Brides – How To Handle Revolting Bridesmaids !

What to do, when in the middle of your wedding preparations, your stroppy teenage bridesmaids start to become over demanding and refuse to cooperate?

We've been doing this for years, and in our experience no wedding is without a little drama. They all have it. It's best to accept it as part of the experience. If you went to watch a film or TV show that didn't have any drama, or conflict in it, you would find it sickly dull and boring.

The main point is that the bridesmaids only have to cooperate for ONE day. Growing up the previous years, every other day of their lives they may well have been, and continue to be, the centre of attention for the family. Is it really so, so hard to put on a smile for the sake of the main person – the bride? The bridesmaid will look more attractive if they can present themselves with a positive attitude and vibe.

It's healthy for the teenager to learn to think of others in the family and to limit their ego for the sake of family loyalty. The wedding is the one time a typical family puts on a public performance. By pulling together for the common goal it really benefits everybody. The marriage itself unites two families as one. We are living in tougher times when family ties are as important ever.

So what to do?

a) Put a brave face on

Like an experienced campaigner the show-must-go-on. Focus the mind and heart on the end goal – a life of love with your partner. This is worth having and worth celebrating. Put a smile on your face, and then go and face those rebelling bridesmaids.

b) Show Understanding

The teenagers may be physical mature but nobody is emotional mature until they are in their 20s. That's just the way the human brain is wired. When teenagers every single one of us overreacts emotionally. It's nobody's fault - it's just biology. So try and calmly get your young bridesmaids to feel involved by asking for their opinions.

c) Use Diplomacy

Yes, they are being awkward, but use diplomatic sugar words. Sweetly scented flattery phrases to gain cooperation.

It's been said that: 'Sincere diplomacy is no more possible than dry water or wooden iron.'

d) Consider the Photos

Mention that the photos are going to be proudly displayed for decades to come. So, it's wise to choose a bridesmaid dress style that is classic and stylish, and will not quickly look out-of-date.

e) Be Assertive

Behind the diplomacy be very assertive. It's your day. Everybody has to accept that. The most important people at a wedding are the bride and groom who are taking vows, changing their legal status, and committing the rest of the lives to mutual love.

f) Be Real

Tell them how long you looked for a partner, and how badly you wanted a lasting relationship. Tell them just how much you love your partner, and how much you want the world to know. Tell them that the love for your partner is so great that you want them to be a part of it. ( 'So now you'll try that bridesmaid dress on, fair enough?' )