Everyone has seen the movie 27 dresses right? Well I am quite literally Katherine Heigl, without the crush on her boss, bratty little sister and kinda-creepy kinda-cute journalist. I am the girl thats been in multiple weddings a year, the girl thats always the designated bridesmaid. I have been a bridesmaid almost multiple times a year since 2017 -- and I'm only 26 so that seems like a lot every time I talk to my friends, especially when you are a bridesmaid for an Indian wedding. As we approach wedding season, I have picked up quite a few tips and tricks over the last few years on how to make your experience as a bridesmaid or MOH the best it can be, and most importantly, how to make the bride's life a lot easier.

Why have I been to so many weddings? For those of you who think I am a "wedding planner", nope I am not (shout out to family friends who always assume this lol). Those who think I am a wedding decorator -- nope I am also not (again shout out to family / family friends who assume this). Then how have I been to so many weddings?

Reason #1 : I started in the wedding industry 5 years ago with my company Anis Collections - a luxury south asian bridal and groomswear boutique where I create custom made to order clothing for South Asian Weddings. In 2018 I started working with a wedding planner as an assistant so increase my exposure to luxury weddings and make contacts in the industry. Eventually once I got a corporate job, I left that world but still assisted on a couple weddings a year from time to time as well as provided outfits through my own company.

Reason #2 : Once I was a senior in college, part of the reason why I started my company was that my friends, people in my community, and family all started getting married. And all of them were people close to me.

So now that you know my background in weddings, here's some of my advice for being a bridesmaid!

Note: this is written from the perspective of mostly Indian weddings because that’s about most of where my experience has been but feel free to apply any of the advice to any and all weddings

Advice 1: Organize a calendar in advance and ask for dates from the bride in advance for as much as you can. This includes: Bachelorette, Bridal shower, pre-wedding events and of course the big day or days. Block off as much as you can as possible. If there are last minute changes, try your best to accommodate but also know that if you cannot, there is no reason to stretch yourself too thin. For example - if a bachelorette is not planned in advance and the dates chosen do not work with your schedule, try to make it for part of it IF you can, but if not do not worry about it.

MOH note: If you are a maid of honor, try to get this information from the bride as early as you can, especially dates for the bachelorette so that you can start planning early. Things get way more expensive last minute and there are limited options. Try to ask the bride for a list of things she wants, make a budget and delegate responsibility accordingly. Remember, you don't have to do everything, everyone else wants to help but we're all busy especially the older we get so planning in advance for this kind of thing is key. The same to be said for dances, performances or anything extra for a wedding.

Advice 2: Budget , Budget, Budget -- being in a wedding is expensive. Between paying for a bachelorette, your outfit or outfits, hair, makeup and more budgeting is key. That being said if something is going out of your budget, Say no! Your friend will understand. Speak up sooner rather than later because if its too late and you've already committed to something, then there will be a problem.

Advice 3: Take time to get to know your friend's family if you don't already. You will be spending a ton of time with them during the events and after, so get to know people and be friendly! It goes a long way.

Advice 4: Be on time and take care of your needs before you get to the venue. Often times you will be asked to get to the venue or a certain location early. Be on time because the photographer and videographer are running on a tight schedule and you do not want photos to be held up because of you. Plan plenty in advance and make sure you give yourself enough time to not only get ready but also eat/ drink. Make sure you have gone to the bathroom, have been fed etc. Photos can take a while. From personal experience, I have fainted during a session of photos because I had not planned for food and had a super early time to come in for hair and makeup. If you feel like you have to use UberEats then definitely do so.

Advice 5: Check in with the bride often. At the end of the day, being a bridesmaid is a job and a huge honor so make sure you take the time to check in with your friend throughout the wedding process to make sure they have everything they need. Ask how you can help or if you can take something off their plate. The day of make sure to ask if they need anything, have they eaten etc. ESP - during their mehndi / henna ceremony, make sure to keep them company while they sit for a couple hours.