Bridesmaid #3...third time's a charm?

This afternoon at work, I got a call from one of my best girlfriends, Marie. Marie and I go all the way back to our freshman year at the University of Oklahoma.

Wednesday, August 13th 2008, 5:25 pm

By: News 9


By News9 Meteorologist Carrie Rose.

This afternoon at work, I got a call from one of my best girlfriends, Marie.  Marie and I go all the way back to our freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, when we were suitemates in the dorms.  Most of the memories involve laughing and all sorts of random silliness, but she taught me some very important lessons, too.  Marie, you know the specific lesson I'm talking about, haha.

Anyway, I'm always happy to hear from Marie, who still lives in the OKC area.  She recently got engaged, and is planning her wedding for next summer.  I was humbled and thrilled to be asked to be a bridesmaid in her wedding!  Looks like it's going to be a second summer of love for me!

So after being a bridesmaid twice this year, what have I learned that can better prepare me for assisting Marie on her special day?

1.) Eat a big breakfast the day of the wedding...we might not get to eat later with all the pictures and people wanting to say hello!

2.) Pack munchies in your tote bag to eat before the wedding.  Those little snacks will really get you through the pictures, ceremony, and reception.  Suggestions: crackers, cheese, fruit, and a few little dark chocolate pieces. 

3.) Pack other essentials in the tote, too: oil blotting wipes for the face, baby wipes for hands, kleenex tissues because you know you're going to cry (or sweat) at some point, clear deoderent (speaking of sweat...), the lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, concealer and powder you're wearing for touchups, bottled water, bobby pins!  Seriously, you can never have too many bobby pins.  Also: scissors, tape, a pen, white-out for any french manicure chipping, breath mints, and floss.

4.) Resistance is futile!  Don't even try to be the picture-perfect bridesmaid by staying in those heels through the reception.  Just pack flip flops or flats to change into.  (Yeah, I tried to tough it out and keep the heels on and that was just a painful mistake!)

5.) Just do it: splurge and get the mani-pedi.  You'll feel so pampered and pretty afterward, and your hands will look fabulous in all the pictures of you holding the bouquet.  Not to mention your feet will be fresh for dancing.

6.) Bring music to play while everyone is getting ready.  Make sure you have speakers and a way to hook up your iPod. 

7.) As bridesmaid, do whatever you need to do to make the bride's day less stressful!  If that means you put her garter on for her because her dress is so huge she can't get to her own legs, you do it!  (It's pretty funny doing that, actually, because it usually takes three people to accomplish this task: one person to put the garter on, one person to hold up the layers of gown just high enough, and one person for the bride to lean on while she stands on one foot). 

8.) No whining!  A complaining bridesmaid is not good...see #7 above.  Remember, your goal is to make the day as smooth and calm for the bride as possible!

9.) Remain calm, all is well.  If you are stressed and don't even try to hide it, you'll only up the stress level of the entire bridal party.  Find a happy place and mentally stay there!

10.) Smile...smile a lot.  Don't worry, they'll make you smile even if you don't want to for the pictures!

11.) And while you're smiling, look at the bride.  During the ceremony, your job is to track the bride with your eyes like NORAD tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.  This keeps the focus on her, as it should be!

12.) Don't lock your knees.  Drink plenty of water.

13.) Dancing queen, young and sweet...get on the dancefloor and get the party started.  And if the dancing is lagging, grab a groomsman and get the energy level back up.  Guests will take their dancing cues from you.  If you're tired, eat another piece of cake and dance off the sugar rush!

14.) Don't forget your camera.  Even if you can't take pictures while you're in the ceremony, grab the camera beforehand when everyone is getting ready, and snap shots during the reception.  My favorite pictures from this summer's weddings were during the before and after.

15.) Eat the cake!  Seriously, eat two pieces of cake!  You've earned it.

Umm wow, didn't realize I had learned so much!  Thanks, Brides #1 and #2!  Marie, I'm at your service, and I know the ropes.  Now, if you could just aim the bouquet my way when you toss it, that would be fabulous...kidding, only kidding!

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