Last week, Universal Pictures asked the Merci New York staff to be part of a fun blog tour, and preview the hilarious film, Bridesmaids . I’m not gonna lie, we already had the May 13th release date marked on our calendars {yea, we were that excited to see the film!}, so getting a sneak peek was a huge treat….
We knew Judd Apatow {Knocked Up, Superbad}, would not disappoint… And we knew that the killer cast would have us on the floor laughing. But I kinda have a major confession to share with you… All my best girlfriends are unmarried. So while I’ve been “The Bride,” gone on a TON of bachelorette parties for good girlfriends, and styled several bridesmaid looks for clients, I actually have yet to shimmy into a terrible taffeta dress myself! Seeing Bridesmaids made me really appreciate all my own bridesmaids, and all the crazy things us brides put them through….
The moment Lillian {Maya Rudolph} shares “The Big News” with bestie Annie {Kristin Wiig, who also co-wrote the film}, the silliness begins to spiral and the laughs unroll. But the very real thing about Bridesmaids is that Lillian definitely wears those “bride goggles” we’re all guilty of donning during wedding planning. So my “too little too late realization”? Before you send a big, sugary dress-shaped cookie asking your friends to be your bridesmaids, at least try consider their personal situation. Being a bridesmaid is kinda a big deal – it’s an honor, but also a financial responsibility. If a good friend is in a personal spot where being a bridesmaid can be tough, offer sweet alternatives for her {perhaps she doesn’t plan the shower, but she has a special speech or ceremony reading}. We’re all guilty of a *little* selfishness during wedding planning {let’s be honest}, but reel it in to your primping and preening, and not your relationships with your best friends!
Another amazing thing this “once a bride, never a bridesmaid” loved about Bridesmaids , was the cast of characters – and really, what wedding party isn’t a cast of characters?! From your sister, to your roommate, your sorority friends, after-college besties and family members you rarely see but always love, you gotta admit that your bridesmaids are a mixed lot of loved ones. They all care tons about you, but might not know a thing about each other – which is exactly what is so fabulous about it. A lot of brides try to force instant friendships with their girls – sit back and let it happen. Your “Shopping Buddy at Bergdorf” and your “Go-to for a Beer at the Frying Pan” are not one in the same person – but watching them bond through your wedding process is pretty cool. Don’t expect seamless friendships, but expect your girls are there to celebrate with you and have fun together…
I loved the hilarious bond made between Annie and her sister-in-law to be, Megan {Melissa McCarthy}, over some tres-over-the-top shower favors that have me giggling laughing every time I think of them. Don’t want to spoil it – so see the movie and get back to us!
I hope you didn’t think I’d finish this post without taking about my favorite topic, fashion, did you?! On the first stop of the Bridesmaids blog tour, the gals at Borrowed and Bleu dug deeply into this topic with some fab fashion tips, so swing by there for sure… But as a bride who {before beginning this biz, mind you} actually had my bridesmaids in matching bright pink dresses with light pink bows {le sigh}, I loved the standoff scene with Annie and ever-pretty-and-perfect Helen {Rose Byrne}. While money may be no object to the wealthy Rose {whose perfect body makes this expensive mauve atrocity look good}, the rest of Lillian’s bridesmaids had different body types and budgets to consider.
If I were to do it all again, I would suggest a line like Amsale to my bridesmaids. Their popular crinkle chiffon fabric are GORG! They come in over 20 silhouettes and a range of coordinating colors, and somehow they are all under $300. Of course, the same amount of shared hilarity wouldn’t ensue, {nor would it look as funny when one of my girls face planted herself mid-photos in the slippery grass} but hey – this is all hindsight 20-20, right? Anyways, just wait until you see all the bridesmaid dress options in the movie!
Beyond being wildly entertaining and totally hilarious, watching Bridesmaids as a bride, blogger and stylist who {shh!} still has not been a bridesmaid, gave me a totally new perspective on the other side of the bridal party. Come May 13th, you must round up your girls and treat them to this movie. It’s more than “The Hangover for Girls” – as my husband and guy friends have predicted – it’s a comedy classic in and of itself – and I’m already excited to see it again!
About the film:
This spring, producer Judd Apatow {Knocked Up, Superbad} and director Paul Feig {creator of Freaks and Geeks} invite you to experience Bridesmaids . Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian {Maya Rudolph}, and a group of colorful bridesmaids {Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper} on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.
Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.
p.s. – For the next stop on the Bridesmaids blog tour, be sure to visit Forget Me Knot Weddings , tomorrow.
xx,
This is a sponsored post brought to you by Universal Pictures’ Bridesmaids, in theaters May 13. Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures.
