Love, Your Bridesmaid [a Link-up]

Today I stumbled across Cassie's Bridesmaid Link Up and I thought - yeah I need to do that.    It seems fitting because last night I got asked yet again to be a part of a good friend's "I do." It will be my third time as a bridesmaid!   I never really got around to sharing my first experience as a bridesmaid, when I was so lucky to be a part of my friend Katie's wedding.  So what better way to do so than link up with Cassie at Always a Blogsmaid?  

  I was part of Katie and Jo's wedding last June. I still very fondly remember when Katie and I went out for drinks at Red Robin and she popped the question. It was the first wedding I was asked to be in, and she was one of my oldest friends, so obviously it was a no brainer.  

Aren't they adorable?

As the only bridesmaid living in the same town as her and the wedding (and being her roommate) I got to help a lot with the planning. I loved tagging along to bridal shows and driving all over town to look at bridesmaid dresses. I also helped out a lot with putting together the Bachelorette Party because 1) I lived in her same town and 2) I freaking rock at party planning.  

  But beyond that here are my favorite things about being Katie's bridesmaid:   Getting ready with the bride and the other girls. It is such a fun tradition to hang out and get all glammed up together. We snacked on fruit and sandwiches, listened to 90's music, commented on each others hair-dos and just enjoyed the day. It was a special treat to watch Katie get all done up and become a bride. It kind of makes you beam as a friend.  

  Being a part of the ceremony. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed about walking down the aisle - whether as a bride or a bridesmaid. There is something special about striding down that strip, putting your best smile on and knowing you are an important part of the day. Sure you have to suck it in, watch your step and stand in heels that hurt for the ceremony, but it is so worth it. I couldn't imagine any better place to be to watch one of my best friends tie the knot than right up front.  

Getting to be a VIP. This sounds very selfish, but there are a lot of perks to being a bridesmaid. You get to go to the little "pre party" of the reception. You get your own intro. You don't have to wait in the beer line. And it seems everyone wants to talk to you. It makes you feel special, even if it isn't your big day.  

  Dancing the night away. I don't dance. But I promised Katie I would at her reception. Oh how I danced. There were several beers involved, and I ended up splitting my dress all the way up the back so that my ass was exposed. Thankfully I got sewed back up and was able to continue the party. I have to say it was the most fun I have had in a long time. We danced, we sang, we acted goofy. It was a perfect end to a great day.  

  Now I can't wait to do it for two more of my friends in the coming year.   What do you love about being a bridesmaid? Go link up!