Bridesmaid dos and don’ts

Courtesy of FIFOTO

There are many wedding traditions that modern brides tend to omit but one of the few customary rituals most brides still uphold is the practice of electing the bridal attendants. The history of bridesmaids dates back to Roman times when a tradition once existed where maidens dressed similarly to the bride would accompany her on her way to the groom’s village, in order to confuse evil spirits that were determined to destroy a fruitful marriage. This important tradition also served to protect the bride from robbers and kidnappers and hence, Roman law once required at least ten witnesses as part of the bridal party!

Here are a few dos and don’ts….

Do… choose a maid/matron of honour that will have enough time, energy and patience. She will be your sole comfort throughout the stresses of the wedding.

Don’t… underestimate how much responsibilities she will have, delegate some of the tasks to the other bridesmaids.

Do… choose to have only one or more bridesmaids. There isn’t a wrong or right number.

Don’t… overdo-it! It’s becomes silly when there are twenty single ladies standing next to you at the altar.

Do… be sensitive to the bridesmaids’ tastes, feelings and finances. Your size 16 bridesmaid will not look comfortable in a slinky satin dress.

Don’t… get offended when others make a different suggestion. After all, they want to look their best for your special day too.

Do… assume the expenses for the bridesmaids’ attire if you require them to wear a more extravagant gown. After-all, it is only polite…

Don’t… expect them to return the gowns, shoes etc. after the wedding

Do… say ‘thank you’ and show your appreciation and gratitude by giving the bridesmaids a little gift or ‘goody-bags’

Don’t… expect them to agree to your every whim! They are your bridesmaids, not your staff.

Last words…

I think back to my wedding day and laughed at the story of when my maid of honour forgot the wedding rings and how she got lost on the way to the church. Yet, I would never forget the moments when she held my hand when I got nervous, and whispered in my ear ‘You’re both are the sole reason why I still believe in love, so go out and get married and live happily ever after!’

Dedicated to my maid of honour, someday, your happily ever after will also come true!