COUPLESHow to Be a Kick-Ass Bridesmaid (Hey, Lady Gaga Did It)
April 8 2013, Published 10:20 a.m. ET
There comes a time in every girl's life (even Gaga's) when she's called upon to don a satin sheath, pony up her credit card to pay for the pin the junk on the hunk game, and scream "She's getting maaaaaaaaarried" to a bar full of strangers—it's called being a bridesmaid.
Lady Gaga posted this photo on her site, LittleMonsters.com, saying: "It's my best friends wedding she made us try on dresses! BRIDESMAIDS VERA Baby"
That's right ladies, it's an honor to be asked, but it's also a huge responsibility not to F up the duty. Which is why I present you with: the guide to getting it right. Read on for the rule book...
Rule #1: Make Sure the Bride Eats!
I'm not saying hand her a Big Mac on the big day, but no one wants to see the about-to-be Mrs. faint at the alter, which is why nourishment is key. Baked By Melissa makes adorable, pint-sized "wedding cupcakes" filled with Bavarian cream stuffing and topped with white chocolate shavings and they're the bomb.com. Seriously, have a few dozen of these little guys on hand while you're getting ready and everyone, I mean everyone will thank you. Who doesn't love a mini cupcake?! Call 212-842-0220 to order.
Bridesmaids
Rule #2: Sway Her in the Right Bridesmaids Dress Direction
Okay, maybe this rule is more for your benefit than hers, but hey! a happy maid equals a happy bride right?! (Just go with me on this one.) There are some pretty questionable dresses out there that would make you guilty of committing a serious fashion crime if worn. No one wants that, so present her with better options via RenttheRunway.com. They have a variety of major designer styles for a fraction of the price, which means 1) you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars for a dress you'll never wear again and 2) refer to #1. Blush bridesmaid dresses are trending right now—here are tons of awesome styles they carry.
Rule #3: Don't Try to Steal the Groom
That never works out well for anyone. (Ahem, Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding).
Rule #4: Come Prepared
If you were ever a girl scout, you've learned it's better to be safe than sorry (I think they teach you that on like, the first day or something). Which is where Minimergency kits come in—they will literally save you on the big day. Their survival kits for bridesmaids is packed with 20 essentials like hairspray, tissues, bobby pins, stain remover, earring backs, and dancing socks, which is great because you're going to need all of that.
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Runaway Bride
Rule #5: DON'T Let the Bride Near a Horse
You don't want to have to be the one to announce to everyone there's an escapee problem.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Rule #6: Reconsider the Pantyhose
It's just not a good look anymore.
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Bride Wars
Rule #7: Book Beauty Appointments in Advance
Esthetician and Bake Spray Tanning Owner, Abby Merand, recommends scheduling a spray tan session two days prior the wedding. This way you won't have any fading and the tan will be looking it's best (you also don't want to risk looking like an orange bridesmaid if you do it the day of!). Give the bride a heads up about tanning and go together! Visit bakespraytanning.com to book an appointment if you are in the NYC area.
As for hair, Dana Ionato of Sally Hershberger Downtown recommends focusing on your color three months before the big day. The more times you color your hair closer together, the better the result will be to avoid your hair color oxidizing (getting brassy) or to correct any unwanted tones (like Kate's green). Also, don't change colorists close to the wedding, you may regret it!
Rule #8: Have Mercy
Soooo, what to do when the bride-to-be has a little too much fun at the strip club the night before and can't make it to brunch the next day? Hand her a Mercy. This Gwyneth Paltrow-backed drink is packed with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and herbs that protect your system from the inevitable hangover, AMEN. Visit drinkmercy.com for where to buy info.
What's your favorite wedding movie? Sound off in the comments below or on Twitter @OKMagazine!
