This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Being a bridemsaid can be a roller coaster of excitement and drama. You've helped your bride every step of the way, from wedding dress shopping to helping her let loose for her bachelorette party. As the wedding day draws unbelievably closer and closer, you have certain items you need to check off your list to upgrade you to VIP bridesmaids status right before the big day.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Writing The Bride A Letter
You probably go way back with your bride, so write her a heartfelt note and give it to her right before she walks down the aisle. Tell her how much she means to you, and throw in an inside joke or two to calm her nerves. Wait until the last minute to write this so you can reflect on going through the wedding process together.
Getting Glammed Up
Just like the bride, you want to wait until the last minute to have any beauty procedures done. Wait until a day or two before the wedding for any mani/pedis or eyebrow waxes. If you get all dolled up too far in advance, you'll end up with chipped nails and messy brows. No bride wants that in her wedding party photos.
Brainstorming Hair And Makeup Ideas
If your bride hired hair and makeup professionals for the big day, come with a few ideas. The bride might have a specific look in mind for everyone but, if not, look for hair ideas that will mesh well with your bridesmaid dress and find natural makeup looks that won't overdo it.
Buying Jewelry
Unless the bride has picked out matching jewlery for you and the rest of your dashing fellow wedding comrades, you might want to hold off on buying your own set until closer to the wedding. With so many details to plan, the last thing on a bride's mind is whether her bridesmaids should wear studs or hoop earrings. You can also see what other bridesmaids in the group plan on wearing and coordinate based on that. Who knows—your bride might even surprise you with a small piece of jewlery on the wedding day as a way of thanking you.
Getting Some Sun
No matter what season the wedding is in, you absolutely do not want to look like an estranged relative of Casper the friendly ghost. If you'll be in a summer wedding, try to soak up some rays and build up a substantial base tan a few days before the wedding. Or, go for a spray tan. Spray tans can be extremely hit or miss, so it's best to get one a few days in advance. If you look too oompa loompa-like, that will give you time to shower as many as times as you can and let the color fade.
Buying The Couple A Gift
You've seen firsthand what wedding gifts the soon-to-be couple has received, so put off getting them a gift until closer to the wedding. This way, you can assess what they actually need and won't contribute to their pile of repeated gifts.
Packing A Survival Bag
Every bridesmaid has a checklist of crucial wedding items she needs on hand for the big day, but wait to pack all these until the day of. You'll need to use your deodorent and makeup, so wait until you're done with your must-haves before you pack them on the actual day of the wedding. But, keep a running list on your phone of the items you need so you don't forget.
