April 2014, I received the call. Ashley is finally engaged and after hearing the story of the non-romantic proposal, my mind went from being elated to oh fuck, very quickly. For those of you that know Ashley, you would just assume she would be an absolute bridezilla. I was dreading the next year and a half of my life because I knew it was going to be hell on earth making this wedding perfect with her.
Well, I STAND CORRECTED. I WAS WRONG (this should be enough for your wedding gift Ash). Ashley was the furthest thing from a bridezilla. She tried to make the entire process as easy on her bridesmaids as she could. She made practically everything optional; hair, nails, make-up, shoes, jewelry, and most importantly the dress. All of her bridesmaids were given a color and we just had to purchase a dress in that color, any style we wanted. She even purchased gifts for the girls attending her own bachelorette, who does that? Even at her most stressful times, she still found it in her to ask me how I was. I have friends that aren’t planning anything that don’t do that so to say I was impressed by the organization would be an understatement.
That being said, I didn’t just sit back and relax for this process either. I was with her to meet the photographer, try on dresses(for all bridesmaids), watch her try on dresses, pick the playlist for the wedding, and be her personal therapist. Planning the bridal shower and bachelorette were no small task either. Here are some tips for those future bridesmaids.
- Don’t say yes if you can’t afford it-- This shit is expensive and your friend would rather you say “no” than not be able to participate or plan anything
- Realize this isn’t your day-- it’s hers. So just do what she wants and try to make her happy
- What goes around comes around-- If you want your bridesmaids to be good to you on your big day, return the favor and don’t be a dick
- Start saving-- the second that ring goes on that finger, start saving your money. Engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, wedding, GIFTS and travel add up.
So as my final task (yeah, right), Ashley asked me to do a #WPW from a bridesmaid perspective. Would I do it again? Of course. To be able to be a part of one of the most special days of someone's life is worth it. Especially if it’s for an old friend that you couldn’t be happier for. Ash, you deserve a strong drink after this but none of it would be possible without the help of your loving family and friends. I can’t wait to celebrate this weekend but I really can’t wait until Monday when it’s all over and my hangover has subsided.
-Justine
