On July 26th, I had the joy of stepping out from behind the timeline and clipboard to do something totally different—I got to be a bridesmaid for one of my closest friends.
It was beautiful, emotional, slightly chaotic in the best way, and gave me a fresh reminder of what it really means to stand beside someone on their wedding day. I’ve guided dozens of bridal parties through timelines, hair schedules, and photo lineups, but being the one in the dress, holding the bouquet, and soaking in every little moment was something else entirely.
And let me tell you—it gave me some honest “ah-ha” moments I wish every bridesmaid could hear before the big day. So here it is: my official Bridesmaid Survival Guide, packed with helpful reminders, planner-approved wisdom, and those little things no one tells you (but definitely should).
1. Hair & Makeup: Know Before You Glow
Before the glam squad gets started, make sure you know three key things:
- What time you’re slotted for hair and makeup
- How you’re expected to pay (Venmo, cash, credit card, tip included?)
- Whether they want your hair clean or one-day-old
- Having picture ready inspo photos that are REALISTIC. Don’t give your makeup or hair stylist an AI generated glammed up doll that we all know is fake and no Victoria Secret model could even achieve.
It seems small, but knowing these details ahead of time keeps things on schedule and avoids that morning-of scramble where no one knows who’s next or what’s expected.
2. Keep Track of Your Bouquet
I’ve seen it too many times—bridesmaids running back to the bridal suite right before group photos or ceremony lineup because they left their bouquet behind. It’s an easy thing to forget when you’re sipping champagne and snapping selfies, but when it’s time to line up, your bouquet isn’t optional.
Do yourself (and the planner and photographer) a favor—know where it is at all times and keep it close. Bonus point if you can also do this for the bride. Her bouquet and veil are also commonly left behind between the chaos.
3. Help the Bride Eat and Stay Hydrated
Weddings are long. Exciting. Emotional. And busy. Which means your bride will likely forget to eat or drink unless someone reminds her.
Be that friend. Hand her a granola bar. Refill her water. Nudge her to eat a bite before the next round of hugs and group photos. It makes a big difference and she’ll feel better throughout the day.
4. Bring a Change of Shoes
No matter how comfortable your heels seem during the first hour, they will not feel the same six hours later. Pack a pair of sandals, flats, or sneakers you can slip into after the ceremony or once the dancing starts. Especially if you are at an outdoor space. Keep that in mind when you start your shoe hunt even! You trying to dig your heels out of the grass every third step will be zero fun.
Your feet will thank you. Your smile will stay real.
5. Don’t Leave Your Essentials in the Bridal Suite
Once you leave for photos or the ceremony, you may not go back to the bridal suite again. Pack a small clutch or pouch with your must-haves—lip gloss, deodorant, blotting papers, tissues, mints, bobby pins, your phone—and bring it with you.
There’s nothing worse than needing something you left behind in a room you can’t access anymore. Better yet, even if you can access that space later, after 1,2,3 too many vodka sodas, you are not going to be in the right state of mind to remember where all of your random items are from earlier that day so pack it nicely in your duffle before the night gets the best of you.
6. Be the Calm Energy
Things happen. Timelines get pushed. Bustles break. Emotions run high. One of the best gifts you can give the bride is your calm presence.
Be the one who reassures, problem-solves, and brings good energy. A composed bridesmaid makes a big impact on the overall mood of the day—and trust me, the bride notices.
7. Remember: It’s Not About You
This one’s important. Your dress might not fit perfectly. Your hair might not be exactly what you pictured. Your spray tan might be a little too bronzed. But here’s the truth: the wedding isn’t about you.
Be gracious. Be flexible. Don’t make the bride worry about you when all she wants is to enjoy her day. There’s a time and place to vent about your curls or uncomfortable shoes—later, preferably over brunch the next morning.
Final Thoughts
Being a bridesmaid reminded me of something I already knew, but felt in a whole new way: it is a true honor to be chosen to stand beside someone you love on one of the most meaningful days of their life.
You’re not just there to match dresses and carry bouquets. You’re there to support, celebrate, and create a calm and joyful space around your friend as she steps into her next chapter. This is so extremely important if your bride doesn’t have a coordinator like us to help with this support and be the calm energy they need.
So show up fully. Pay attention. Be helpful. And most of all—enjoy every second. The dance floor, the laughter, the happy tears, and the magic unfolding right in front of you.
Weddings are a whirlwind. But being a bridesmaid? That’s a role you’ll remember forever.
Thank you Holly for letting me stand beside you on your special day. I have never felt more honored to be your best friend.
We are the ‘catch all’ for your event day needs! The Groom’s boutonniere fell off and they need an extra pin? Easy peasy! Taking too long getting those dang loopholes around the buttons on your dress? Girl, don’t sweat it, we have a crochet hook just for that purpose!
