Ready to be a bridesmaid? Double check your preparedness with this list of 30 common bridesmaid faux pas and how to avoid them. Nobody Talks About These Bridesmaid Mistakes (But They Happen Every Time) Bridesmaids take on so much responsibility and mistakes are bound to happen. Do your best to be prepared for the wedding day by creating a checklist. Below are some common mistakes bridesmaids make before, during, and after the wedding that can be easily avoided. Leading Up to the Wedding: What Bridesmaids Forget to Plan For Preparedness is always key, especially when it comes to a wedding. Try to spend the months leading up to the wedding getting ready so that you can spend more time enjoying yourself on the big day. Before the wedding, go through this checklist and make sure you’re not forgetting any important details. Committing Without Knowing the Budget & Time Requirements First thing’s first, make sure you’re ready to be a bridesmaid before you tell your friend yes. Try to get an idea of what your friend expects from you before committing. She’ll be more upset if you back out after already promising to be a bridesmaid. Yellow Satin | Buttercup Chiffon | Radiant Photography by Sydney Danielle Forgetting to Check If Your Nail Color Matches the Palette Bright nails can be distracting, especially if they don’t match the bridesmaid dresses or wedding colors. Muted pink or nude tones are a safe bet and usually play nicer with bouquets and bridesmaid dresses. Assuming the Dress Will Still Fit Months Later Between ordering and the wedding, body changes happen — stress, travel, life. A last-minute try-on a few weeks before the wedding is crucial. Assuming Your Jewelry Won’t Compete with the Bride’s Statement earrings are cute… until they sparkle harder than her studs in close-ups. Ask what she’s wearing before you finalize your accessories. Simple and classic jewelry is best when it comes to being a bridesmaid, Moss Green Bridesmaid Dresses | James Tang Photography Forgetting About Climate Control & Not Considering An Extra Layer Outdoor barn weddings, humid destinations, or indoor AC; chiffon and satin react differently to heat and cold. If the wedding’s in a new climate, plan for static cling, sweat stains, or goosebumps. Forgetting to Test the Dress Fabric with Deodorant, Tan, or Perfume Between self-tanner, bronzer, and spray deodorant, residue rubs off fast — especially on chiffon or satin. A quick test on an inside seam can save a visible streak right under your arm on photo day. Assuming Someone Else Packed the Bride’s Emergency Items You might think the planner or MOH has everything — but no one remembers snacks, phone chargers, or fashion tape until it’s too late. Ask who’s in charge of what beforehand. Put together a wedding day emergency kit to make sure you’re ready for anything. Low on time? You can always buy a pre-made kit on Etsy or Amazon. French Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses | Sunset Gardens Weddings Not Preparing Your Shoes in Advance Brand-new heels + all-day wear = blisters. Wear them around the house for a few days beforehand so they’re already broken-in on wedding day. A backup pair of shoes is a great addition to your wedding day packing list. You can switch to your backups for the reception when fewer photos are being taken so that you can dance in comfort. Forgetting That Spray Tans Transfer on the Bride’s Dress Even if your spray tan is “transfer-proof,” hugging the bride in white satin = instant beige handprints. If anyone gets a spray tan, it needs to be at least 48 hours before, with a full rinse and no lotion residue. Assuming Your Hotel Has an Iron or Steamer That Works Half the time hotel irons and steamers are broken, leaky, or caked in mineral deposits. Your safest bet is to bring your own or ask one of the other bridesmaids to bring one. If you don’t bring your own, check the steamer days before, not 20 minutes before photos. Teal Bridesmaid Dresses | Megan Therese Photography Packing Perfume in the Same Bag as the Dress One broken perfume bottle and the entire bridal suite smells like vanilla sugar for eternity. Plus, perfume can stain chiffon. Always seal liquids in a separate pouch or leave them home. Not Preparing Your Speech (If You Have One) Having a speech on wedding day is a big responsibility but an easy one if you’re prepared. Print your speech out or at least make note cards. Practice a few times to test the timing, wedding speeches should only be a few minutes long (double check with the bride about how much time she wants you to speak). A maid of honor speech template or guide will help you get started. Yellow Satin | Buttercup Chiffon | Radiant Photography by Sydney Danielle Wedding Day Mistakes That Sneak Up on Every Bridesmaid Expect the unexpected on wedding day by being prepared. You can’t plan for every mishap but you can do your best to avoid some common mistakes. Below are a few frequently forgotten wedding-day details to double check! Forgetting That Hotel Room Lighting Can Skew Makeup Colors Soft gold lighting makes foundation look perfect… until