For those who don’t know me, my name is Hayley, and I was invited to put together this blog post for you all today, not because of my work with Wholehearted Studio, but because I am a seasoned and experienced Bridesmaid.

Now… I don’t want to gloat, but I give Katherine Heigl from 27 Dresses a run for her money. I have to date been a bridesmaid 6 times, styled 5 weddings for friends, not to mention I have been the friend that inherited all the sub-par wedding jobs that no one else wanted to do (like making sure the port-a-loo toilets were ‘safe’ for use. etc.) It was like I was destined for it really, because when I was little my Dad had a wedding horse and carriage business and my job was to be the little flower girl that put the step out for the brides. And make sure their dress didn’t land in horse manure.

So it is fair to say that I have been around the traps for a while and know what I am talking about when I tell you that I know for sure, how to be the best bridesmaid of all time. So for those of you recruiting bridesmaids, or who have already gone through the process and want to remind them how it is done… feel free to send this link on to them and brace yourself for the most efficient bridesmaids of all time. #wingwoman

Photography by Florido Weddings

TIP ONE – Remember the day is not about you. It could be likely that you will be wearing a dress, makeup or shoes that aren’t exactly your personal style. Suck it up princess, pick up your bridesmaid pearls and keep walking. Chant to yourself on repeat: “I am not the priority today”.

TIP TWO – Put your hand up early on and offer to help on a couple of jobs so that you can have first dibs at the ones you want and will enjoy. It will make for a way more enjoyable lead up to the day and give you the chance to enjoy some nights in front of Netflix doing craft, or planning the biggest hens in the history of mankind. Whatever you offer to do, do it heartily.

TIP THREE – Make BFF’s with every other bridesmaid. Even the high maintenance crazy ones if your bridal party has one of those. A fun bridal party has no place for tension or dysfunction… so make peace with everyone you can.  If you notice any tension arise, make it your job to be the peacemaker! And if each Bridesmaid does the same, you will be on your way to a ‘tension free’ wedding day. #squadgoals

TIP FOUR – Remember the wedding day is show time. Sure it might be the first time you’ve had your makeup done in ages, but it is not appropriate to spend the whole entire wedding getting new selfie profile pics for your Tinder profile. Get your good photo and then put the phone away. Help with veils, flowers and dresses as much as you can. Make the day as easy on the bride as possible.

TIP FIVE – If you are a single bridesmaid, don’t spend the whole lead up to the day Facebook stalking every single eligible bachelor that is going to be in attendance at the wedding. Chances are he’s going to have a secret girlfriend that isn’t Facebook official anyway. Instead, spend your spare time planning for amazing and thoughtful times with your Bride-To-Be girlfriend.

And there you have it! A complete recipe for how to be the best bridesmaid of all time.