When the big day arrives, your big day, there is only one person you can count on to walk you through it with an unwavering support and a ready smile; only one who will be your rock, your person; probably the only one in the room with a steady hand and a cool head Your Sister.
(Oh I'm sure there is a groom in the picture, but let's not get too crazy, okay?)
To that end, here's a checklist to help the sisters of the bride to channel their inner-Monica.
PRIOR TO THE WEDDING:
- Sit with your parents when they discuss budget and how expenses will be shared. So when the bride hits the shops like a storm, you will know when to loosen the purse strings and when to pull it (her) together
Credits : Even Tree Photography
- Be there when they decide the size and style of the wedding and give your input when needed
- Create a binder to store and organize ideas, worksheets, receipts, brochures, etc. Or a Pinterest board. To help visualize what bride wants and what you can get done.
Credits : iMark Photography
- Be the eyes of the bride by joining your parents on their expeditions to wedding and reception sites
Credits : Calypso Wedding Photography
- Meet with the Iyer/Officiant who will be spearheading the show
Credits : Krishnam Photography
- Start compiling the guest list to estimate head count. Consider budget when thinking about 'must-invites' versus 'nice-to-invites'. Chances are you'll be running around with the bride to deliver them in person
Credits : Minchu Studio Photography
- Begin the hunt for the perfect wedding dress with the bride
Credits : Sutra Snapperz Photography
- Assist her in hiring a photographer and a videographer
- Book a pre-wedding shoot, especially if the bride insists on having candid shots and romantic photos of the couple
Credits : Vipin Photography
- Be there when your parents work on hiring a caterer and a florist and keep a track on everything they order
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Credits : Vipin Photography
- Order invitations, help her design them if she wants something quirky or unique
- Assist the bride in picking show-stopper jewelry
Credits : Sujeeth Kotian Photography
- Co-ordinate with in-laws if and when they insist on joining the hunt for the perfect wedding trousseau
- Assist the bride in picking something trendy with a touch of traditional design for her blouses and keep track of delivery dates
Credits : Sujeeth Kotian Photography
- If the practice is to mark the edges of the invites with turmeric, be ready to have yellow-stained fingers for a couple of days
Credits : Dilip Kumar Photography
- Make sure you use your best stationery and penmanship to address the guests
- Take your trusted wheels, and drive the bride around town to hand-deliver invites to her close friends
Credits : Vipin Photography
- Assist your parents when they arrange for transportation and note down their contact details
- Co-ordinate with her BFF's and throw her a bridal shower/ bachelorette party
- Invite them personally for Mehendi function
Credits : Krishnam Photography
- Go shopping for yourself, and get a dashing ensemble
- Tag along with your parents to meet with the caterer to go over the menu
Credits : Minchu Studio Photography
- Be there when she has to do a hair and makeup run-through (including wedding veil, if applicable)
Credits : Minchu Studio Photography
- Confirm your guest's transportation plans
- Compile a list of all of the wedding vendors and wedding party, with contact information. Carry this list with you everywhere you go (just in case)
- Have a final fitting for blouses- both you and the bride
Credits : Minchu Studio Photography
- Confirm details with the photographer, florist, and other vendors
- Purchase gifts for the wedding attendants
Credits : Chennai Wedding Filmer
- Enclose any fees due on the wedding day in envelopes for easy distribution
- Give the caterer a final head count
Credits : Jackson James Photography
- Appoint a trustworthy person to bring important items (cake knife, toasting glasses, etc.) to the reception
- Have a Spa day with your parents, bride and the groom. You need to rest your feet and get rejuvenated. You will need all your strength to run around on the day of the wedding and all your patience not to snap at the bride
Credits : Shabeer Zyed Photography
On the Wedding day:
- Make sure you have packed and organized everything the bride needs
- Help the MUA in getting the bride dressed and accessorized
- Keep a hidden stock of chocolates for unprovoked tears, and caffeine for jitters for the bride, but feel free to nip a little yourself
- But also be the pillar of support when she gets emotional
Credits : Studio Alpheus Photography
- Keep her smiling and laughing throughout the day
Credits : Creative Wedding Photography
- Feed her on the side and keep her hydrated, between guests, so she could stay on her feet with a warm smile on her face and pose with her guests all day long
Credits : Vipin Photography
- Make sure you have a fetching handbag that goes with all your outfits, so you can carry all the necessary keys, bride's phone, tissues, and other necessities
Credits : Smiles and Dreams Photography
- Attend all her phone calls, and co-ordinate with her friends. Give them directions to the wedding hall, help them out with accommodations if and when needed
Credits : Studio A
- Assist the decorators between ceremonies
- Make sure the bride sits for her make-up and hair styling two hours before the ceremony
Credits : Rohith Ravi Photography
- Be the first in the room to get ready so you can attend to your duties
- Make sure everyone is ready on time
- Take selfies, click photos of the bride during her make-up session
Credits : Kamal Kiran Photography
- Welcome the guests with a ready smile and softly remind the bride how they're related, if she happens to forget
Credits : Even Tree Photography
- Have a dance-off with friends and in-laws, make sure you drag everyone to the dance floor
Credits : 84mm Photography
- Remember to eat something, don't let anyone bring you down and enjoy yourself plenty
Credits : Vipin Photography