Wedding season is in full swing! And if you are like many brides, you might be in a wedding party while you’re planning one of your own! Standing by one of your best friend’s side throughout her wedding planning and on the big day is one of the biggest honors you can receive as a friend, not to mention it’s super fun! Things can start to get a little tricky though when you and your BFF are engaged at the same time! Being engaged and being in a wedding party is super fun but it also takes a little extra thought and effort! Here are a few things to keep in mind as an engaged bridesmaid!
1: Take advantage of this special time!
You’ll only be engaged once…and the fact that you and your BFF are engaged at the same time makes it even more exciting and special! Don’t take this unique time for granted. Go out for bridal bliss happy hours, attend a bridal show together, bounce ideas off one another and share your planning struggles. They truly know exactly what you’re going through so use this time to bond over the little things!\
2: Keep SOME of the details to yourself
Keeping our first tip in mind, be careful not to share too many details during this bonding time. You should keep your budget to yourself. You won’t want your friend to feel self-conscious if their budget differs from yours (higher or lower!) Although you should keep that oh-so-important number to yourself, don’t be afraid to share some of your best-kept secrets, like where you are finding the best deals, some referrals etc. Also, tread lightly when commenting or complaining about certain wedding details. Before you go ahead and say you hate when people serve cupcakes instead of cake, make sure that wasn’t your BFF’s first dessert choice!
3: Don’t be Overbearing
Since you are going through the planning process yourself, you will most likely feel like an expert on weddings! Don’t mistake being engaged and being a part of your friend’s wedding for being the wedding planner or coordinator. Try to leave your input and advice to yourself unless asked by the bride.
4: Be a Team Player
You might be spending a lot of time with the other bridesmaids in the group, and disagreements are bound to happen. Don’t make it a competition of who can be the better friend or bridesmaid. Instead, work together as a team! It is so refreshing and exciting for a bride to see the most important women in her life getting along and having fun!
5: Put Aside Your Own Wedding for the Few Weeks Leading Up to Hers
(or at least pretend to!) We know, this one can be tough but it’s really important to put the bride first for the few weeks leading up to her wedding. Try to keep the talk of your own wedding planning to a minimum and let her shine! For this short period of time, pretend you’re not engaged and put the spotlight on your BFF. Remember, you’ll want the same when your big day rolls around.
6: Don’t Steal her Thunder
This one is particularly important if you became engaged shortly before her wedding. Other members of the bridal party and guests may want to talk to you about your recent engagement and congratulate you. We know it will be tough, but try your hardest to keep it to a simple “thank you” and revert the conversation back to the bride of the hour!
7: Ask for Her Help After Her Big Day is Complete
Post bridal blues can be real, she possibly spent a year or more planning this special day and it goes by quicker than any of us would like. Ease your BFF’S Bridal Blues by asking for her expertise and help. Ask her for any advice and referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask if she would have done anything differently or what her favorite parts of her day were. If you are planning to do things similar to her, it’s always polite to get her opinion or stamp of approval first.
Read our guide to choosing your bridesmaids –> here!
