We can all admit we’ve daydreamed of being a bridesmaid one day.
Playing such a special part in your sister or best friend’s big day is the ultimate honour, however, it will set you back quite a lot of money.
Weddings are certainly a pricey affair, even for the regular guests. However, when it comes to the bridal party their big role in the wedding sees them spending an extortionate amount of money.
The Vow has conjured up just how much money the average bridesmaid is spending. Those of you with upcoming bridesmaids duties may want to close your eyes.
They revealed that the average bridesmaid spends a whopping €500.
24 percent of women involved in their study said they spend €500-€800, however, 17 percent admitted they have spent an eye-watering €1000 on the nuptials.
Others (8 percent) even admitted to spending over €1500 on their friend or family member’s big day. Ouch!
The bride and groom tend to look after the bridesmaid's outfit and all things beauty, but what’s really costing bridesmaids a small fortune is the little things.
Things like decorations for hen parties, alcohol, and engagement gifts are costing a pretty penny.
Being a bridesmaid may be a huge honour but you’d certainly want to start saving straight away if you’ve got a big wedding coming up.
It’ll cost a few bob, but there’s no doubt in our minds that it’ll be worth every penny.
Dare we say the words; Next month's Netflix round-up is without a doubt the best we've ever seen. We have to preach the gospel of truth, and Lord knows July is KILLIN' IT.
From exciting additions like Stranger Things season three and iconic comedy Bridesmaids to the Fab Five working their magic in Queer Eye season four, we're gagging to steam it all.
Did we mention that Derry Girls is finally coming to the streaming platform, after months of begging? Not to mention the last ever season of Orange Is The New Black?
We can't cope, somebody take our pulse.
Netflix is hooking up great quality original series to our veins, not to mention great comedy specials and films.
We've made a comprehensive list of the best new features hitting our screens, so it doesn't overwhelm you like it did when we read the PR statement. We had to take a minute.
Other new additions include Cloverfield and Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, as well as…Paul Blart: Mall Cop? Give the people what they want, we guess.
NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
Unrequited Love
Out July 1
A complicated, one-sided secret attraction sends ripples through the lives of a mild-mannered student and her dashing classmate.
The Last Czars
Out July 3
Social upheaval is sweeping early 1900s Russia, but Czar Nicholas II resists all change. An unforgettable and life-altering revolution sparks and ending a dynasty.
Stranger Things 3
Out July 4
From rabid rats and Soviet espionage to New Coke and a brand-new mall, it's the summer of 1985 in Hawkins… and big changes are afoot. We're loving the vibes, and tween romance plot-lines.
You Me Her: Season 4
Out July 12
After tying the knot in a commitment ceremony, Emma, Jack and Izzy negotiate suburban life on the road towards parenthood.
Bonus Family: Season 3
Out July 12
As Martin adjusts to life with a new partner and a baby, Lisa and Patrik grapple with difficult news, and Katja reconnects with an old flame.
Extreme Engagement
Out July 12
An engaged twosome take their love on the road and test their commitment as they explore eight cultures' marriage traditions in the span of one year.
Typewriter
Out July 19
Typewriter is about a haunted house and a haunted book that stir the imagination of a group of young, wannabe ghost hunters, and a dog, determined to capture the ghost that plagues the notorious home in their neighbourhood in Goa.
When a new family and their captivating daughter move into the haunted home, the crew finds it difficult to balance the demands of school and chores with the renewed urgency to capture the neighbourhood ghost before it is too late.
Image: Netflix
Queer Eye: Season 4
Out July 19
The Fab Five are back in Kansas City, Missouri. Join Antoni, Bobby, Jonathan, Karamo and Tan for a new group of inspirational heroes, jaw-dropping makeovers and tons of happy tears.
Honestly, what is our life without these fab five boys? Nothing, that's what.
Have you missed us? (We missed you too. ) We’re back in Kansas City for Season 4, July 19. pic.twitter.com/6H0eIwLg8i
Kate, Frankie, Anne and, now, Ian grow up alongside their kids as they juggle toddlers, ageing, work-life balance and tough relationship issues.
