Because I am the first friend in my circle of friends to be getting married, no one quite sure knows how to be a bridesmaid/maid of honor. I’ve emailed dozens of “So You’re a Bridesmaid” type of articles to them, and they still seem unsure of their roles.

So this what I need from my bridesmaids:

You choose and buy your dress (black; with red and white in it if you’d like), its alterations, if necessary, shoes (anything goes) and hair, makeup and nails if you choose. Generally, bridesmaids are responsible for paying their own way for accommodations, just as they pay for their attire and transportation.

Collaborate with other bridesmaids to plan, [and pay for, or have everyone invited pitch in for] the bachelorette party. Ideally I want to go to Lips in NYC or line dancing. However, since you guys know me better than anyone, I’m sure anything you come up with will be great! (No boys allowed).

The night before my wedding: it would be nice if all of my bridesmaids slept over at my parents house. We could all go to get our nails done together, those of us who want to, but we would all go, and back to my parents house for a sleep over.

The day of my wedding: All of my bridesmaids, without their boyfriends, would be at my parents house; if not sleeping over, getting there early.  We all go to the hair salon together and get our hair done, those of us who are, and maybe our makeup done too. But we’d all be there together.

We gather our dresses and shoes and stuff all together and get into the limo (or trolley, or bus…) to go to The Castle. (Your boyfriends can meet us there later along with the other guests)

I need the bridesmaids to collectively take on the tasks of “day of planner” because I just can’t afford to hire someone to do that. There are several things on my Day of To Do List, that I need help in completing. Ranging from ensuring the vendors do their jobs right and keeping them in line, to ensuring I’m calm and that we have lots of tissues on hand as well as holding the rings and bouquet during certain parts of the ceremony and helping me go to the bathroom with my gown during the reception.

Bottom line is, I NEED HELP! Thank you all in advance and it really means a lot that you’ve said “yes” to being a bridesmaid and that you’ll be standing up there with me!