Bridesmaids

How do brides choose their bridesmaids? Usually, these are close girlfriends, or family. Sisters, cousins. The picture above (from iStockphoto) shows what, for me, bridesmaids are: really good friends who will keep the bride grounded, sane, and happy.  

At the rate we’re going in terms of attending weddings, I’m running out of would-be bridesmaids. Had I been first to get married, I could have had 6 bridesmaids and the bridal party would be so fun and beautiful. Now, I’m down to just two other singles in my small circle of friends. Then again, if I want married pretty ladies with me as I say “I do”, who’s to stop me? There’s no rule against that, is there?

In our culture, preparations for a wedding are normally just carried out by the couple themselves, and maybe their parents. Apart from fitting for the bridesmaid dresses, and attending the bridal shower,  the ladies-in-waiting don’t really have any other participating prior to the wedding march. In the west though, the wedding party play a more active role in helping the couple get ready for the big day.

I don’t think any Pinay would think of getting a book to prepare to be a bridesmaid. But I think we should. Such books like The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties and Being Fabulous actually sound like a good resource!