How exciting, you’re a bridesmaid! You’re also a parent, a full-time employee, a student… the reality is, you already struggle with not having enough hours in the day.
But fear not. We’re showing you the necessary tips and strategies that make managing bridesmaid duties along with all your other obligations easy. Well, maybe not easy; more like doable. Achievable, let’s say.
Communicate
Communication is one of the best tools we have. If you communicate clearly with the bride, your job, and your family—beforehand—you’re way more likely to succeed.
Communicate with the Bride
Not all brides have the same vision for their wedding. It’s vital that before you commit to being a bridesmaid, you know when the wedding is, where, and what the bride expects of you.
This is especially important if the bride lives in another state, or the wedding is a destination wedding.
Here are some common bridesmaid obligations you may be expected to attend and contribute to in some way:
- Engagement party
- Wedding dress shopping
- Bridal shower
- Bachelorette party
- Crafting DIY décor
- Help with wedding planning
Before saying yes, be realistic with your time and financial constraints. If either are limited, share those concerns with the bride-to-be.
Make it abundantly clear what is and isn’t manageable, based on your current situation.
Communicate with Your Employer
Let your employer know about your upcoming commitment and that it requires you to take some time off.
Perhaps you can work remotely, or attend mandatory meetings via Zoom. Most employers are willing to work with you as long as you give them enough notice beforehand.
Communicate with Your Family
It’s important to also communicate your commitment with your family.
If you have kids and the bride is okay with it, perhaps you can bring them along for some of the events—obviously not the bachelorette party.
If you’re going to be out of town, make sure you have a babysitter in place or see if your kids can spend time with grandparents or friends if your partner also works full time.
The more communicative you are with everyone who will be impacted by your commitment to being a bridesmaid, the better.
Plan
Note all the important dates in your calendar.
Request time off work as soon as you can, and don’t let the important things like buying your bridesmaid dress (check out Bella Bridesmaids!) wait until the last minute.
Set reminders so you don’t miss important dates or deadlines.
Be Realistic About Available Time
Most people have a somewhat skewed vision of time.
Factor in commuting, stopping to grab lunch, and picking up ribbons which you totally forgot about—and something that you assumed would take two hours quickly turns into five.
Instead of being quick to say “yes” to whatever’s asked, pause a moment to be realistic about your available time.
If you’re helping the bride with something and only have a few hours, let her know the hours you’re available instead of committing to sticking around until the job is complete.
Stay Organized
Organization is another key aspect of managing multiple things at the same time.
If you already have a planning system that works, excellent. You know what you’re doing. If not, start now. Add all your important events and the time (or projected time) you estimate they’ll take.
If you’re needing to budget for various bridesmaid related expenses, include that in your calendar and time tracking system.
A calendar that you update regularly and refer to multiple times a day will keep you on track, and save you from last-minute emergencies.
Don’t Let Self-Care Slip
It’s natural during busy seasons to fall off the self-care wagon. However, with a little forethought that doesn’t have to happen.
The truth is, you’re probably going to need to schedule rest and self-care in your calendar. Whatever you need to do in order to keep it a priority.
Maintain Perspective
Honestly? Your biggest priority as a bridesmaid is to be there for the bride. To be her confidant and support system—which since you’re her friend and she asked you to be a bridesmaid—you probably already excel at.
As you navigate your way through helping her plan and dream, cherish these moments. The laughter, the excitement and even the tears.
And if things get to be too much and you find yourself struggling, let her know. The last thing she wants is for you to fall apart under the pressure of too much.
Conclusion:
