Need help on what to do, first time type A bridesmaid.
I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding that's about a month away, and I could really use some advice from people who have been through this before.
For some context, the bride and I have been childhood friends. She's normally very Type A, just like me, but there has been a lot of family drama from the groom's side, and I think she's trying to keep the peace by being extremely laid-back about everything. The wedding is in August, with an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception.
The biggest issue right now is the groom's sisters. They seem to have a problem with almost every detail of the wedding and have created a lot of stress and tension. It feels like there's constant drama, and I'm honestly not sure how much of it is normal wedding-family conflict versus something more unusual.
There are also no wedding events leading up to the wedding—no bachelorette party, no bridal shower, no rehearsal dinner, no maid of honour, and no best man. None of the bridesmaids have met each other before, so there isn't really anyone I can turn to for guidance.
The bride has told us we can choose our own shoes, shoe colour, jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup. We're doing our own makeup, and she even said we can change into comfortable clothes after dinner.
My dress was just ordered, and now I'm starting to panic because I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing or what to expect.
A few questions:
- Who do I go to with wedding-party questions when there is no maid of honour?
- How much should I be asking the bride versus figuring things out on my own?
- For a formal wedding, what would you do for hair and makeup if you had complete freedom?
- What kind of outfit would you change into after dinner?
- What should I bring with me on the wedding day?
- What would you put in a bridesmaid emergency kit?
- Is this level of "do whatever you want" actually normal?
I haven't been in a wedding since I was a kid, and I'm feeling completely lost. Add in the family drama and lack of direction, and my Type A brain is struggling. I'd really appreciate any advice from experienced bridesmaids or brides.