5 Ways You're Stressing the Bride Out on the Morning of Her Wedding

If you're in the bridal suite, the last thing you should be doing is making the woman of honor feel uncomfortable.

By Aleesha Thomas, Martha Stewart

The getting-ready suite is intended to be a quiet refuge where the bride and her attendants can have heir hair and makeup done and relax away from the hustle and bustle of vendors setting up, sound checks, and any last-minute challenges. Although this is an exciting time, it's also one that with many moving parts, and that's why certain things you're doing may accidentally be causing the bride-to-be additional stress. To ensure you're the best 'maid ever on the morning of the wedding, we spoke with Heidi Wight of Ira + Lucy and asked her to share the ways she's seen bridesmaids inadvertently stress out the bride. Avoid these behaviors and you'll be well on your way to helping the bride keep her cool.

By sharing your own stress level.

Don't forget that your stress can easily be transferred to the bride. Adhere to the timeline the wedding planner and bride provided and don't bombard the bride with questions about the structure or details of the day. "Seek out the planner or assistant, who can happily answer those questions or needs," says Wight. "But remember that wedding planners and their team are busy with the demands of managing the wedding production, and they're not there to do tasks for you like steaming your dress."

By bringing all the kids in.

The bride loves your kiddos and the others ones who are part of the wedding, but playful children in the getting-ready area may be more than the bride is able to handle ahead of the ceremony. Plus, there will be lots of people and a number of hot hair styling tools that kids need to be wary of. "If you're a mama bridesmaid and need to sneak out to nurse or tend your little ones, contact the wedding planner beforehand to have a designated space that would work well to accommodate you, away from the bridal suite," advises Wight.

By showing up with food or drink she didn't know about.

Of course the bride wants you to eat before the wedding, which is why she'll likely organize food and drinks for the bridal suite. If you're thinking about bringing anything else in, be conscious about what you're choosing. "There's nothing like a bridal suite filled with the smell of onion dip," says Wight. "Don't overdo it on the mimosas, as well. No bride wants to be worried if her bridesmaids are going to make it down the aisle or not."

By letting everyone in.

If you've been designated as a "door guards," make sure you're letting only the right people into the space. The wedding planner will be checking in throughout the day, but they can't steer well-meaning guests away the entire time. She'll be attending to all the vendors, guests, and so much more. "Having someone kindly but assertively letting guests know the space is private keeps your bride from stressing about uninvited greetings when she just wants peace," says Wight.

By not listening.

Pay attention to the bride and be aware of body language. Does she seem overwhelmed? Uneasy about her hair and makeup? Is she more quiet than usual? You can almost always tell when the bride is stressing out. "Connect with her and be available for her," advises Wight. "And remember what this day is about: two people marrying their best friends. If you can stay focused on that, all else falls into place, especially a blissful bride!"