you step outside and it’s orange. Always do a quick natural-light check before photos start. Assuming the Hotel Will Have Enough Outlets Hair tools, chargers, steamers, lamps… most rooms have two. Bring a power strip or you’ll be fighting for plugs during glam. If everyone is getting ready together in one room this is especially important. Using a Face Mist or Setting Spray Near the Dresses A light spritz drifts onto chiffon and can leave water spots that show up under flash. Step away from the dress area before spraying. To be safe, try to avoid doing any of your makeup or hair near the dresses. Mocha Bridesmaid Robes | Exposures By Rah Assuming the Venue’s Mirrors Are Full-Length Half the time, “getting ready” spaces only have one small bathroom mirror. Bring a compact mirror or small standing one so you’re not all fighting for a reflection. Not Considering That Some Bouquets Leak Sap or Cause Water Stains Fresh florals, especially dyed roses or eucalyptus, can stain fabric before the ceremony. Wrap stems in paper towels until right before photos. Leaving Hanger Ribbons Untucked Those tiny ribbons meant to hang your dress always find their way into photos. Either cut them off or tape them inside the dress before you put it on. Using a Travel Steamer Without Testing Water Quality Hard water leaves white mineral streaks on darker dresses. You can’t necessarily trust the water at your hotel to be pure enough for your bridesmaid dress. Try to use bottled or distilled water only for steaming your dress. Moss Green Bridesmaid Dresses | James Tang Photography Underestimating How Much You’ll Be Photographed in the Background You’ll be in hundreds of shots — during vows, first dances, even candid laughter. During the ceremony you should be especially conscious of your facial expressions, posture, and anything else you wouldn’t want photographed. Forgetting to Take Off Hair Ties, Watches, or Smartbands Hair ties find a way of sneaking into every single photo. Even worse: Apple Watches lighting up during the ceremony. Take unnecessary accessories off before photos start. Holding the Bouquet Too High Always keep flowers at belly button level — anything higher blocks your neckline and looks awkward in group photos. French Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses | Exposures By Rah Starting to Drink Too Early A wedding is a celebration and will call for a few toasts. Try to save most of the drinking for the reception. You’ll need to be alert and ready for photos until then. Not Knowing Who Holds the Bride’s Bouquet When / Who Carries the Train Coordinate with the other bridesmaids and make sure everyone is ready for the ceremony. All eyes will be on the bridal party during the ceremony so make sure you know who is holding the bride’s bouquet, carrying her train, and adjusting her dress for the ceremony. Teal Bridesmaid Dresses | Megan Therese Photography Once the Party’s Over: What Most Bridesmaids Forget to Do The party is over but your job as a bridesmaid hasn’t ended quite yet. Make sure you don’t overlook the post-wedding bridesmaid responsibilities. From returning rental to posting photos, there is still plenty to be done after the wedding day. Assuming the Job is Over Immediately After the Wedding Don’t just run out as soon as the cake is cut. Talk to the bride and make sure she doesn’t need help cleaning up. Check in with her in the days and weeks after the wedding too to make sure she doesn’t need help returning wedding rentals or writing thank you cards. Not Sending Photos Promptly Try to send your phone shots within 48 hours. The bride and groom won’t have their phone out during the wedding and they won’t get their professional photos back for weeks. Try to send them your best wedding photos so they have something to share right after the wedding. Matching Bridesmaid Robes | Megan Therese Photography Forgetting to Venmo for Last-Minute Tabs Ubers, late-night pizza, or champagne runs always end up on someone’s card. Settle up the next morning while receipts are still fresh in your head. Posting Before the Couple Does It’s the modern faux pas — the bride hasn’t posted yet, and a bridesmaid uploads 47 photos before she even lands from her honeymoon flight. Wait for her green light before you post photos from her wedding. Mocha Bridesmaid Robes | Exposures By Rah Not Saving Vendor Contacts If you loved the makeup artist or planner, jot down their info immediately. You’ll forget their names in two days and regret it when it’s your turn to get married. Forgetting to Return Borrowed Steamers, Jewelry, or Chargers You don’t notice until three days later when someone texts, “Hey, did you grab my curling iron?” Always do a “what’s mine / what’s yours” sweep before leaving the hotel. Be the Perfect Bridesmaid by Sidestepping Common Pitfalls The best thing you can do for your friend’s wedding is be prepared. Create a thorough wedding day packing list, a pre-wedding preparation checklist, and a post-wedding to-do list. The wedding will go so much more smoothly if you’re aware and ready for all of your bridesmaid duties.
