Tips for Bridesmaids who have to Deal with a Bridezilla
Most brides get emotional during the lead up to their wedding, but if you have a real “bridezilla” on your hands, life as a bridesmaid can be very challenging. This article provides several tips on how to deal with a bridezilla.
Be dependable
Brides often start lashing out when they feel like things are getting out of control. If you are a dependable bridesmaid, who keeps all her promises, you are less likely to have to cope with the bride’s wrath.
Be a good friend
It is also beneficial to be a good friend and listen to a bride if she needs to vent about other people who are not pulling their weight, or other issues that arise during the lead up to the wedding. Women often need to talk about their feelings to work through an issue, and they typically really appreciate a supportive listener. Remember that it isn’t a good idea to tell her how she should be feeling, or criticize her behaviour, think soothing and supportive.
Try to mentally put yourself in her shoes
When it comes to putting up with a bridezilla, it is a good idea to regularly ask yourself how would you feel in her shoes? Most of us get emotional during stressful times. Trying to see an issue through the other person’s eyes can be a very effective way to cope with the situation calmly.
Avoid reacting emotionally yourself
More often than not, it’s much better to put water on a fire, than it is to fight fire with fire. Not being the bride, you should be better equipped to take a step back and look at things rationally. If necessary count to ten, take some deep breathes, or a time out walk, to let yourself calm down before responding to a difficult situation.
Set your own boundaries
In any situation where someone treats you poorly it is important to set boundaries. This means letting the bride know when you don’t appreciate a way she treats you. If the bride acts in a way you feel is truly inappropriate, let her know how this makes you feel and that you won’t be tolerating it. For example, if the bride is yelling at you, or personally attacking you, let her know that this is hurtful and you won’t continue to put up with it. If she continues to carry on, remind her of what you have said and then take yourself out of the situation until she calms down and agrees to act more reasonably.
Cut her lots of slack on the wedding day
If the bride is having a meltdown on the wedding day itself, it is generally best to bite your tongue and do everything you can to assist her. It’s only one day, and you can always address any feelings of hurt you experience at a later date.
