Hey guys. I haven’t been on here in a while. I’m kinda tired of giving excuses so yeah let’s just leave it yea? Anyway, my friend got me three books (Stay with me, Sweet medicine and this book) at the just concluded Aké Arts and Book Festival. [All for N10,000]
Blurb:With witty and humorous dialogue, Memoirs of a professional bridesmaid is the telling of Nneka’s numerous experiences as a bridesmaid. Its tongue-in-cheek style reveals all elements of being on a bridal train. Memoirs of a professional bridesmaid is a fun read for everyone and dishes on the beautiful, the bold and the ‘extra’.
This book is just 146 pages so it’s a very easy read. Like you can actually finish reading it in Lagos traffic.
It was published this year in Nigeria under Prestige imprint.
Book cover: I really like the cover of the book. Not so much going on and simple. Although I’ve been known to be drawn towards colourful covers and I sometimes judge books by their covers but it is what it is. 🤷🏾♀️
Okay. So let me get right into it. I have only been a bridesmaid once in my life and that was for Titi’s wedding so I’m sure you’re wondering why I bought the book. I honestly had enough drama that one time and wanted to hear from a professional bridesmaid.
Nneka talked about her various experiences with different brides, bridesmaids, maid of honour, vendors, designers e.t.c. I love that she wasn’t trying to be funny. Reading this book sorta felt like a friend was just gisting me about her experiences. Very simple style of writing. She talked about serious issues lightheartedly.
I like that she was very personal. I found myself saying ‘Yasss’ as I was reading especially when she was talking about bridal showers. ‘Always remember that the focus is the bride.’ The petty side of me wanted to buy this book for a certain somebody. Like I remember being so frustrated planning my sister’s bridal shower. Guys, ‘Set realistic goals’. ‘Why do you need almost half a million naira to plan a shower?’.
I did not like the fact that every time she was brutally honest about any of her friends, the next statement is about how she loves that about them or how amazing they are. It was almost like she was making them feel better just in case they happen to read it. I was like for you to be friends with them, they’re probably not so bad. So please say what you want to say with your chest and keep it moving but then again I know girls are dramatic so it’s probably best she did it that way.
Here are some tips she gave.
Parents are not your ATM
To thyself be true.
No Maid of Honour is a BAD idea.
Delegate. Especially if you have a large train.
If the timeline doesn’t favour you, you have two options – A) Get ready at home, do your own makeup and hair and come in ON TIME for the pictures. B) Make sure there are enough makeup artists. This might mean you may have to pay a little extra to book your own makeup artist.
Relax and be yourself.
Do not take everything you see on social media at face value, always do your background checks and ask questions. Some things are all smokes and mirror. – Funke Bucknor
Set realistic goals.
Ladies, be considerate (When you’re in a bridal WhatsApp group)
Think about the concept and a dress for your girls. That discussion should not be up for debate. This is a tip for your health and wellbeing.
Don’t be messy.
Don’t feel bad if you’ve ever get left out of a friends’ train. You may just be the next professional bridesmaid.
It was a light and fun read. I’ll give this book a 3.5/5. It is highly recommended for those getting married soon or anyone actually.
Have you ever been a bridesmaid? Please share your experience.
What book(s) are you currently reading? Please share!
– TOSIN
