Weddings are always beautiful.
Numerous guests celebrating your big day, wishing you “Congratulations” and “Best Wishes” - of course with their wedding gifts already secured by your assigned staff.
Those decorations, the flowers, the amazing caterers, and the beautiful bride wearing her dreamy white dress…
Ahhh even cynical people like myself, had suddenly felt the romance in the air.
Weddings are truly beautiful. We all want everyone, especially the new couple to be happy.
And here’s another part… every bride has her sets of minions…. The bridesmaids!
And 22 months ago, I was one of them.
Yeah… for the first time in my book, I was honored to become my best friend’s bridesmaid!
I guess every best friend is dreaming to become one and be part of that huge milestone in their wedding celebration.
And honestly, I've got that feeling of anxiety that wasn't felt before (other than that time when I had to defend my thesis in college). It was one of the moments in my life with her that I can’t say NO. (Sorry babe!)
Even though she knows my stand on weddings and yet, she gave me that honor. And I am glad she did. It was one of the most amazingly shitty experiences I had (in a good way).
Me, my best friend's bride, and her Maid of Honour (also her best friend)
Some are born to be good bridesmaids… but I am not one of those lucky ones.
As I am in that state of anxiety, I don’t know what should I do?! I don’t even understand why there are bridesmaids!
But for the sake of your loved one (my bestie-bride), you gonna do what you gonna do.
****
Since there were no dinner or church rehearsals, (I even skipped the bachelorette party because of my tight schedule), then I did some research.
This could be fun for some, but yeah I relied on watching bridesmaid/best man's movies, such as:
* The Wedding Ringer
* 27 Dresses
* Something Borrowed
* Bridesmaid
* Hangover 1,2 and 3 gosh I love these movies!
Excerpt from The Wedding Ringer, love this movie!
Including those wedding reality shows on TV, I have no choice but to watch them all!
I had to dig those numbers of bridesmaid and wedding-related movies that I could get, grab some popcorn, and do the wedding movie marathon.
Seriously.
Because it was my first time to become a bridesmaid!
I felt like a student maniac making sure I have read and watched everything, studying with seriousness the wedding etiquettes, all the dos and don’ts and shits.
Gosh, it’s too tiresome, but I had to do it!
Months before the wedding, I sent my measurements to their designer for my dress. I wasn’t bothered about dieting and stuff because I knew it would fit.
A week before the wedding, my dress arrived – and it was gorgeous!
(PS. My best friend was wed to a Chinese family, and it is customary to give gifts to their bridesmaid during the wedding. As a gift, they gave us our bridesmaid dresses. So sweet!)
Gorgeous but actually quite big for my size. Turns out, I lose more weight due to stress at work.
And the stress of that wedding.
And my schedule was so busy I had no time to fix f***king dress!
It’s so effin stressful I almost want to grab someone just to get laid on her wedding day and have a stress release, LOL (Sorry babe! Don't worry it didn't happen...)
With the help of so many safety pins (thank goodness!), my dress miraculously fit. I just prayed so hard that those pins wouldn’t be lost during the entourage, hahaha.
Thank goodness I have small boobies… but I prayed so hard not to trip off and be naked at my best friend's wedding. LOL
I realized, becoming a bridesmaid is not that easy.
And as much as I want to celebrate my other friends’ future weddings… am warning you.
Don’t ask me to be your bridesmaid.
And I hate that kind of stress...
I am controlling myself not to puke at that moment.
But of course, witnessing my best friend uttered those wedding vows, made me teary-eyed like a baby.
Yeah, I am that emotional.
No matter how gorgeous the dress is, sorry but I would never be a bridesmaid again.
And it's been more than a year since the wedding.
Now I am thinking of deconstructing my dress and turning it into a new one. I know she will understand.
What's your bridesmaid story?
Haha. Like you said, some people are made for it, some people are not. I've been a bridesmaid and a bride, I always tell my friends who are brides-to-be, that please find bridesmaid that will HELP you. I was a maid of honor once, the other 3 bridesmaids were not helpful at all. Ended up I had to do most of the work, bride had to finish some as well. Which is not the main purpose of having bridesmaids. And also, its okay, if being the bridesmaid, dress arent pretty or makeup wasnt on fleek, because the bride should be the prettiest, center of attention of it all. :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha if I would have this kind of wedding, I would like my guest to not worry too much. Maybe I would hire professional bridesmaid that is really good at it. That would be stress-free.