Ready to be a bridesmaid? Double check your preparedness with this list of 30 common bridesmaid faux pas and how to avoid them. Nobody Talks About These Bridesmaid Mistakes (But They Happen Every Time) Bridesmaids take on so much responsibility and mistakes are bound to happen. Do your best to be prepared for the wedding day by creating a checklist. Below are some common mistakes bridesmaids make before, during, and after the wedding that can be easily avoided. Leading Up to the Wedding: What Bridesmaids Forget to Plan For Preparedness is always key, especially when it comes to a wedding. Try to spend the months leading up to the wedding getting ready so that you can spend more time enjoying yourself on the big day. Before the wedding, go through this checklist and make sure you’re not forgetting any important details. Committing Without Knowing the Budget & Time Requirements First thing’s first, make sure you’re ready to be a bridesmaid before you tell your friend yes. Try to get an idea of what your friend expects from you before committing. She’ll be more upset if you back out after already promising to be a bridesmaid. Yellow Satin | Buttercup Chiffon | Radiant Photography by Sydney Danielle Forgetting to Check If Your Nail Color Matches the Palette Bright nails can be distracting, especially if they don’t match the bridesmaid dresses or wedding colors. Muted pink or nude tones are a safe bet and usually play nicer with bouquets and bridesmaid dresses. Assuming the Dress Will Still Fit Months Later Between ordering and the wedding, body changes happen — stress, travel, life. A last-minute try-on a few weeks before the wedding is crucial. Assuming Your Jewelry Won’t Compete with the Bride’s Statement earrings are cute… until they sparkle harder than her studs in close-ups. Ask what she’s wearing before you finalize your accessories. Simple and classic jewelry is best when it comes to being a bridesmaid, Moss Green Bridesmaid Dresses | James Tang Photography Forgetting About Climate Control & Not Considering An Extra Layer Outdoor barn weddings, humid destinations, or indoor AC; chiffon and satin react differently to heat and cold. If the wedding’s in a new climate, plan for static cling, sweat stains, or goosebumps. Forgetting to Test the Dress Fabric with Deodorant, Tan, or Perfume Between self-tanner, bronzer, and spray deodorant, residue rubs off fast — especially on chiffon or satin. A quick test on an inside seam can save a visible streak right under your arm on photo day. Assuming Someone Else Packed the Bride’s Emergency Items You might think the planner or MOH has everything — but no one remembers snacks, phone chargers, or fashion tape until it’s too late. Ask who’s in charge of what beforehand. Put together a wedding day emergency kit to make sure you’re ready for anything. Low on time? You can always buy a pre-made kit on Etsy or Amazon. French Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses | Sunset Gardens Weddings Not Preparing Your Shoes in Advance Brand-new heels + all-day wear = blisters. Wear them around the house for a few days beforehand so they’re already broken-in on wedding day. A backup pair of shoes is a great addition to your wedding day packing list. You can switch to your backups for the reception when fewer photos are being taken so that you can dance in comfort. Forgetting That Spray Tans Transfer on the Bride’s Dress Even if your spray tan is “transfer-proof,” hugging the bride in white satin = instant beige handprints. If anyone gets a spray tan, it needs to be at least 48 hours before, with a full rinse and no lotion residue. Assuming Your Hotel Has an Iron or Steamer That Works Half the time hotel irons and steamers are broken, leaky, or caked in mineral deposits. Your safest bet is to bring your own or ask one of the other bridesmaids to bring one. If you don’t bring your own, check the steamer days before, not 20 minutes before photos. Teal Bridesmaid Dresses | Megan Therese Photography Packing Perfume in the Same Bag as the Dress One broken perfume bottle and the entire bridal suite smells like vanilla sugar for eternity. Plus, perfume can stain chiffon. Always seal liquids in a separate pouch or leave them home. Not Preparing Your Speech (If You Have One) Having a speech on wedding day is a big responsibility but an easy one if you’re prepared. Print your speech out or at least make note cards. Practice a few times to test the timing, wedding speeches should only be a few minutes long (double check with the bride about how much time she wants you to speak). A maid of honor speech template or guide will help you get started. Yellow Satin | Buttercup Chiffon | Radiant Photography by Sydney Danielle Wedding Day Mistakes That Sneak Up on Every Bridesmaid Expect the unexpected on wedding day by being prepared. You can’t plan for every mishap but you can do your best to avoid some common mistakes. Below are a few frequently forgotten wedding-day details to double check! Forgetting That Hotel Room Lighting Can Skew Makeup Colors Soft gold lighting makes foundation look perfect… until