Another Life
Out July 25
Another Life centres on astronaut Niko Breckinridge (Katee Sackhoff) who is focused on searching for alien intelligence.
She leads a crew on a mission to explore the genesis of an alien artefact. As Niko and her young crew investigate, they face unimaginable danger on what might very well be a one-way mission. (MC)
Orange Is the New Black: Season 7
Out July 26
A privileged New Yorker ends up in a women's prison when a past crime catches up with her in this Emmy-winning series from the creator of Weeds. It's the final ever season, so it's bound to be emotional.
Sugar Rush: Season 2
Out July 26
Time's the most important ingredient as teams race against the clock — and each other — to bake up the best-tasting sweets.
Derry Girls
Everyone's favourite Northers are finally going to hit up Netflix in Ireland on July 9.
The critically acclaimed Channel 4 series set in 1990s Northern Ireland literally have zero excuse not to get all caught up on the hilarious hit show.
ORIGINAL FILMS
The Red Sea Diving Resort
Out July 31
Inspired by remarkable true life rescue missions, The Red Sea Diving Resort is the incredible story of a group of international agents and brave Ethiopians who in the early 80s used a deserted holiday retreat in Sudan as a front to smuggle thousands of refugees to Israel.
The undercover team carrying out this mission is led by the charismatic Ari Kidron (Chris Evans) and courageous local Kabede Bimro (Michael Kenneth Williams).
The prestigious cast also includes Haley Bennett, Alessandro Nivola, Michiel Huisman, Chris Chalk, Greg Kinnear and Ben Kingsley.
Kidnapping Stella
Out July 12
Snatched off the street and held for ransom, a bound and gagged woman uses her limited powers to derail her two masked abductors' carefully laid plans.
Cities of Last Things
Out July 11
In a dystopian tale unfolding in reverse chronology, a man with a complicated past takes revenge on the individuals who wronged him decades ago.
Point Blank
Out July 12
To save his pregnant wife, an emergency room nurse teams up with an injured murder suspect in a race against time, rival criminals and renegade cops.
Poms
Out July 12
In this uplifting comedy, life in a retirement community is anything but retiring for a group of young-at-heart senior ladies who decide to pull out the pom-poms and form a cheerleading squad.
It's basically Diane Keaton being an absolute legend, as per usual.
After
Out July 12.
When Tessa Young heads for college, she largely has her life planned out. But a late-night encounter with a brooding, tattooed British student sparks a sexual awakening and a journey of self-discovery.
Secret Obsession
Out July 18.
Recuperating from trauma, Jennifer (Brenda Song) remains in danger as she returns to a life she doesn’t remember.
ORIGINAL COMEDY SPECIALS
Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room
Out July 1.
Everyone's favourite single mom is back with her second Netflix original stand-up special Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room, launching globally on July 1.
A follow-up to her 2017 special In Trouble, Katherine toured Glitter Room across the UK with an unprecedented four-week run at London’s Garrick Theatre in the West End.
After dividing The Belasco Theater audience on their love or dislike of the Kardashians,
Katherine showcases her skilful and hilarious storytelling style with tales about following a man to Japan and meeting her daughter's first celebrity crush, Anna Kendrick.
Pleased as punch to FINALLY be able to shout about this!
In this new mockumentary, join Stranger Things actor David Harbour as he uncovers lost footage from his father's televised stage play, Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein.
Expect the unexpected in this over-the-top and often dramatic(ish) reimagined tale of mystery and suspense .
With appearances by Alfred Molina, Kate Berlant, and more special guests, Harbour explores the depths of his family's acting lineage to gain insight into his father's legacy – all in 28-minutes.
Directed by Daniel Gray Longino (Kroll Show and PEN15) and written by John Levenstein (Arrested Development and Kroll Show), Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein launches globally on Netflix on July 16, 2019.
Multi-hyphenate comedian, Whitney Cummings, makes her Netflix debut with her 4th stand-up special, Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It? Filmed at the Sidney Harmon Hall in her hometown, Washington, DC. Cummings’ signature incisive commentary on gender dynamics is more relevant than ever.
Do women need to wear service vests instead of “Rosé All Day” t-shirts? Are their nicknames for each other hurting the cause?
