General Tips, Wedding Planning Tips
The Maid Of Honor’s Survival Guide for Summer Wedding Season
Has somebody asked you to be their maid of honor recently? Not sure what you’re in for? Don’t panic, we can help! While we’re not going to sugar coat it – the title may feel like more of a horror than an honor at times – but it’s definitely worth it! Sharing in a friend’s, or a sister’s, or somebody else’s special moment is very rewarding. It can be even more rewarding when you know what you’re doing.
Whether you’ve known the bride for a long time or just met her yesterday, weddings can turn even the most well-mannered brides into stressed bridezillas. Not to mention that the heat of a summer wedding has its own added challenges. Read on for some tips and tricks for surviving even the most difficult of weddings!
Bridal Showers, Bachelorettes, and Jack and Jill’s
Surprise! In case you didn’t know, the maid of honor is usually responsible for organizing or co-hosting some kind of pre-wedding event. Already more work than you thought? Don’t panic just yet. We recommend having a conversation with the bride before you get down and dirty planning a big surprise event. If you’ve known the bride for a long time and have had many conversations about each detail of your future weddings, then maybe you’re confident you know exactly what she wants. In that case, go right ahead and start planning the surprise!
If you don’t know the bride-to-be that well or simply aren’t the type to talk weddings, now is the time! Ask her what she wants, what she doesn’t want, and whether or not she’s okay with surprises. This can save you both a lot of headache and heartache. There’s nothing worse than putting time and effort into planning something the bride never wanted in the first place. Maybe the bride you’re dealing with is a self-proclaimed control freak and actually already has the pre-wedding event planned out. Phewf!
Bonding and Relaxation
Planning a wedding is stressful. As the maid of honor, it’s your job to relieve some of the stress. This can include offering to help by taking on some of the organizing tasks, but it can also mean just being there for the bride. Suggest that the two of you sign-up for a yoga class that runs once a week. Exercise not only helps to de-stress, it will also keep you fit. That way you’ll both look and feel great in your dresses when the big day finally rolls around!
If yoga isn’t your thing, then choose something that is. You can book a spa day, or schedule weekly coffee dates. If the bride is planning on a summer wedding then maybe go for hikes in the spring or plan a road trip to the beach! If she turned down the suggestion of a big pre-wedding party then maybe she’ll prefer one of these bonding activities for just you two and the other bridesmaids. While it’s true that being a bridesmaid can be a lot of work, it can also be a lot of fun! Be proactive and you’ll have nothing to worry about!
Survival Kit for the Big Day
The day of the wedding is exciting! Hair and makeup in the morning with the girls is one of the best parts! While it’s true that the day might run smoothly without any bumps in the road, it’s important to always be prepared! In case you haven’t heard of a maid of honor survival kit, it’s a good idea to put one together in advance.
Here are some things to include in your survival kit:
- Mini sewing kit: For wardrobe malfunctions.
- Medicine and first aid: Band-aids, pain reliever, eye drops, and allergy medicine for unexpected headaches and other injuries. What a time to be feeling sick!
- Deodorant and baby powder: It’s a long day in the hot sun, someone’s sure to need it! It can also help with chaffing and scratchy beaded dresses.
- Hair brush, curling irons, bobby pins, hair elastics, and hairspray: For dealing with flyaways and adding volume to deflated dos. Hair elastics can be necessary for those especially hot summer days!
- Clear nail polish: Stop stocking runs right away!
- Portable stain remover and white chalk: For unfortunate spills.
- Snacks, water, and extra money: In case someone gets hungry or dehydrated. Money in case the bride decides she absolutely can’t wait for dinner and needs food right now!
- Mints, toothbrush, and toothpaste: For when guests won’t stop banging the cutlery to see the newlyweds kiss!
- Comfortable shoes: For both you and the bride! Taking pictures is a killer!
- Tissues: For all the happy tears!
Be Supportive!
Images of green grass, bright flowers, and kissing on the beach at sunset usually come to mind when people think of summer weddings. However, there are some things that the guests just don’t consider. Like will the flowers wilt and the food sweat in the hot sun? Are the bridesmaids and groomsmen sweating under their beautiful gowns and handsome suits? What’s it like to take pictures for several hours while everyone else eats hors-d’oeuvres and drinks cocktails?
As the maid of honor, you’ll witness all of this first hand. It can seem like a lot, but the right attitude can make it more fun than it sounds. Remember that this is the bride’s day, so try to make it as easy on her as possible. News flash: she’s never done this before either! It’s hard to know what to expect, regardless of how long you’ve been planning. Be supportive and keep a positive attitude!
If the bride has taken the lead on most things leading up to the wedding, she might need you to manage a bit more on the big day. While she’s off taking photos with her new husband, help organize the bridesmaids in preparation for guests to arrive at the reception. While she’s giving her speech, hand tissues to her crying mother. While she’s mingling with her guests, grab her a glass of water. But most importantly, be a loving friend!
There’s a lot to think about, but try to keep in mind the big picture: the day is about celebrating! Don’t get caught up in all the little things. The bride will know if you’re stressed out and it can affect her mood too. Nothing’s perfect and this day likely won’t be either. Just roll with it! When you stop worrying about every little thing, you’ll start having more fun and so will she! It will likely be an exciting day filled with happy tears. Not only for the bride but for you as well!