DeleteWow! I didn't know being a bridesmaid could be that stressful! Actually we do not have the bridesmaid tradition as I am a Hindu. But I found your story quite interesting because such emotions are so new to me :) But I have to admit, you look gorgeous in that gown and don't look nervous on the photographs at all!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteMy bestfriend have crossed-out that bridesmaid experience to my list, and she knows that will be the first and last time I will do it. She laugh for that experience.... somehow the bride trolled me :D
Haha while it is some people's dreams it is also some people's nightmare. At least she chose a pretty dress for you, the photos are lovely!
ReplyDeleteOhh yes Nikki, she is a very thoughtful bride! Yeah I know many friends who will be so happy to become a bridesmaid. Unfortunately, I would be so happy just an amazing guest with champagne on the side.
DeleteI have never been a bridesmaid and I don't think it's for me I can be the guest and all but nothing else. I've heard horror stories of others who wished they never did it. All in all you were there for your best friend which is great.
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah! We've already discussed it years back, but still a bride is a bride, and you got to do what is good for your bestfriend. It was a fun, thrilling and kinds stressful experience. I thank her for giving me that :D
DeleteI was a bridesmaid in my nieces wedding. However, since I lived out of state nothing was expected of me, except to show up to the events prior and the wedding. I made out pretty well!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Joanna! Maybe I was just too uptight for the event, hahahaha
DeleteHa...Ha...I 101% agree with you the stress as a bridesmaid, me too, don't ask me to be your bridesmaid again...no...no.. :) Even though I love the pretty pretty dressing gown as a bridesmaid :P cheers, siennylovesdrawing
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know! OMG I feel like I was trolled by the bride, but its okay, as long as she is happy.
DeleteAnd no more bridesmaid to the rest of my friends!
I am NOT made to be a bridesmaid. I feel like I tend to take control of things and other people don't usually like that haha. I like to stay back and attend the wedding once everything is done. Less stressful that way
ReplyDeleteHahaha I am also like to be in-control! OMG for that day, I let my whole powers surrender for the bride. LOL
DeleteSo for my other friends, I will be just they fabulous guest!
I have been the bride, bridesmaid and even the mother of the bride and groom as far as that goes. They all have their own functions and I have enjoyed each
ReplyDeleteAngie, you are so lucky!
DeleteAw I know what you mean being a 'bridesmaid' or a maid of honour must be quite stressful but I know that despite the stress it gave you, you looked beautiful and I know that your best friend would have really appreciated you by her side. I was a bridesmaid a few years ago and the dresses were beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ana.
DeleteYeah I am also thankful for the bride for giving me this difference experience, and I know she is also enjoying seeing how much I control myself. I love her so much!
No stroy to tell..no experience been bridesmaid...so sad..huhuhu
ReplyDeleteHello Hanny,
DeleteIts okay, you might be someday!
Oh man I totally hear you. Especially about the puking part. I am not cut out to be a bridesmaid. TOTALLY NO! LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL, I have to drink more lemon juice!
DeleteSuch a pretty dress. I have only been a bridesmaid at my sisters wedding so I dont remember if I had any stress.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are! I decline at my sister's wedding to be her bridesmaid, because I don't want to deal another stress.
DeleteI have never been a bridesmaid yet. Some of my friends married already but I am not sure it is part of our culture to have grown up bridesmaid. Would be quite fun to be one though!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun Corinne! Dressing up and the photos lol.
DeleteBut the responsibility is a pain, lol
Your dress is beautiful. I love the way it fits you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fatima. I put tons of safety pins just to fit!
DeleteYou look so gorgeous in this dress! I have never been a bridesmaid before, so I don't have a story. I don't think I'd enjoy it. I just like to be a guest at the wedding!
ReplyDeleteCheers on that! Let's me an amazing guest and feast with those champagne and desserts.
DeleteLOL! That sucks it was too big for you. And you it sounds like you were really stressed out. I hope you can find some time to relax or release some of that stress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dustin, I did have my relaxation. It was just nice to look back memories :D
DeleteLOL yeah I'm not cut out to be a bridesmaid either. I was my sister's maid of honour but since I lived abroad I was coordinating long distance it was hilarious. Her bridesmaids did all the work (but I took all the credit I suppose HAHA). I did give a very good maid of honour speech though!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing virtual bridesmaid! Awesome!
DeleteI have never been a bridesmaid but I has bridesmaids and it's lot of pressure on them for sure! Well done on you for the effort and you looked beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've never been a bridesmaid or a bride, don't think I will ever be to be honest, I'm not one for being in any sort of attention so I'd probably cause issue haha! You looked lovely in your bridesmaid dress.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah!
DeleteIf I would be a bride soon, I would prefer to go to the nearest city hall, and no stress for me and for my guests.
Yes weddings are beautiful... but nobody tells you how stressful they are either! hahaha
ReplyDeleteYou looked gorgeous.. loved the dress! :D
LOL thanks Ciki.
