Astrology Special: Your Bridesmaid Guide

Wondering which of your nearest & dearest to invite into your bridal party? Or have you already chosen your bridesmaids and want to know in advance how they’ll respond under pressure and which duties to assign to whom? Never fear, we’ve got every type of bridesmaid sorted for you according to their sun sign, giving you the full bridal advantage.

THE ARIES BRIDESMAID (March 21-April 21)

She’ll need lots of training if she’s not going to stride ahead of the bride on her way down the aisle – or outpace the other bridesmaids. She’ll keep flat shoes in her bag for the dancing (she’ll be first up on the floor) or go barefoot. Do be prepared for her to compete with the other bridesmaids in terms of longest hair on the day, best faux tan or the most perfectly toned arms. This is a high-energy dynamo to have on your wedding team, who is excellent in emergency situations ranging from broken nails to late grooms.  If anyone gets in your way on the big day she’ll punch them out.

THE TAURUS BRIDESMAID (April 22-May 21)

She’s got a thing about money, and will either try cost-cutting with you, or be outrageously extravagant. She’ll agonise more over your wedding gift than she does over her dress. Don’t be surprised if she tries to find out how rich (or poor) your husband-to-be is –  if she throws enough champagne your way, you may even tell her.  This down-to-earth, practical soul is a brilliant person to have on your side. She’ll take a special interest in the flowers and goodie bags, and have an amazing address book full of contacts for discounts or freebies on cakes, shoes and even tiaras.

THE GEMINI BRIDESMAID (May 22-June 22)

Prepare to have your wedding Tweeted to an audience of millions. Unless you physically remove this woman’s mobile from her body, she will live update your nuptials on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace by the minute. This is a fun, witty gal to have on your team on the big day. She’s a fabulous connector and contact-maker, and will take over the introductions at the reception. Put her in charge of invitations as Miss Gemini has a way with words, and stationery. She’s your woman if you want a website too, or an events page online. She’ll use her nickname, or yours, on the card.

THE CANCER BRIDESMAID (June 23-July 23)

Inviting her mother (or not inviting her mother) will be a big deal. She’s funny about her family. She’ll ask more questions about your new marital home (or forthcoming renovations) than any other subject. Her next favourite topic for the big day will be the food. This woman has a cookbook library like no other, if she’s typical of her sign. Plan the bridesmaid dress designs well in advance as she’s sensitive about her bust – no matter if she feels too small or too big. She’ll be the Mother Hen in your posse, wiping away tears and making sure everyone’s alright. She’s a clucking good bridesmaid.

THE LEO BRIDESMAID (July 24-August 23)

So you thought the wedding was about you? Well think again, because your Leo bridesmaid secretly thinks it’s about her. If you want a celebrity guest, though (even if it’s the local star footballer) she’s your woman. Every Leo has some five-star name tucked away in their address book. Your Leo friend may even be somewhat of a legend herself, and your wedding photographer may have to be persuaded not to sell shots to the paparazzi. This is a class act to have on your side, on the big day. If you have any wobbles at all about etiquette or good form, ask Leo. She’ll give you a major gift too.

THE VIRGO BRIDESMAID (August 24-September 23)

Your wedding will be run like the Sydney Olympics if this woman has anything to do with it. She will have schedules to keep track of her schedules, and your nuptials and reception will be timed down to the last minute. Modest, hard-working, methodical Virgo will make sure everything’s done properly without making a huge fuss. Just make sure your menu suits her tastes, as she typically has strong food and drink preferences. She’s a perfectionist which will drive you, the other bridesmaids or your fiancée slightly mad. But if you want a wedding that’s professionally run, she’l l do it – free.

THE LIBRA BRIDESMAID (September 24-October 23)

She loves to be in love, and she also loves a lover – so this is a wonderfully romantic woman around to have on your special day. Nobody else will enter into the spirit of your wedding with more joy than a Libran. Just don’t expect her to make up her mind on anything. She doesn’t want to hurt people’s feelings, you see. Never consult her about the pantyhose (white, flesh or fishnet) or you will still be shopping for it while your fiancee arrives at the altar. Little decisions are just as hard for her as big decisions, so try to delegate them.  She’ll cry when she throws the confetti though. Aaah!

THE SCORPIO BRIDESMAID (October 24-November 22)

Who wants to know all the most intimate details of your honeymoon night? Miss Scorpio. Of course, she’s been interested in your sex life throughout the relationship, so you’ll be used to the x-rated interrogations by now. There is no more passionate and soulful bridesmaid than this woman, though. You’ll feel her laser eyes and powerful presence right through the service, and throughout all the years you are married. She takes her duty as your witness and friend very seriously, and will always take your side. Don’t invite any of her enemies to the reception though. She’ll walk right out.

THE SAGITTARIUS BRIDESMAID (November 22-December 21)

This lady has great travel experience or a wide range of friends in other regions, states and countries. So before you book your honeymoon destination, make sure you ask your Sagittarian bridesmaid about flights, hotels or miracle-working travel agents; she’ll typically have wonderful tips to pass on. The actual wedding could make her a little uncomfortable. At heart she’s not totally sure about the domestic commitment thing, and the big day gives her mixed feelings if she’s typical of her sign. She’ll take a particular interest in the vows, though. And the spiritual meaning behind them.

THE CAPRICORN BRIDESMAID (December 22-January 20)

Solid as a rock , that’s your Capricorn bridesmaid. She’s a wonderful person to lean on, no matter if your issue is family politics or the cost of the cake. She’s the wise old owl in your bridesmaid posse, and you can rely on her to give you good, solid advice. Don’t be surprised if she uses the wedding reception as a chance to network though. She can’t help herself, so you may have to forgive her. People who are professionally useful, famous, fabulous or successful will go on her radar before you even start the DJ. Seat her next to the important people – she’ll be forever grateful to you if you do.

THE AQUARIUS BRIDESMAID (January 21-February 19)

This woman is a real contradiction. She loves her friends and she adores being in a group, so she’ll throw herself into your posse of bridesmaids in a way that no other woman quite manages. At the same time, she is fiercely independent and she does have some quite strong, eccentric views on life. Expect disagreements or hard questions over things you never thought mattered – like the bows on the pews. She’s the bridesmaid who will get everyone on the dance-floor; old, young, gay, straight, black, white or in a wheelchair. As you already know, though, she’s mad. Remove breakable objects.

THE PISCES BRIDESMAID (February 20-March 20)

Give her a camera, a sketchbook or a video camera on the big day and she’ll be perfectly happy. Pisceans have a good eye, and as long as she’s not weeping tears of joy on your behalf (she’s a water sign) she’ll hand you some gorgeous photographs, film footage or drawings afterwards. This is the flakiest member of your bridesmaid team, but also the most sentimental and emotional. Don’t expect her to be much good with schedules or practicalities. Do expect her to capture the spirit of your day with a lovely poem or a moving piece of music. She’ll know a priest, monk or rabbi too.