Ultimate Bridesmaid's Guide From A to Z

Get expert advice, tips, and trends to survive your bridal party duties and come out smiling.

 

shoe

 

 

F is for FABRIC TAPE: Don’t let your bra straps slip out! Keep plenty of fabric tape packs in your emergency bag to put an instant hold on your straps, secure a fallen hem, or even secure your footing in a slide-y shoe.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Nina Shoes

 


 

game

 

 

G is for GAMES: Brief is better when it comes to games. Let guests relax, mingle, chat and table-visit instead of being booked solid. There's only so much time you can take of the clothespin game, trivia cards and "what’s in your purse?"

 

Photo by Casey Fatchett

 


 

 

invitation

 

 

H is for HAND-WRITTEN: Borrow some etiquette from the bride and hand-write your shower invitation envelopes, rather than using printout labels (or dare we say, texting guests). It always gives a great impression when an invite shows up in pretty handwriting.

 

Photo courtesy of Richard Israel

 

 

inspiration board

 

 

I is for INSPIRATION BOARDS: It’s so easy to make them, and so smart for bridesmaids to share their ideas in blocks of color, fashion photos, details and links. Rather than sending single images to the bride or MOH, shoot an inspiration board her way so she can see your dress suggestion in a better light.

 

Photo courtesy of pinterest
 

 

hair clip

 

 

J is for JEWELED CLIPS: The hair accessory of the moment for bridesmaids is the jeweled clip, whether it’s a sparkler of a thin barrette, an ornate blingy clip securing your chignon, or a rhinestone-clipped fabric headband. You get to shine, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

bride texting

 

 

K is for KEEPING QUIET: Don’t "scoop" the bride’s wedding plans on your Facebook page where friends and family will see your posts before the big day. Some brides are even asking their bridesmaids to take a "No FB" pact regarding their wedding details!

 

 

Photo courtesy of Luciana Pampalone

 

 

 

cake topper on money

 

L is for LIMITS: Stand up for your budget allowance. Don’t just say No to a dress, say, "How about this one?" and help the bride find alternative styles at a lower price point. It’s tough when the rest of the ‘maids seem to have more cash, but trust me – if you stand up for yourself, they may very well breathe a sigh of relief that you spared their checkbook from bleeding, too.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz/Getty Images

 

 

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