They have agreed to stand by your side at your wedding and watch as you marry your life partner. They have agreed (maybe reluctantly) to wear and pay for whatever gown you have chosen for them. They have agreed to be as much or as little a part of the entire process and the big day as you want.  Bridesmaids everywhere; past, present and future – we salute you!

Bridesmaid’s duties are simple;  smile, look your best and be supportive.  Bridesmaid’s under no circumstances are allowed to cause trouble for any reason from start to finish. If they hate the dress, the should wear it and not complain. If they are not happy with any one single detail of the wedding, the need to zip their lips and move on. The only time a bridesmaid should question anything is if she really has difficulty paying. It is not bad manners to explain to the bride that she simply cannot afford the gown, shoes, etc (or whatever) and she and the bride can decide on a course of action.

It is truly an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Your friend has decided she wants to see you in her wedding photos, she wants to share the innermost wedding details and to have you stand by her side as she takes a solemn vow. This is an important job, not to be taken lightly. Sure there are bridesmaid horror stories, usually involving a self-indulgent female who has her opinions about how the gown (and everything else) should be handled. But, for the most part, bridesmaids have been given bad reputation and for what? Wearing a sometimes awful dress and having their picture taken.

In honor of Bridesmaids everywhere  I have created the bridesmaid’s oath:

“On this day I vow to be your bridesmaid, to hold your wedding vows sacred an support your decision to marry __________.

I vow to wear whatever gown you choose, to smile in every picture, to stand in the receiving line for any amount of time and smile at every person who shakes my hand.

I vow to not complain about the fit, fabric or cost of the bridesmaid gown. To show up for every fitting on time with the correct shoes and undergarment. To wear whatever headpices, hair comb, jewelry, makeup and shoes you decide. To never question your motive, reason or decision regarding my attire for the day.

I vow to get you through the wedding planning process seamlessly. To provide humor, support, and  a much needed girls night out whenever you need.

I vow to attend every bridesmaid function without excuse, hesitation or delay. To smile and enjoy each function without over-indulging in alcohol or to cause any intentional embarrassment to the bride, groom or family of either one.

I vow not to chew gum during the wedding, to make sure my skirt is not tucked into my panties as I walk up the aisle, to leave my shoes on during the reception and to not attempt to disrupt the photos with rabbit ears over someones head.

I vow to be your friend and to uphold the sanctity of the honor that has been bestowed upon me by being a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my closest friends. This is my solemn vow.”

I can’t wait to see the new movie  “Bridesmaids” opening tomorrow.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago