I have a lot of experience with weddings.
I’ve never been married, but I’ve been part of enough special days to know how the lucky couple got to that point. Other than say “I do,” I’ve done it all – from choosing the venue, music, and flowers to serving as the make-up artist, calligrapher and nervous-bride-soother. Some of you might be envisioning the movie 27 Dresses, but thankfully, I’m not there…yet. I still have room in my closet for more poofy/strapless/chiffon dresses that I’ll wear again, some day. Definitely. Right?
One of my favorite wedding memories is of the first wedding I was in, my older sister’s. She was married in an English castle in the summer of 2001, and I was one of three bridesmaids. On the flight over, we were alerted that my sister’s maid of honor wouldn’t be able to make the trip. Five minutes later, I received a field commission and was promoted to MOH, pledging to fulfill all expectations. Talk about pressure! I was called upon to perform the necessary duties moments before my sister walked down the aisle, and did what I had to do – I blew on her face to cool her down, and, as requested (rather, ordered), ran and got her an adult beverage. After a quick swig, she was ready to get the show on the road and practically ran down the aisle. They’re still happily married, now with two rug rats and a fat lazy dog.
In addition to some of my memorable experiences, I’ll be sharing tips, tricks and advice with you from a slightly different perspective. In fact, I’ll start now. Brides-to-be: Do not, I repeat, do NOT, under any circumstances, subject your bridal party to this attire. 
Not because you’d face certain mutiny, but because really, what couple wants to look back at their wedding photos and wonder why it looks like the Peeps factory threw up on their bridesmaids?
(Faces have been changed to protect the innocent.)
Fortunately, every wedding I’ve been a part of was with my great friends and family (no crazy bridezillas or horrendous dresses), but I know not everyone has been as lucky. What are some of your scary stories? What questions do you have for a semi-pro bridesmaid? Have any of you ever worn your bridesmaid dresses again?
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I saw several ladies reuse their old bridesmaid dresses for the 2008 Idiotarod in Dupont last March. Here’s a picture: http://tinyurl.com/cqnoq4 The organization that hosted the charity event is called DC Smashed – http://www.dcsmashed.org/
It was pretty clever and they even had rice to throw at other teams. Classic!
What great timing to find out about this blog!! I look forward to reading everyone’s experiences to help plan my big days (that’s right – two ceremonies, two receptions, but unfortunately only one honeymoon).
My funniest bridesmaid experience was when we forgot the groom’s ring at my cousin’s wedding. The Maid of Honor took her UCA Cheerleading championship ring off her finger, handed it to the bride, and said “Go with it!”
We got through the ceremony without anyone noticing, and my cousin James kept his hand in his pocket while we sprinted to get the ring afterward (the cheerleading ring only made it to his knuckle). The story made a great toast and we all still laugh when we talk about it!
Great start! As the father of two brides with 1 more to go (identity confidential), I’ll be reading your blog in order to prepare myself for the 3rd wedding.
Love the design and concept of this website. Very simple but visually appealing. Looking forward to reading all the blog posts especially by Anna Gabbert. Anna might be one of the wittiest and funniest writers I know.
[...] not often true, but it’s been known to happen. In my six (to date) turns as a bridesmaid, I’ve worn one dress again. It was when I was a bridesmaid in another wedding, but it still [...]