Today I googled that phrase: “How to make a ribbon bouquet.” I looked at two or three results, perused the photos a bit, and then realized that I was pretty much winging it anyway–so why stop?
My best friend is getting married tomorrow, and I’m the maid of honor. It was therefore my task to turn a bunch of gift ribbons into a bouquet for the rehearsal tonight.
Not the best photo, but it definitely served its purpose and was obnoxiously purple enough to suit my taste.
Also, as I sit here and reflect upon the upcoming nuptials of my best friend, I realize there’s a lot more to putting together a ribbon bouquet than stapling gift bows onto a paper towel roll. Being the maid of honor in the wedding of a friend you’ve known half your life is a rather sentimental task. So here’s my practical guide to making a ribbon bouquet.
1. Stay in touch.
Emily and I met in junior high school and became close in the eighth grade. By the time we were in high school, we had different social circles, but still made time for each other. We went to different colleges, but talked via AIM daily. When Emily studied abroad in Italy, we still corresponded every day. Eventually she went to grad school in St. Louis, studied in Argentina–and still we corresponded consistently. No matter where she was, we never lost touch. There are impossibly few friendships that have grown stronger even when separated by oceans and continents. But when you find a friendship that can bridge such a gap, never let it go.
2. Share.
Share secrets. Share inside jokes. Share laughs. Share bottles of wine and froyo (but maybe not together). Emily and I have been lucky enough to share all of those things. And so much more. Our constant conversations have lead to sharing a lot about our lives. Having a friend you can trust with all sorts of important details from your life is something to cherish. I don’t know if Emily knows how much I cherish her friendship. She’s been a constant for such a huge part of my life, and I don’t know what I’d do or where I’d be without her.
3. Laugh.
I know I said in the last point to share laughs, but this deserves repeating. There is an infamous story I’ve told several times about how my father told me once that I laughed just like Emily. My own father didn’t say, “Gee, your friend Emily laughs like you, my daughter, who lives with me and whose laugh I recognize for that reason.” He said I laughed like her.
4. Support each other.
There were times when we were stressed out by school, by family troubles, by whatever. There was nobody better to talk to about everything that was weighing on me than her. And naturally I was happy to return the favor. Because that’s what best friends are really for. Sure, sharing those laughs and inside jokes and all that wine will be a huge part of a good friendship, but also offering a sympathetic ear and words of encouragement is critical. A best friend is also going to be your biggest cheerleader.
5. Accept her significant other.
Fact: When your best friend is in a serious relationship, her boytoy is likely to be her best friend, too. And while there was a time when maybe you didn’t have as much competition for her friendship, no guy should break your bond. Your friendship might change, but a lot of it will stay the same. Because that deep, special friendship is built on a history of support that can’t be erased by a romantic relationship. Besides, it’s important to love the one who loves your best friend–if nothing else, you and that fella share an incredibly special person.
While my purple ribbon bouquet was *technically* built with staples and tape, it was really built on years of friendship I wouldn’t trade for anything. So tomorrow (well, now today), when Emily’s walks down the aisle in her pretty dress and says those wedding vows, I will stand there and smile and fix her dress for her. We will pose for photos, drink more wine, and dance the night away. And when she moves away to St. Louis and changes her last name, she’ll still be my incredible best friend. Nothing’s going to change that.
*I will really miss her, though*
