Everything you need to know

about being a Bridesmaid,

you can learn from ESPN

I’m a sports fan. And being a bridesmaid can seem like a competition sometimes. So in honor of that, I’ve made a list of sports that can teach you about being a bridesmaid.

 Football: A wedding is kinda like a football game. The church/reception hall is the field. The bride is the offence; the groom is the defense; parents are like the coaches; and bridesmaids and groomsmen are the special teams. The important thing to remember is that the only way to win, (or have a great time at the wedding), is for  all of the players to work together.

 Marathon Running: Yes, being a bridesmaid is about endurance. Sure, it starts out being an honor that you get to stand up with your friend as she gets married. It’s exciting, and you look forward to it, but any seasoned bridesmaid knows that there is a lot more to it than that. After 6-dress fittings, and a few bridal showers, most bridesmaids are ready to chuck in the towel. So you need to mentally prepare for it – remember why you agreed to be in the wedding in the first place… because you love your friend.

 Weight Lifting: As a bridesmaid, you will be involved in some heavy lifting… whether it’s set-up and tear down of the reception hall, or lugging your friend home after too many margaritas at the bachelorette party, you will be expected to help out.

 Tennis: Have you ever been to a tennis match? There’s a lot of back and forth action. And there will be things that you will argue back and forth with the bride. Dress colors, shoes, and whether your hair should be up and down. Take a tip from the Wimbledon crowd, and no matter how great the challenge, always carry yourself with grace and poise.

 Baseball: The bride is like the pitcher. And sometimes, she will throw something your way that you were not prepared for. Sometimes, it’s a fastball, a curveball, or a changeup. And that means that you need to be prepared for whatever is coming your way.

 Yoga: When you start to feel overwhelmed by the number of activities you have to be involved in, remember this - Everything is a little better if you take a few minutes to relax and do some deep breathing.

 World Poker Tour: Remember, a few minutes of playing will make it a more enjoyable time. I always bring a deck of cards and play a few hands with the other bridesmaids and the bride before the ceremony to help you relax.

  

So there ya go. As long as the wedding doesn’t turn into a boxing match between you and Rocky the Bride, it should be a good experience. Just remember to breathe.

  

*Tonya Steinmetz-Haze (a.k.a The Savvy Bridesmaid) has been in more weddings than she can count. She currently resides in Columbus, Indiana with her goldfish, Hat Trick. Got a question, comment, or snide remark? E-mail The Savvy Bridesmaid: savvy@columbusareaweddings.com