Lessons Learned

(Circa August 2007 - Jill's wedding)

(Circa September 2006 - Calley's wedding)

As I procrastinate from what I should be doing, packing for the Pittsburgh wedding, I have been doing some reflection. At the ripe old age of 25 (about to be 26), I honestly think I've gotten a little smarter and a tad bit wiser. Especially about my bridesmaid duties. So I'll share a few tips I've picked up over the years.

• Using a topsy tail to "do your own hair" is a really, really bad idea


• If the Best Man who used to send you interesting poems on AOL Instant Messenger, the best thing to do is pretend if never happened and slow dance with him anyways


• Get a pair of strappy silver high heels and wear those to every wedding. They go with any dress!


• Don't let the bride eat bad chicken at her bachelorette party


• Try to avoid having the bride stand too close to objects that could fall on her while she's trying to put on her dress (ie: an old air conditioning unit stacked on a closet shelf)


• As a bridemaid, it's your job to really get the party going! Whether that's dancing with grandpa, doing the electric slide or requesting that the DJ play Ice Ice Baby


• Make sure that you order the dress in the correct size. Best thing to do: order one size up


• Have flip flops on hand for the time when inevitably, the silver shoes will start to kill your feet


• After the reception, take the other brides to a gas station for snacks while still wearing the matching dresses


• Don't take a date if you don't have a boyfriend or husband. You never know who you'll meet!


• Give Sally Hansen's airbrush foundation a try. It's awesome!


• Bring cash. You never know when you'll need to tip, or get a strong drink at the cash bar


• Leave a comfortable change of clothes in the car just in case!


• Do get a Tide To Go stain stick pen


• Make sure to help with clean-up afterward and taking gifts to a car. It helps the Bride and Groom to relax and have a good time themselves


• Eat a lot of wedding cake

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