Every bride needs her best girls by her side on her big day. For the beautiful Adanna, whenever her girls called on her to stand by them as a bridesmaid, she gladly put on her superhero cape and showed up without hesitation.

Having been a bridesmaid three times for her amazing besties, Adanna knows exactly what the role entails. From helping the bride stay calm to budgeting, planning, running errands and being the ultimate support system, she gives us a glimpse into the beautiful—and sometimes demanding—world of being a bridesmaid. While it can easily feel like a full-time job, Adanna has embraced every moment with so much love and grace. In this lovely interview, she opens up about her experiences, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her top tips for anyone getting ready to wear the bridesmaid dress. 😍

Take in all the sweetness as you scroll!

How many times have you been a bridesmaid?

Adanna: I’ve been a bridesmaid three times

Do you have a favourite bridesmaid memory? Tell us about it!

Adanna: Ouuu, this is a hard one because I have SO many beautiful memories to share. But you know what? I’ll stick with this one – During one of my brides’ bridal showers, I don’t know how it happened, but somehow we got the bride to tell us about how she met each one of us. My beautiful bride spoke about me last. Hearing all the kind, sweet words she said about our relationship and friendship made me so emotional. It wasn’t as if I needed any more validation about our friendship, but hearing her tell me how she felt about me and us, that got me really, really choked up. I remember thinking, “She sees me just as I see her”.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before saying yes to being a bridesmaid?

Adanna:  Oh, chim! I wish I knew how important it is to GET SOME REST before the big day(s). ,Oftentimes, bridal showers and many other wedding activities are scheduled the week of the wedding, and let me tell you, they are stressful and require a lot of energy – physically, mentally and even emotionally. So if you don’t find the time to rest and sleep on time every day leading up to the wedding, it will tell on your body.

What’s the highest amount you’ve spent as a bridesmaid or part of #AsoEbiBella? Could you break it down for us (dress, hair, makeup, etc.)?

Adanna: Funny enough, I try to stay away from calculating the total bill of any wedding or event I attend in order to prevent shedding premium tears. But BellanaijaWeddings, see what you’re making me do. 😫🥲 So I’ll share the highest amount I’ve spent on each part of my bridesmaid/asoebi duties so far;

Asoebi fabric – 225k
Sewing – 120k
Bridesmaid fabric – 30k
Sewing – 48k
Gele – 16k
Nails – 60k
Shoes – 45k
Purse – 40k
Accessories – 54k
Hair installation and styling – 70k
New frontal – 85k
Traditional wedding Makeup – 100k
White wedding makeup- 100k
Pictures – 70k
Logistics and car hire – 140k

Any tips on creating a realistic bridesmaid budget? 

Adanna:  I would say, leverage the relationships you’ve built over time. For me, most of my costs were heavily discounted and in some cases free of charge because I’ve nurtured strong relationships with the vendors. Also, I’d say, try as much as possible to write down lists and PLAN PLAN PLAN. Don’t be caught sleeping on a bicycle because you will definitely get burnt out.

What’s one bridesmaid task you secretly loved or secretly hated?

Adanna: I absolutely loved being the bride’s right-hand man and resident content creator. I loved following her to fittings, following her to the market, just being by her side for all the things she needed to do before the wedding days. I’m also a content creator, so I absolutely loved capturing the beautiful moments in each wedding and sharing them with my audience. And the best part is that I had access everywhere. I could literally stand up and go up to the front of the church or beside the bride or even to the food set up, and no one would disturb me. Powerrr! 😂

What did I secretly hate? Arranging one of my bride’s trains over and over and over again during the church wedding/joining. Can you imagine this girl made a wedding dress with a train that was almost 3 feet long? And as the chief bridesmaid, I had to keep arranging it in church to make sure it looked good and properly spread out at all times for the pictures and videos. I’m telling you, I almost broke my spinal cord at that wedding with the amount of bending I had to be doing. But at least the pictures and videos came out so beautifully, and my girl looked amazing!

How has being a bridesmaid shaped your view on weddings or friendship?

Adanna: Friendships are one of the most important relationships I have in my life. I love my friends so much, and I carry their matter on my head. Being a bridesmaid just gives me the opportunity to express my love to my friends in a new and important way. Female friendships are truly so special to me, and weddings will always be dear to my heart. I love LOVE, and I love when my friends find love.

Have you had any unpleasant bridesmaid experiences? How did it happen, and how could it have been avoided?

Adanna: No, I’ve not had any unpleasant bridesmaid experience, thank God. Each wedding I’ve had the honour to be a bridesmaid in has been seamless and amazing. All I can say is thank God.

Credit

Bridesmaid @@adannaadaka