The Bridesmaid's Manual

June 17, 2013
Everyone knows being a bride can be tough, but bridesmaids don’t exactly have it easy either—and they don’t even get a spouse for their trouble. There are tons of bride guides out there, but now, thanks to Stein and Talbot, there’s one for bridesmaids too. From once you’ve said “yes” and climbed aboard the bridal party boat to when “you’re back at the helm of your own ship,” this book covers it all. Seasoned bridesmaids Stein and Talbot provide a worksheet to estimate your budget, a detailed chronological checklist beginning nine months before and ending the day of the wedding, and tips for assembling a toolkit that will ensure you are prepared for any minor disasters. They also suggest some future-mother-in-law-friendly themes for the bridal shower, like a Downton Abbey tea service, as well as a few ideas for the generally more risqué bachelorette party. Finally, they cover the most common wedding procedures by denomination, outlining exactly what will occur during the processional, ceremony, and recessional. “The bridesmaid,” the authors write, “is an emotional ballast, a troubleshooter, and a hostess.” To put it bluntly, bridesmaid, you’re going to need all the help you can get. Stein and Talbot are there for you. Agent: Elisabeth Weed, Weed Literary.