Now that people are actually listening what should women change? How are men holding up with all the “new” rules they have to follow now? Tune in for Whitney’s take on everything including why we should give sex robots a chance.
The special will launch globally on Netflix on July 30, 2019.
Self-promotion has become so desperate and embarrassing that this is what it’s come to promote my new @NetflixIsAJoke special called CAN I TOUCH IT? which I can finally announce streams July 30. pic.twitter.com/wwXTmsIoDU
Eddie Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking in the 2014 biopic about the English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author's incredible life.
Bridesmaids
Out July 1
Kristen Wiig stars and co-writes the legendary comedy that boasts a star-studded female cast and…Chris O'Dowd? Amazing.
Spotlight
Out July 29
The Oscar-winning flick nominated for Best Picture in 2015 follows the Boston Globe's Spotlight team as it investigates the widespread and systemic child abuse in Boston by Catholic priests.
Starring Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Stanley Tucci.
In Bruges
Out July 30.
Veteran Irish actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star in Martin McDonagh's Golden Globe-winning film set in Belgium.
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARIES
Parchís: El documental
Out July 10, 2019
Get an in-depth look at Parchís, the 1980s kids’ band from Spain, through interviews with ex-members and other insiders, concert footage and more.
Taco Chronicles
Out July 12, 2019
A tribute to the mighty taco: its history, significance in Mexico, global appeal and varieties: pastor, carnitas, canasta, asada, barbacoa and guisados.
Last Chance U: INDY: Part 2
Out July 19, 2019
Netflix’s critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated series Last Chance U returns to give viewers an intense, unfiltered look at the junior college football program at Independence Community College (ICC).
Entering his third season with ICC and second season on Last Chance U, Coach Brown has assembled a team that looks sure to compete for a national championship, but a disastrous season on the field puts a spotlight on all of the ugliness of college football that winning tends to polish over.
With some new and returning faces, this season captures the Pirates fall from grace that leaves the coaches and the town looking for changes.
The Great Hack
Out July 24, 2019
Explore how a data company named Cambridge Analytica came to symbolise the dark side of social media in the wake of the 2016 presidential election.
Whoa, we need a breather after reading that phenomenal list.
Props to the steaming service for these golden nuggets of TV and film, even if they exaggerate their viewership ratings to a hilarious level.
Melissa McCarthy is genuinely one of the funniest women on the planet, and we love her even more (how is that possible?) after last night.
The actress and her husband Ben Falcone opted to attend the Vanity Fair party after the ceremony in somewhat unconventional attire; Adidas tracksuits.
The comedic pair were matching in their black outfits with white stripes, choosing comfort for the red carpet; "It's not less glamorous to me guys, I've doubled my diamonds – I feel great," the actress joked to Entertainment Tonight.
McCarthy was nominated for the Best Actress category for her portrayal of Lee Israel in Can You Ever Forgive Me? but ultimately lost out to Olivia Colman, who gave a memorable speech when accepting for her performance as Queen Anne.
McCarthy admitted that it was her decision to choose the tracksuit, rather than her husband of 14 years; "When I heard it, I was like 'Oh god, yes'" said Falcone
He starred alongside his wife in Can You Ever Forgive Me? as well as Bridesmaids, Identity Thief and Tammy. His unsurprising response to Melissa's suggestio was; "150% yes, let's do this." Absolute heroes.
Despite losing out on the award of Best Actress, she presented the Best Costume design award hilariously impersonating both Margot Robbie's Queen Elizabeth and Olivia Colman's Queen Anne.
The Favourite and Mary, Queen of Scots were a major part of her costume; she even had the numerous rabbits surrounding her, and ginger mess of hair. We're crying. Her and Ben are couple goals for life.
Ruth E. Carter was handed the award for Black Panther and became the first black person to win the coveted prize, deservedly. Those Wakanda costumes will forever be inspiring.
Bridemaids – arguably one of the most important pieces of comedic film the 21st century has produced.
It's popularity has not waned since it's 2011 release, and due to popular demand after screening a range of popular cult classic films in 2018, ODEAN cinema has teamed up again with Pigsback.com to screen some of the best loved films throughout the year, starting with Bridesmaids.