DeleteI guess if I was brief about wedding stress, definitely I would back-out.
I donn't have chance be bridesmaid before. I love your dress. Simple and not so overdone.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rina! I like the color as well and the fabric.
DeleteI have not played this role. I remember being asked at least once and declined. I don't regret it either. I was out of town and it was more of a hassle then it would have been worth. I do think there are special people that are made for bridemaids.
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful wearing those flowing dresses, but the responsibility is tough. They have that certain expectations. Ahh I want to be a guest only.
DeleteSomeone enjoys being bridesmaid. Well I think you should open a shop like that. People do need comfort. It all sounds cool and hilarious at some point. I liked wedding ringer and Hangover movies. But fair advice, don't try anything from hangover movies.
ReplyDeleteLOL that Hangover Movies was so hilarious and I love it! But yeah I can't do it in reality.
DeleteThat's such a sweet story. You look lovely in that dress and make-up. Watching movies always helps in dealing with anxiety and familiarizing ourselves with a situation. ;) Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteYeah that's what I did, and ooppss I ended up too uptight!
DeleteEven the bride laughs at me and told me to just relax, lol
i have never been a bridemaid and never been to a wedding, but i know you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteI guess next time, I want to be their social media photographer, LOL
DeleteAwww you looked beautiful! I was a bridesmaid two years ago and I'm definitely not doing it again! It was so much money and a lot of work :/ I think once is enough for anyone lol -Kimberly Samantha
ReplyDeletewww.brunchandgloss.com
Hello Kimberly,
DeleteI'm glad that I didn't spend money for my dress, because in Chinese-custom the bride and groom will pay for the bridesmaids dresses.
Those dresses are beautiful!! Sounds like you had a great time after all!
ReplyDeleteI did! Ohh I am glad and thankful for that experience, but I would not do it again.
DeleteI have never been bridesmaid but I loved the feeling you had, sometimes being nervous , at time being excited. That's the whole fun of being that important one. You looked pretty in that dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jhilmil!
DeleteAllow me to be a little candid here. I just can't understand the whole bridesmaid thing. I was born and raised in Mexico and this is something we don't do. You looked great on that dress!!
ReplyDeleteMe too, I don't understand it. For me its additional expenses!
DeleteYou look beautiful. What an honour to be asked to be bridesmaid for your friend. Albeit stressful! I hope I'll get to be a bridesmaid one day.
ReplyDeleteAmi xxx
Hahaha yeah, I guess my bestfriend trolled me as well. Its okay, I enjoyed.
DeleteIt's really a stressful task to be a bridesmaid. You really have to do everything from scratch and you really have to ensure that the wedding will go smoothly. It's a nice experience. It's a bonding that will last a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteI agree. But won't do it again. I'm not fit for that responsibility, lol
DeleteOh!! You are such a gorgeous bridesmaid. It seems that you had a great time. and I really love the simplicity of your gown.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shub! MY bestfriend designed it :D
DeleteBeing a bridesmaid must be such a memorable experience! Sure, it involves stress, but then it is also so important to that friend who's getting married!
ReplyDelete27 Dresses is one of my favourites!! :)
I agree. I love her so much she even made me agree for it!
DeleteI've been a bridesmaid a few times, but it wasn't stressful for me. I guess it really depends on the type of wedding. Ours were pretty low-key. The dress was gorgeous. I'd love to see what you make from it.
ReplyDeleteI guess you are right. It was a Chinese-Christian wedding, so there are many expectations.
Deletesound like you have made an amazing job being a bridesmaid , you definitely look so beautiful, I hope you had the time to enjoy too
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy dear. But won't do it again :D
DeleteYou look so amazing! I miss those days for sure.
ReplyDeleteHahaha thanks you Cindy! No more bridesmaid for me.
DeleteMy best friend got married 2 weeks after she was engaged and I was her bridesmaid and it was a lot of work and we had lots of stressful moment.
ReplyDeleteWow that is so cool and you managed the stress. Congratulations for your friend, and you as well!
DeleteThat is a very beautiful dress. I've never actually been a bridesmaid, so I'm not sure how anything goes. Sounds like an amazing experience though.
ReplyDeleteIt is an amazing experience, and I'm glad I did. And of course, I am thankful for the bride for financing our dresses.
Deletegreat insight from the bridesmaid point of view. I was one (as a team) my friend chose me and another good friend, so I wasn't alone on the deal, thank goodness!
ReplyDeleteNext time (if there is one) I hope the bride gets married to a Chinese family... I could use some new gifts...lol...only kidding! ; )
LOL It was my first time to become a bridesmaid and attending a Chinese-Christian wedding, and oh boy the traditions are crazy! I didn't spend anything, because the family of the bride and groom provided everything.
