Weddings

21 things all bridesmaids should know

By Ella Alexander
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We all know that being asked to be someone's bridesmaids is an honour, a sign of closeness, enabling you to have a front row seat at your friend or relation's wedding.

BUT. There are some pitfalls. It can be humiliating, time-consuming, expensive and frustrating. Our bridesmaid experiences have taught us many things, which we'd like to impart:

The first time we were asked to be someone's bridesmaid, we were all like…

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/V6OrT6U.gif"/>

But, as the years went on, we learnt what it involved and it was pretty trying…

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/iJnMrBx.gif"/>

Bridesmaids-to-be, listen up, you will be forced to wear dresses like this…

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Cc9IwJz.gif"/>

Sometimes you may have to pay for them, which will leave you telling everyone...

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/cqJ3cun.gif"/>

You will be forced to give up numerous weekends in the build-up, starting with the engagement party:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ctumi0d.gif"/>

Then the bridesmaid meet-ups, who you may not get on with:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tDFQTSP.gif"/>

And the abroad hen do:
This may involve Mr and Mrs games that hark back to days like these:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dX02Acw.gif"/>

Then the home hen do, often attended by the bride's drunk aunts, mum, siblings:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/kCcquTS.gif"/>

These hen dos may be themed and you'll feel as grumpy as Jack:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WhxrByI.gif"/>

You will have to feign interest in things such as flowers and decoration layouts. Inside you'll feel like this...

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hPfhddn.gif"/>

And you'll wish you could:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/FGfjIBK.gif"/>

If you're single, you'll have to convince everyone you're ok with it:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vcod0uo.gif"/>

Catching the bouquet is not fun. It's excruciatingly awkward.

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Wltfa3Q.gif"/>

At some point, the maid of honour look like this...

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/L0J851s.gif"/>

And you may fantasise about doing her harm:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AvrwyYs.gif"/>

You might feel guilty about not being able to keep up with the constant WhatsApp messages:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OOOds49.gif"/>

But you'll get over it:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UYB28JJ.gif"/>

You are a "maid", so learn to behave according:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/S2Ts1Ib.gif"/>

You'll have to pretend you like the husband even if he's as irritating as this guy...

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/eBUoQVH.gif"/>

Try to see the positives and think of what you can learn for your own nuptials:

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pLiM02E.gif"/>

But really ladies, suck it up and take a deep breath and smile widely…

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/uxYY4dL.gif"/>

Because you get to watch your best friend marry the love of her life and that's pretty special actually:

<div id="kirsten">

<div id="kirsten"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wCeP1ZL.gif"/>

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