Smart Pretty and Awkward: Tips for All the Players in Your Big Day

Molly Ford, of the notable blog Smart Pretty and Awkward, is here with some fabulous tips for how to be the best bride, groom, bridesmaid or wedding guest you can be! Her advice is spot-on, and a must-read for any Wedding Belle bride!

For the Groom:
How to be Smarter: If you don't have a wedding planner, you (and your bride) should assign someone "details duty" so you two can enjoy your day. This should not be your best man or one of the ushers as they have other duties already. This is the person who takes care of locating the missing jacket at coat check, makes sure Grandma gets to the church on time, etc. Your only real obligations for that day are to greet everyone that comes personally, either by making the rounds at dinner or finding another time during desert, and being in the right place at the right time (ie., the end of the aisle when the music starts).

How to be Prettier: Silly Boy, you don't need to be prettier for this big day. Instead, make sure your bride feels prettier--send her a heartfelt little present on the big morning while you two are getting ready in different places.

How to be (less) Awkward: At the reception, besides your lovely new wife, be sure to dance with your mom, your bride's mom, any stepmothers on either side, any sisters on either side, and the flower girl.

For the Bride:
How to be Smarter: There is a renewed emphasis on weddings being big, exciting events, with all the trappings of privilege. But at the end of the day, everyone you invite just wants to feel like they are special enough to be part of one of the most important days of your life. It is not about doing the dance moves to your choreographed dance perfectly, or having the perfect table settings and food; it is about being so much in love that everyone who attends knows this is a genuine, heartfelt event that they are lucky to attend. To that note, be sure to reach out and talk to each of your guests, no matter how big the wedding is--as the bride, you are the star of the show and everyone wants to feel special to the star. **

How to be Prettier: You already will have enough people fussing over you--be sure to share the wealth. Include bridesmaids, female relatives, and close girlfriends in the primping process. Even the Mother of the Bride feels better with a new pedicure.

How to be (less) Awkward: It can feel awkward having all your single friends get up for the bouquet toss, especially as you get older and it almost feels mean to have those who aren't married singled out. You might skip this tradition and give the bouquet to the couple that has been married the longest. **

For the Bridal Party:

How to be Smarter: Ask the bride what color she would like your nails to be. Even if she is not that uptight of a bride and won't care, it is still considerate to ask.

How to be Prettier: Wear your bridesmaid shoes ahead of time around your house, so they don't get dirty for pictures but do get broken in. **

How to be (less) Awkward: Nobody should be too drunk at a wedding; it is classy occasion. Note for the bride: if the wedding isn't being held in your home town, consider having some speciality cocktails that reflect where you came from, like peach-flavored drinks for a Georgia girl.

For the Guests:
How to be Smarter: RSVP as soon as possible, with your food choice and if you are bringing a date, if appropriate.

How to be Prettier: Wear the right thing. If you don't know, figure it out ahead of time. Bring a wrap to an outdoor wedding, and for females, put flats or flip flops in your purse for dancing if your shoes pinch. **

How to be (less) Awkward: Don't bother the bride and groom. They should be having fun. Unless there is an actual crisis, save complaining about the fact that you got chicken instead of beef for another day. Or skip the complaining at all. Just feel lucky to see these two start their journey together! **

** denotes a Wedding Belle favorite tip.

Molly Ford is the writer of the blog Smart Pretty and Awkward, which details three pieces of advice each business day: how to be smarter, how to be prettier, and how to be less awkward. You can find her running around New York City, drinking a strawberry smoothie.