Bridesmaid Etiquette 101

Are you a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding? Watch your etiquette. What you do can affect the outcome of a friend's or family member's big day. Since you don't want poor behavior to end a close relationship, mind your manners and support the bride. Do:

1. Accept the dress.

Yes. Bridesmaids' dresses are traditionally ugly. They either make the wearer look like a tragic character from a fairytale or a tacky women who doesn't understand where a hem or bust line should fall. Either way, suck it up. Don't haggle or make a fuss over an outfit you will only wear for a few hours.

2. Arrive early to the event.

Bridesmaid etiquette 101 calls for you to be at the wedding an hour early. Why? This amount of time will allow for last minute touch-ups to your dress, make-up and hair. You can also take a few pre-wedding photos with the bride and groom. Your extra effort will help the rituals go more smoothly.

3. Indulge the whims of the bride.

Okay. We all can agree that brides-to-be often act crazy. They get anxious about their wedding day and the thought of anything going wrong. Part of your duty as a bridesmaid is to assist the bride-to-be in the preparation. Go on errands, look at dresses, and soothe the bride's of her worries. Remember, one day, you may be in opposite positions. You will want the same kind of support in return.

4. Act gracious at the rituals.

There's nothing more ugly than a jealous, bitter bridesmaid. So, maintain your emotions. Maybe seeing another woman get married while you remain single is hurtful, but that's life. Your opportunity may come in the future and until then you want karma on your side. Follow bridesmaid etiquette 101 and be on your best behavior. Do all you can to help make another woman's special day - just that.

5. Keep gossip to a minimum.

Since you will be privy to a lot of the ups and downs between the bride and groom, determine to keep the gossip to a minimum. Don't use their romance as a way to entertain others. Most couples have issues. They don't mean the pair isn't meant for each other. What you see as time progresses toward the wedding day or on the wedding day should be kept as quiet as possible.

Ready to walk down the aisle? Use these bridesmaid etiquette 101 tips to monitor your own behavior and backup a friend as she takes an important step in her life.

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