No bride cares about your imaginary wedding. This is her real wedding. Get with the program. You can tell your other friends what you’re going to do. Or, better yet, keep a journal (since no one really care about your imaginary wedding). Plus, you might not ever get married. Especially if you keep talking about boring subjects such as your imaginary wedding.
Never say, “this is just like what so-and-so did”
Each bride is unique and her wedding is proof of her individuality. All weddings are not the same. She may not be the only one who ever thought to dance with her father to Daddy’s Little Girl, but it’s a fine choice. Their decision not to shove cake up each other’s noses is an innovation to be proud of. Always praise that idea.
Do what you can
Spend what you can and bow out gracefully when you have to. No bride expects you to break the bank or attend every wedding-related event. (When bowing out, just remember: Don’t be the bad bridesmaid.)
Call for updates
Calls should be made on a sliding scale depending on proximity to the event or related events. Even if you win the lottery, cut off your hand in a freak boating accident, and get an audience with the Pope all in the same day, do not ever talk about yourself on the update phone call. Only talk about yourself if asked, and even then try to deflect attention back to the wedding. Your hand is gone.There’s nothing you can do about it now. Only mention it if gloves are not part of the bridesmaid ensemble. And even then, be very delicate about it. “What do you think about gloves? I see them a lot in these bridal magazines you sent me.”
Be agreeable about style choices
Only if you’ve cut your hand off and want to disguise it should you make any fashion suggestions to the bride. Keep all opinions about the wedding style positive. You love the dress. You love the tuxes. Even if your wardrobe is completely wash and wear and your idea of a tux is the polyester kind from the 70s, you approve of, and wholeheartedly support, the bride’s choices. Parasols? Grand. Lollipop centerpieces? Fabulous.