DeleteI am not sure if my comment went through but here it is again
ReplyDeleteIt's a once in a lifetime event for you ^ ^ I know the feeling, the struggles and all that. I've been one to several weddings - from family to friends weddings. It's a busy event so I just go with the flow and have fun! With our dresses, we have our own dressmaker who's with us ever since so he knows what styles we like and the fittings so we did not have any problems with that. Thank God! Else, i might swear not to be one too ha-ha
You look perfect on that dress. Beautiful! Love it <3
Thank you Ayesha!
DeleteIt was still a fun experience, but the stress is unavoidable, because of certain expectations. Next time I would be just a guest, who would send amazing gifts!
My other bestfriend is getting married this April, and I've already warned her about it, lol. But I would be a happy host for her bachelorette party, coz that's where I am good at!
I certainly have some crazy Groomsman stories like being a groomsman at an old west town in Arizone in the middle of July taking pictures outdoors at 2 in the afternoon when it's 120 F outside. That was wild. Even if it's not your thing, I do have to say you look amazingly beautiful in that dress.
ReplyDeleteLOL That's awesome!
DeleteI am actually fantasizing having that Hangover-type of wedding, but my friends are not too crazy for such things. Well I guess I could give another shot, but with Hangover-style.
I was a bridesmaid in 2016 and 2017. I loved being in both but they were stressful because some bridesmaids can be divas. Instead of helping the bride or make things easier for her some of them think they are the ones getting married. Frustrating especialy when you dont want the bride to be stressed and someone is throwing the whole party off. I made sure to be a super bridesmaid to both my best friend and my favorite cousin wedding (no sleep, come in early to help with arrangements prior). I also want to say dont invite me in another wedding I dont mind, but they also can be pricey but worth it once you see your loved one marrying the love of her life!
ReplyDeleteOhh you are an awesome bridesmaid! Oh my I think I can't handle that kind of stress and I admire you for managing it. I might scream!
DeleteYou look great in that dress. Beautiful bridesmaid.
ReplyDeleteI have been few times bridesmaid and im lucky enough that many turn to be very cooperative and for Chinese tradition, we only busy during the arrival of groom.. lolz
ReplyDeleteracheal
LOL I was so clueless dear! But it was a great experience.
DeleteOnly been a bridesmaid thrice. Two times for my best friends, the other time I had to be the ad hoc one since the designated bridesmaid came late
ReplyDeleteOh you are so lucky to experience it 3x!
DeleteI have never been a bridesmaid but I know its a super important job. You have to be the brides rock during her freak outs. I'm pretty ure your bestie appreciated you being there. The dress is beautiful on you!
ReplyDeleteYeah she is. And she understand that I can't be her rock when she freaks out, there is another bridesmaid for that area, lol. OMG I won't do it again.
DeleteHow sad that you did not enjoy the experience that most would love, but still it was really kind of you to support your friend on her big day to make it memorable.
ReplyDeleteI love her so much like a sister. I can sacrifice my time for her.... :D
DeleteThat is a pretty dress. Looks fantastic on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexander!
DeleteI know that it is suuuuper stressful to become a bridesmaid! Though I haven't experience being a bridesmaid yet, I'm already excited for my best friend to go have a wedding. You look really lovely by the way <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Bianca!
DeleteYou look absolutely beautiful lovely. Love the colour of the dress and you make a great bridesmaid.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lindsey. I tried my best :D
DeleteBeen a bride's maid a few times and its not easy! Yeah, your list of movies are indeed funny & interesting. You look phenomenal in that outfit!!! A question though, why did you plan to write this post 22 months after the wedding!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL,
DeleteYeah I intentionally make it 22-months of waiting time. I remembered it was in my draft, and recently my bestfriend (the bride then) just got her 1st born baptized. This is like a trip to memory lane.
Wow! You looks so gorgeous dear! I can't wait to become my friend's bridesmaid on next week.
ReplyDeleteOMG Share us your experience and your dress!
DeleteSalute to you for making the effort to be the best bridesmaid there is, despite everything. Almost two years after the occasion, we can see the humour in it.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I agree! Thanks Emily!
DeleteI was maid of honour for my sister, it is stressful, but you look so beautiful in that dress.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I think I would not get any bridesmaid, to save on costs.
DeleteI have never been a bridesmaid before. A bride but never a maid and I'm surprised! lol
ReplyDeleteGood for you Jess :D But you can still a bridesmaid.
DeleteYou are always looking so good, Blair! Your uniqueness is beyond control. :)
ReplyDeleteOh thank you dear! You are so sweet :D
Delete