Weddingbee

by Sister Emerald

[My sister, who is a Junior in high school recently had to write a "How To" paper for English class, and this is what she wrote. I don’t think she meant to be intentionally funny, but seeing how she translated her experiences from my own wedding, I found the whole thing to be super cute and rather tongue in cheek! Yes, it’s super long, feel free to skim, I italicized the amusing bits! And yes, I did get permission to post this! ]

A wedding is an unforgettable milestone in one’s life. Some dream about it well in advance and have a perfect vision of their wedding day. My sister is one of those people. Having recently been maid of honor for my sister, I find it fitting to lend a few pieces of advice in supreme hopes that they will prepare you for your sister’s big day.

First of all, be prepared for the wedding day. It is advisable to check that everything is in order prior to the wedding day. Make sure the dress fits properly, and make all necessary alterations in advance. After alterations, try on the dress before leaving the seamstress in case further adjustments must be made. Continue trying on the dress as the wedding approaches to allow time for potential last minute weight loss regiments for a comfortable dress fit. Although the bride will be the center of attention, chances are there will be numerous doting guests, and many pictures will undoubtedly be taken. For this reason, it is important to appear comfortable and poised in the bridesmaid’s dress.

Begin writing the toast for the reception at least a month in advance. This will allow sufficient time for revisions and accommodate long spans of writer’s block. The speech will be your only opportunity, unless you have more than one sister, to say something meaningful in front of all attendees, so be sure to make it spectacular. First, make a list of memories that you share with the bride and possibly the groom. Then, select the most significant ones to include in the speech. Form the speech around the memories in whichever way feels most natural. After several drafts, memorize and rehearse the final product to perfection.Within one or two weeks of the wedding, be sure to dedicate after school hours and the weekends to completing schoolwork in advance. As the wedding approaches, homework time will be minimal to non-existent especially if relatives are coming from out of town. It is guaranteed that with the visiting relatives, ceremony rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and wedding, homework will remain untouched until the festivities come to an end. While the parents, the bride, and the groom will generally take off a few days from work prior to the wedding, students can ill-afford to miss even two days of classes.

During the rehearsal, pay attention to the wedding coordinator. He or she will dictate the speed to walk down the aisle and the order of events during the ceremony. Listen to determine when to receive the bride’s bouquet, and be particularly clear on the precise moment to “fluff” the train of the wedding dress. It is vital that the train trails elegantly behind the bride. Practice “fluffing” in the air in case doing it wrong during the ceremony plagues your mind.

Despite being higher up in the hierarchy of the wedding party, the bride will readily order you to run errands and check that everything is running smoothly on the day of the wedding instead of her other bridesmaids. Be prepared to run to and fro complying with her every command much like a subject serving the queen. It would be useful to learn how to pin boutonnières on the groomsmen’s lapels because it is likely that the groomsmen are incapable of doing so on their own. Also make sure that extra pins are available in the event that the Father of the Groom’s pin breaks. You will be prepared and will not need to frantically search for a replacement.

While carrying out such tasks, be sure to remain calm and polite. Even though many duties must be accomplished, the guests that are family friends will stop you every few paces in order to compliment or request that a picture be taken with them. Comply with their demands to make them happy, and politely withdraw to complete the remaining jobs. There will be plenty of time after the ceremony to mingle and chat, but at this moment, the bride’s bidding is your highest priority.

The goal of the Maid of Honor is to assist the bride and wedding preparations while appearing composed at all times. While the wedding ceremony and reception should be as smooth sailing as possible for your sister, be prepared to shoulder whatever vicissitudes are thrown your way. Remember that as the little sister, it is your responsibility to do anything and everything within your power to keep your big sister happy and as stress-free as possible.”

I my sister!!! She also wrote THE most adorable toast, which I will share whenever she emails it to me!

• I Am Happy Where You Are&...
• And Now For Something Com...