding’s over! Some brides might recruit your help for the bridal brunch, dismantling decorations, or even writing thank you notes. It’s best to hang around and ask how you can help.
