Wedding Blog

I am having 4 bridesmaids: my younger sister (my maid of honor), my two best friends from high school, and my little sister from my sorority. I love each one of them to death and when it came time to choose my attendants, there really was no contest.

However, as much as I love them, none of them are really into weddings. I myself was never into weddings either until I got engaged, so when I began reading about all the traditional roles of bridesmaids, I became a little worried. I had never realized that there is more to being a bridesmaid than just wearing a matching dress and walking down the aisle before the bride…and I wasn’t sure if my bridesmaids knew much either.

Now I’m not a demanding bride (I think). I don’t expect my bridesmaids to be at my every beck and call, especially since two of them live so far away. I’m letting them choose their own dresses, and I really wouldn’t mind if they didn’t throw me a bridal shower. The most important thing to me is that they have fun and that they’re there with me on one of the most important days of my life.

…But how do I let them know what their roles and duties are without seeming too bridezilla-ish? I don’t want them to do everything that is traditionally demanded of bridesmaids, but I would love their help on some aspects of the wedding.

After trawling through some bridal message boards, I found this book:

The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous by Kate Chynoweth

This book is informative and witty at the same time, with cute illustrations and great advice. They even have a section for long-distance bridesmaids, which is perfect for my situation.

I purchased a copy for all four bridesmaids. I then got some gorgeous blank cards, sat down with a glass of wine one night, and wrote heartfelt messages to each bridesmaid telling them why I love them and thanking them for being part of my wedding. I mailed the cards with the books.

I waited with some trepidation because I wasn’t sure how they would respond. Would they think I was being demanding? Would they like the gift?

They all loved it! They told me that the book was informative and funny and was just what they needed. One even told me she was taking notes on the margins!

I don’t expect them to follow the book word for word, because there really is a lot of information in there. However, this is the perfect book for novice bridesmaids who are looking to get some help/instructions on being a bridesmaid and be fabulous while doing it. I highly recommend it for all first-time bridesmaids, even brides!

P.S. - While purchasing this book, I also picked up a copy of The Engaged Groom, by Doug Gordon, for Mr. Peony. He really likes it for far.