It's that time of the year... the weddings are coming. What were once simple affairs that took place at ones parent's house, are now major events that take months, if not years to plan. Did you know that the average couple spends an average of $25,000 on their wedding? The tradition of extravagant weddings really picked up steam with the marriage of Princess Di in 1981. Was there a girl in the world that didn't dream of the rustle of taffeta as she made her way up the aisle to her Prince Charming? OK, so maybe the marriage didn't work out so well, but it was one heck of a wedding.
Then last April, girls across the world, (myself included) got up in the middle of the night to watch another young woman, glorious in white lace, marry her Prince. I never saw a woman who personified the word 'Bride' more than the lovely Kate. The consensus (fingers crossed) is that this marriage is the real deal.
Now off I go, not up the aisle as a bride, but as a bridesmaid. Not once, not twice, but three times from May to September. The role of the bridesmaid goes back to Pagan Times when evil spirits were thought to be at weddings. The idea was if you surrounded the bride with 'look-a-likes' (or bridesmaids) the spirits would not be able to single out the bride as cast an evil spell. Unless your friends are into Pagan History, it is doubtful that they are too concerned about this and it is not the reason they had asked you to join their wedding party.
There is often so much negative chatter about being a 'Bridesmaid'. Even last year's movie did little to lift the role of attendant to heights I think it deserves. OK, I know the average cost of being a bridesmaid is pegged at about $1700, including the dress, the shoes, the alterations, the hair, the nails, the shower, and the gifts. But while I do harp on about the costs, there is really something very special about being a bridesmaid.
When you are asked to be a part of a wedding is like being included in the very sanctum of friendship. Only the bride and groom's closest pals and relatives are asked to be in the wedding party. It really is an honor.
I must say I look forward to all the conversations and the days that lead up to the big day. Events like these always create heartfelt, silly, and wonderful memories. It is during this lead up to the wedding that a strong bond is made between a bride and her maids. Of course sometimes all the stress can lead to some bruised feelings and spats, but rarely does being a bridesmaid lead to anything other than being a closer friend.
So I will do it all; wear the dress with ruffles, when I really hate ruffles. I will put my hair up, when I hate my hair up. Squeeze my feet into heels, the height of The Pyramids, and put a great big smile on my face. I will stand there and promise a commitment to a lifetime of support to a dear friend.
Best Wishes,
Bizzie Buzz
