I’ve experienced first-hand the pressures of being a bridesmaid. Yeah, yeah, it may sound like it’s all make-up and flowers, but ten deep breaths later, you come to find that it can turn into one big passive-aggressive gala.

All stressful memories and pressures seem to fade when you see your good friend glowing with happiness. It may sound completely cheesy, but being a friend’s bridesmaid is a trivial task that shows your genuine friendship and happiness for the journey she is about to undertake. The job may sound simple—get in the dress, look less pretty than the bride, walk in a straight line, join her for the last wild night, etc.—but, it’s important to make your girlfriend’s last months as a single woman, as memorable as possible.

I remember my close friend’s bridal shower and I’m sure made some great memories. The shower doesn’t need to be crowded with people—it’s the close, loved individuals that matter. So, if the other bridesmaids aren’t stepping up to the plate, grab a notebook and take initiative. Bridal Showers are the chance to have a nice dinner, play some games and really just sit back through the trip to memory lane.

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‘Tis the season…for everything.

It seems like there are those months just crowded with annual events like birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. All happy occasions are welcome, but sometimes they can take a toll on your wallet. Big families and social circles are great and overwhelming at the same time.

My parents’ 25^th wedding anniversary is in December; however, planning milestone events like these should earn slots on your desk calendar as soon as yesterday. There are lists to make, people to call, food decisions, color choices and the list becomes a huge headache. I’ve found that the key thing in special moments like these is to keep it simple. Why invite your uncle’s-grandpa’s-aunt’s-kids when you can limit the guest list to the company of the people your guest(s) of honor actually enjoy?

Celebrations don’t need to be huge and over the top to be memorable and significant. There are so many economical ways to pay tribute to accomplishments like marriage anniversaries. I’ve found that my father is a major cheese-ball and my mother is all about not being in the spotlight. Dad loves personalized gifts with pictures and names – he adores t-shirts and ties with his children’s names on them. I’ve decided to incorporate his cheesiness in his anniversary decorations by making picture collages of him and my mom in a slide show or even possible under a glass top on tables.

Mom’s therapy is her rose garden. That woman’s happy as a clam with a huge bouquet—no need for lavish things. Simple centerpieces can add a very elegant touch to any table. There’s no need to hire anyone to make overpriced table decorations – anyone can go to the arts & crafts store, pick up some nice vases or glass bowls and candles. It really is all about just having the general idea and just going from there. Begin your brainstorming sessions with the basics –what lights up your parents’ faces?

“Set the mood for the food,” my boss always says. He’s right. The atmosphere and the party decorations definitely give your guests an idea of what kind of party to expect. If you’re aiming for something more sophisticated, but you don’t want to dip too far into your pocket, try disposable tableware that looks like real china. My Paper Shop’s 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary party supplies make the perfect faux-china collection.

Remember. You’re not just throwing your parents a party. You’re acknowledging their determination and love for each other. Nowadays, when the divorce rate could quite possibly be so vast that it could be labeled an epidemic, it’s even more important to celebrate a marriage that is longer than a year. So, pop open a fine bottle of wine/champagne and remind them to be thankful for each other.

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