The Real Bridemaids' Etiquette Guide

By Michelle Yarn, GalTime.com

While it was hilarious to watch on the big screen, no bride wants to deal with the drama of a horrible bridesmaid! So, in honor of the release of the hit comedy, Bridemaids, we offer a little advice to keep YOU from being like one of the nut cases in the movie. Here are a few things every bridesmaid should do (even if the bride would never ask you to do it!)

  • Pretend you're interested.

Ok, so it's just another party to you. But to the bride, it's the biggest day of her life! Be prepared for her to send you constant emails with photos of ceremony locations, dress styles, flower arrangements and favors. Be ready for her to ask you a million questions and solicit tons of opinions... only to go with her original idea in the first place. Even if you couldn't care less whether she uses linen or silk for her tablecloths, PRETEND that you do! She's asking your opinion because she values your relationship. Call her every now and then to see how the planning is going. Send her a few suggestions or inspiration boards to show her you're thinking about her. It may seem silly, but it will make her day! So suck it up, because when your time comes you'll appreciate the same treatment.

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  • Tag along for her gown search.

Even if you've got better things to do than spend all day looking at hundreds of white dresses, don't make the bride go at it alone! After a while, they all start to look the same and she's going to need your help. Keep her focused on her original wish list. And to make things a little more fun - call ahead of time and see if you can bring a bottle of champagne to really make the day special. Ask if photos are allowed, so you can document the day and help the bride keep a record of her favorite looks. And if you can't snap photos (some high end shops don't allow it) make sure your cell phone is charged so you can sneak the photos for her! She'll appreciate it, promise.

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  • Make her wear the embarrassing bachelorette party gear, even if she protests!

She may swear up and down that she doesn't want to wear the poufy headband veil, blinking sash, or drink out of a penis straw. But get her all that cheesy gear anyway! I'll tell you this from experience, she will be bummed out if her girls show up to the bachelorette party with nothing. Being a bride is the one time she can get away with stealing the spotlight and acting like a fool. And it's the bridesmaids' job to help her do it! It really will make her feel special to see that her girls went out and got all the stuff to let the world know SHE is the bride. Plus, it'll make for some great photos.

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  • Help her groom-to-be follow the rules.

Most guys don't know all of the traditional rules of the wedding process. So, be that little birdie that drops hints and reminders. Help him stay on track with the tux fittings, remind him that the groom usually sends the bride a gift and/or heartfelt letter while she's getting ready on the big day. And, let him know EXACTLY what is and isn't OK for the bachelor party. Every couple is different, the bride may be just fine with his drunken night of debauchery at a strip club. For other brides, this is a deal breaker. So, find out what she thinks and spread the word to the groom and his boys. The bride may not want to seem too controlling or bossy, but YOU don't have to worry about coming off as the hell bent enforcer!

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  • Keep the moms in check, if you dare!

After working in the bridal industry, I can't tell you how many times we'd see the mother of the bride or groom running the show. From the wedding gown, to the ceremony, even down to the flowers... moms can find it hard to let the bride make her own decisions, especially if they're the one footing the bill. If you've got a close enough relationship with the bride and her family, maybe you can help keep the moms in their place. When they get bossy, maybe YOU can be the one to ask the bride what SHE thinks. Say something like, "That's a great suggestion, but since Susie will be the one wearing let's see how SHE feels... Susie?" It's better you receive the evil eye and deal with the stress than the bride herself. Take one for the team; this should be a happy time for her!

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  • Be a "Positive Polly"

Wedding planning can become overwhelming and there are too many Negative Nancys out there who can easily bring the bride down. Help her keep things in perspective. YES, there are a ton of choices to make, but at the end of the day, she's planning what should be the happiest day of her life. She's preparing to marry the man she loves. Help her keep sight of that fact and you will have done your job well!

Picture: Universal Pictures

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