Be the best bridesmaid

Expect craziness

Let's face it. Weddings can be stressful and at some point your BFF is going to have a breakdown about something – the dress, the shoes, maybe even the groom – and potentially turn into a bridezilla. And although you and your fellow bridesmaids might get frustrated dealing with her antics, just know that she likely can't help herself. All the stress of planning the perfect day was going to take its toll at some point, so you just need to be there for her and ride out her temporary insanity.

Think of it as an honor

Even though you might be feeling more like a maid or an intern leading up to the big day (with all the bossing around happening), try to remember that it's an honor to be a bridesmaid. Not everyone can make the cut and it's usually the girls the bride feels closest to that have the honor of standing next to her on the happiest day of her life. Sure, you might be close to pulling your hair out, but it does mean a lot to have been chosen (even if the bridesmaid dress makes you look like a cream puff).

Be supportive

Being a good bridesmaid comes down to being supportive and doing whatever you can to take the pressure off the bride-to-be. She has enough to worry about, so see what you can take off her plate both on the big day and the weeks leading up to it. She may be someone who feels like she has to do everything and doesn't want to impose on her bridesmaids (the opposite of a bridezilla), but let her know you have her back.

Remember it's not about you

This is probably the most important thing you can keep in mind if you want to be the best bridesmaid and survive the lead-up to the big event. The wedding party, though essential, is secondary to the main attraction. This can be hard to remember as you're rolling your eyes at yet another drama-queen comment from the bride-to-be, but the more you realize your job is to help make this day perfect, the less frustrated you'll get if the star of the show starts acting like a spoiled diva.

Have fun

Most of all, have fun with your bridesmaid role. You may not be the star of the show, but you are a very important supporting character. Live it up and revel in the loved-up energy and positive vibes of the day. Flirt with cute single guys, dance your face off and have a fabulous time letting loose after months of doing the bride's bidding and congratulate yourself and the other bridesmaids for a job well done!

Celebs we think would make great bridesmaids

• Anne Hathaway: She seems so organized and well put together that we feel she would be a great addition to the team. She could take care of all the little details that the bride just doesn't have the time (or desire) to deal with.

• Rachel McAdams: Easy going but focused, we think this fantasy celeb bridesmaid would do a great job keeping the bride calm and being an all-round good support system.

• Kate Hudson: OK, maybe not while she's pregnant but this flirty screen queen would make a fun addition to any wedding party and would make sure everyone remembers to have a great time.

• Rihanna: She did a great job throwing an unforgettable bachelorette party for BFF Katy Perry so we feel this slinky chanteuse would add an element of energy and animation to the proceedings.

More about weddings

Royal wedding details: What the bridesmaids wore
10 Rules for bridezillas
4 Fabulous wedding trends for 2011