Here Comes the Bride...'s Maid: Almost the End

It has been a crazy ride styling a bride for her wedding day. And my bride's maid duties are just about to end. I was almost about to sit, relax and sleep. Not until... It hit me right in the head (and pride as well) when the bride told me what her hair stylist said - Her look should compliment the groom's. How could I forget?! I was too focused on wanting her to don that perfect red carpet look, forgetting that a man was waiting to take her hand at the end of the dramatic walk down the aisle. This made me think of the things I learned and am learning about styling a bride for her wedding day.

ON SHOES

• Check on the couple's height. It makes women look and feel sexy when slipping on a gorgeous pair of heels. But height does matter for some couples. So, it would be safe to know the height of both bride and groom and find out whether they want to keep things the usual way - the groom being taller than the bride. And I tell you, it's quite challenging to look for bridal worthy flats so I suggest go for a custom-made one.
  

• Have a look on her gown's embellishments. You wouldn't want the gown and shoes battling over who should get more attention. Go simple on the shoes when her gown is scattered with beads and Swarovski crystals.

ON ACCESSORIES

• Let the bride have her trial hair . It would give you an idea of what kind of earrings would compliment her hairstyle.

ON HAIR and MAKE-UP:

• Never go for a "some kinda like this" look when having the trial hair and make-up. The trial hair and make-up should give the bride a picture of how she would be looking on her wedding day. It would be hard giving comments when you are given a "some kinda like this" look.

ON OTHER THINGS:

• Go out there and do your shopping research! It's just really tiring going around different malls looking for whatever bridal stuff (shoes, jewelry or hair accessories) you need. But it would be even more tiring when you go wrong on a purchase, finding out that there's a hidden gem somewhere else.

• Once you have done your mall rounds and research, present the bride with your finds. It would be best to have her see the options personally but if it's not quite possible you could just opt for photos. Make her decide. She should be comfortable with whatever she puts on.
  

• Ask the couple on what their budget is for hair, make-up, accessories and shoes. You don't want to pressure the couple on spending on something that's out of their budget.

You learn a lot on any firsts and just wish that there would always be a next time to correct mistakes. That leaves me with...Will there be a next time?