you step outside and it’s orange. Always do a quick natural-light check before photos start. Assuming the Hotel Will Have Enough Outlets Hair tools, chargers, steamers, lamps… most rooms have two. Bring a power strip or you’ll be fighting for plugs during glam. If everyone is getting ready together in one room this is especially important. Using a Face Mist or Setting Spray Near the Dresses A light spritz drifts onto chiffon and can leave water spots that show up under flash. Step away from the dress area before spraying. To be safe, try to avoid doing any of your makeup or hair near the dresses. Mocha Bridesmaid Robes | Exposures By Rah Assuming the Venue’s Mirrors Are Full-Length Half the time, “getting ready” spaces only have one small bathroom mirror. Bring a compact mirror or small standing one so you’re not all fighting for a reflection. Not Considering That Some Bouquets Leak Sap or Cause Water Stains Fresh florals, especially dyed roses or eucalyptus, can stain fabric before the ceremony. Wrap stems in paper towels until right before photos. Leaving Hanger Ribbons Untucked Those tiny ribbons meant to hang your dress always find their way into photos. Either cut them off or tape them inside the dress before you put it on. Using a Travel Steamer Without Testing Water Quality Hard water leaves white mineral streaks on darker dresses. You can’t necessarily trust the water at your hotel to be pure enough for your bridesmaid dress. Try to use bottled or distilled water only for steaming your dress. Moss Green Bridesmaid Dresses | James Tang Photography Underestimating How Much You’ll Be Photographed in the Background You’ll be in hundreds of shots — during vows, first dances, even candid laughter. During the ceremony you should be especially conscious of your facial expressions, posture, and anything else you wouldn’t want photographed. Forgetting to Take Off Hair Ties, Watches, or Smartbands Hair ties find a way of sneaking into every single photo. Even worse: Apple Watches lighting up during the ceremony. Take unnecessary accessories off before photos start. Holding the Bouquet Too High Always keep flowers at belly button level — anything higher blocks your neckline and looks awkward in group photos. French Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses | Exposures By Rah Starting to Drink Too Early A wedding is a celebration and will call for a few toasts. Try to save most of the drinking for the reception. You’ll need to be alert and ready for photos until then. Not Knowing Who Holds the Bride’s Bouquet When / Who Carries the Train Coordinate with the other bridesmaids and make sure everyone is ready for the ceremony. All eyes will be on the bridal party during the ceremony so make sure you know who is holding the bride’s bouquet, carrying her train, and adjusting her dress for the ceremony. Teal Bridesmaid Dresses | Megan Therese Photography Once the Party’s Over: What Most Bridesmaids Forget to Do The party is over but your job as a bridesmaid hasn’t ended quite yet. Make sure you don’t overlook the post-wedding bridesmaid responsibilities. From returning rental to posting photos, there is still plenty to be done after the wedding day. Assuming the Job is Over Immediately After the Wedding Don’t just run out as soon as the cake is cut. Talk to the bride and make sure she doesn’t need help cleaning up. Check in with her in the days and weeks after the wedding too to make sure she doesn’t need help returning wedding rentals or writing thank you cards. Not Sending Photos Promptly Try to send your phone shots within 48 hours. The bride and groom won’t have their phone out during the wedding and they won’t get their professional photos back for weeks. Try to send them your best wedding photos so they have something to share right after the wedding. Matching Bridesmaid Robes | Megan Therese Photography Forgetting to Venmo for Last-Minute Tabs Ubers, late-night pizza, or champagne runs always end up on someone’s card. Settle up the next morning while receipts are still fresh in your head. Posting Before the Couple Does It’s the modern faux pas — the bride hasn’t posted yet, and a bridesmaid uploads 47 photos before she even lands from her honeymoon flight. Wait for her green light before you post photos from her wedding. Mocha Bridesmaid Robes | Exposures By Rah Not Saving Vendor Contacts If you loved the makeup artist or planner, jot down their info immediately. You’ll forget their names in two days and regret it when it’s your turn to get married. Forgetting to Return Borrowed Steamers, Jewelry, or Chargers You don’t notice until three days later when someone texts, “Hey, did you grab my curling iron?” Always do a “what’s mine / what’s yours” sweep before leaving the hotel. Be the Perfect Bridesmaid by Sidestepping Common Pitfalls The best thing you can do for your friend’s wedding is be prepared. Create a thorough wedding day packing list, a pre-wedding preparation checklist, and a post-wedding to-do list. The wedding will go so much more smoothly if you’re aware and ready for all of your bridesmaid duties.
