By Courtney L. Woods
The first time I was a bridesmaid, I was only sixteen years old. My aunt was getting married, and I was the maid of honor and the only bridesmaid. It was a small wedding, as only 50 attended. I had to wear this peach dress; nothing fancy, mid-length and a deal at Dillards. I didn’t know that I was supposed to do more than hold the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s ring.
Now, I am twenty-two years old and I am in the same position, but on a grander scale. My best friend is getting married in September, and I have been asked to not only be a bridesmaid, but the maid of honor. I am very happy to do so, but at the same time, I am completely terrified. What if I screw something up?
There are three bridesmaids, and all of the arrangements are well on their way. The bride has her dress, the flowers, the church, the reception, the cake, and the bridesmaids have their gowns. Okay, these gowns are a far cry from what I wore at my aunt’s wedding. They are honest-to-goodness ball gowns, fancier than my senior prom dress in high school. They are black and white and perfectly elegant; suprisingly enough, they flatter the three of us wonderfully, a true feat since we are all different heights and body types.
I have fears about the elegant gowns. High heels are the bane of my existence. I can just see myself now at the wedding, looking put together and lovely and then tripping over my shoes and taking out everyone behind me like row of dominoes. I pray to God that doesn’t occur. I am really clumsy.
Aside from practicing with high heels everyday, I have learned that being the maid of honor comes with much more responsibility than I realized when I was sixteen. I throw the shower, I throw the bachelorette party, I make sure all of the bridesmaids are assembled, decorate the couple’s getaway car, and do all of this in the most creative and innovative fashion.
I have noticed, with all of the various literature on weddings, that there seems to be no literature for the bridesmaids, like a “Complete Bridesmaid’s Guide to Creative Planning” or “The Dummies Guide to Being a Bridesmaid.” I want to do well. I want to help. My friend is getting married and I want it to be wonderful for her.
I have garnered advice here and there from friends who have gone through the same experience. I should make sure to make plates of food at the reception for the bride and groom to take with them, because chances are they will not have time to eat. There is also the question of the parties. Should it be a party where the bride receives nothing but lingerie and various underthings, or should it be classy and traditional? One thing has been made very clear to me: under no circumstance am I to hire male strippers.
I have made a resolution. I am going to be the most graceful and creative bridesmaid I can be. I will practice with high heels and read all sorts of wedding magazines. I will watch Martha Stewart and brainstorm for ideas on how to make this the best wedding shower ever. I have consented to be the maid of honor, and I resolve to do my best. It is a big day for my friend, and she deserves no less than the best.
