A GOOD BRIDESMAID can be a godsend, both in the months leading up to the wedding and on the day itself. There are lots of ways you can help out, not least just acting as a shoulder to cry on and a sounding board for the bride. But there are a few more concrete ways you can assist the bride...
The Bridesmaid's Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit, this taking responsibility for all the little
but important things that the bride will be far too
busy/nervous/excited to have thought about...
Although it is essential to have this with you, it is also vital that it's switched off!
Tissues
You never know when the tears may flow so have these at the ready at all times.
Needle and thread & safety pins
There's nothing more likely to cause you to need the tissues than the bridal gown falling apart at the seams, and although that's not common, wedding dresses are quite delicate. If nobody in the bridal party is a seamstress, a safety pin is your best bet. Better to be safe than sorry...
A spare pair of tights
If you don't bring tights the bride is bound to ladder hers. This will particularly annoy her if she's planning on upholding that quaint tradition of having the groom remove her garter with his teeth!
Hair repair kit: kirby grips, a comb and hairspray
There's nothing worse than a beautiful wedding photograph being ruined by a few stray hairs. It's more than likely that the hairdresser will spray her crowning glory to within an inch of its life, but Scottish weather has a habit of trying to undo all her good work. So be prepared for all eventualities!
Make-up kit: concealer, lipstick, make-up sponge and powder compact
Make sure the lipstick you bring matches the bride's make-up on the day - your beauty salon should be able to supply you with the correct shade. A make-up sponge is handy for mopping up any spills on the dress before they become permanent features and a powder compact is great for correcting make-up following any happy tears.
Sticking plasters
These are handy for any cuts or if the bride has sore feet later in the day.
Painkillers
Tension headache? There's nothing worse than trying to put a brave face on it when your head's pounding, so be a walking pharmacy and the bride will think you're a life-saver.
Mints
She will have to kiss lots of guests all day and mints will mean she can still nip outside for a cigarette and not knock anybody out who arrives afterwards. If she doesn't smoke, mints are nevertheless essential, especially if the meal involves any garlic or onions!
Hen night ideas
One of the chief bridesmaid's major responsibilities is to organise the hen night but before you finalise anything make sure the bride herself is happy with your plans. Organising a surprise is a nice idea in theory but by keeping it from her she may just worry about what you've got in store for her. And remember there's much more to hen nights than drunken nights out. A great idea is to ask everybody invited to email you photographs of the bride then you can create a fun collage with them!
Got a fashion question? Get help from other brides-to-be at the SWD Forum... CLICK HERE!
