So one of your best friends is getting married & she's asked you to stand by her side on her big day as a bridesmaid - congratulations! This is such an honour. After the excitement has worn off a bit, you might be thinking how you can help her enjoy one of the most amazing times in her life. Whether this is your first time being a bridesmaid or your hundredth, it's never a bad idea to touch up on some of the skills that takes a bridesmaid from "good" to "holy cow, I can't believe how thoughtful my bridesmaids are!" Check out our top seven ways to earn the role of a bridesmaid.

Don't Complain

This might be the variety one tip for bridal party. Keep in mind, this day is not about you, so if you don't like the cheap bridesmaid dresses online or the time frame of the marriage, keep it t yourself. Some of the smallest utterings from bridal party (and others) it what can deliver an already stressed-out new bride into a tailspin, so if you don't have anything awesome to say, don't say anything at all.

Don't Ask, Just Do

Instead of asking your DIY bride what projects you can help with, tell her, "I'm coming over Tuesday night with a bottle of wine and we're tackling your wedding favours." Some brides are uncomfortable asking for help and are afraid to be a burden to their ‘maids so don't put her in that position. Offering help in this way lets your know you want to and are even looking forward to it.

Make Friends

Sometimes the biggest dramas can stem from a bunch of bridesmaids not getting along, all wanting to take charge, or no one wanting to take charge. Do your very best to make friends with these ladies, and it pay off so much in the long run. (You may even forge a lifelong friendship!) If it seems like there's no way you can connect with a certain 'maid, remember that you are all here for one reason: you all love the bride. Ask how they met; share some funny stories about the bride, whatever you need to do. It will mean the world to the bride to see all her best friends & sisters getting along & enjoying each other's company.

Remember that the maid of honour (or maids) is supposed to be your leader, but if it seems like she's not taking charge in the first few weeks after being asked, take it upon yourself to collect email addresses and phone numbers and send out a mass email to all the brides. On the other hand, if it's clear that the maid of honour knows her role, let her have it and be supportive. Before sending out your thoughts or ideas to the whole group, email the MOH first.

Be Her Rock

Wedding planning is stressful and often brings to the surface all sorts of issues. When your friend needs to complain or vent, be that person she can go to and just listen. Let her get it all out, and be her neutral sounding board. When it comes your time to talk, be positive. Let her know you know it's stressful, but in the end it will all be worth it.

Photo: red bridesmaid dresses

Make the Bachelorette Party Amazing

The bachelorette party will look a little different for every kind of bride, and although you might not want the same for your own, go with the flow. If your bride is a partier and wants to spend all night dancing on tables, party on with her. If she would rather stay at a cabin on the lake for a weekend and cook gourmet meals together, revel in the relaxation alongside your friend and your new friends - the rest of her bridesmaids.

Work with the other bridesmaids to make the bachelorette out of this world and all about your bride.

Don't Drink Too Much

At the bridal shower, at the bachelorette, at the rehearsal, at the wedding... doesn’t over-do it. Don't make the bride feel embarrassed about her girlfriends and definitely don't make her take care of you because you're too drunk to take care of yourself. We're all adults here, so consider that before you pour that fifth glass of wine.

Be the Day-Of "Point Person"

On the day of, a million things will be going on and it's important that the majority of it never reaches the bride. Even if she has a wedding planner, offer to be the point person on the big day by doing things like holding onto her phone, making sure she eats & drinks water, assisting the planner & family members, etc. During my friend's rehearsal dinner a few years ago, she complained how many of of our friends were texting her with things like, "How do I get to the venue?" "Do I need to bring a gift?" etc. I couldn't believe it! I was worried that it would only be worse on the morning of so I offered to hold on to her phone for her and handle those kinds of calls and texts. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time to me, but later she told me how grateful she was that someone offered to do that and how much more she was able to enjoy her day.

I have no doubt that you're going to be an amazing bridesmaid! Simply keep these tips in mind, remember who all of this is about, and enjoy the festivities!!