On Monday 25th of February at 6.30pm at participating ODEON cinemas nationwide Bridesmaids will hit the big screen once more for just €15 a ticket including a popcorn combo and chocolates.
Blanchardstown, Coolock, Stillorgan, Point Square, Charlestown, Naas, Newbridge, and Castletroy, Waterford will all be screening the classic comedy.
'We asked our customers what comedy cult film they’d like to see and they said ‘Bridesmaids’, so we are delighted to partner with Pigsback.com again to screen another fan favourite,' said Paul Wren, Commercial Manager for ODEON cinemas.
Look, I know it is only September, but I can’t help but feel excited about Christmas. Is it too early? Maybe… Do I care? Nope.
I am already embracing the holiday spirit and this latest movie news has my heart feeling full and festive.
Game of Thrones star Emilia Clark and Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding are set to star in a Christmas film together written by none other than Emma Thompson.
The Hollywood goddess is no stranger to festive films, having starred in Love Actually in 2003. Emma’s portrayal of the heartbroken Karen is by far one of her best performances *listens to Joni Mitchell and sobs*
The Pride and Prejudice actress has penned the screenplay for upcoming Christmas flick Last Christmas, with the help of Bryony Kimmings.
The writer revealed the movie is based on the popular Wham! hit Last Christmas. The late George Michael even gave the movie his blessing before his untimely passing on Christmas Day 2016.
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig will take over directing duties for the romantic comedy.
Lead actor Henry Golding couldn’t help but express his excitement about Last Christmas: “Finally I can start getting excited and share the news… @paulfeig and I will be back to business in London at the end of the year.”
It is believed filming will take place in London later this year, which unfortunately means it won’t be released in time for Christmas 2018.
I guess we’ll just have to stick with the classics for now. If anybody needs me I’ll be watching Home Alone for the 1000th time.
Penneys is our one-stop shop when it comes o essentials like tights, coats and bobby pins, but shopping for bridal-themed accessories wouldn't be the first thing that would cross our minds.
However, Penneys latest bridal collection is an essentials checklist for brides and bridesmaids heading abroad for the Hen Party. Whether you're off to Vegas, Marbella or Ibiza, you're officially covered.
To a 'Bride' embroidered sunhat to 'Bride Squad' swimsuits, prepare to be decked out for an oh-so affordable price.
Swimsuits €6.00, Flip Flops €2.00
PJ sets €5.00
Novelty Slippers €5.00, Mug €5.00
Bride Hat €5.00 Bride Straw Bag €12.00
Bridesmaid Flowerband €5.00, Glasses €3.00, Braidemaid Purse €3.00, Hen Party Essentials €3.00
As comedies go, Bridesmaids is up there with some of the greatest of the last 30 years.
Dismissing the notion that an all-female cast would struggle to bring the laughs (and the dollars) to the Box Office, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and a host of other female comics raked in almost $300 million, and had cinema-goers rolling in the aisles back in 2011.
And while the press and public celebrated the female-centred film, the cast regularly railed against the inclusion of scenes which showed 'women acting like guys'.
Take the now infamous 'food poisoning' scene, for example.
Arguably one of the most memorable of the film, the cast were against its inclusion – something which Kristin explained while chatting on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast recently.
Highlighting the superficial acceptance of female-centred films, Kristin revealed that a number of conditions essentially exist in order for certain films to get the go-ahead.
"When people say, ‘Oh, we're gonna give more female-centred movies a chance,’ you're not reading the fine print, which is, ‘Oh, but, they have to be like this.’ They want to see women acting like guys," she explained.
Focussing on a scene which saw the characters experience a sudden bout of food poisoning in the middle of a high-end bridal store, Kristin admitted they were encouraged to include it due to the sexist undertones at play.
“The scene in Bridesmaids was not our idea and it was not in the original script and we didn't love it," she admitted.
“It was strongly suggested for us to put that in there. I didn't want to see people sh****** and puking," she added.
Well, for a group of women who weren't mad on the scene, they absolutely nailed it.
What do you do when your girlfriends are far and few between?
Wrangle in the bros, of course!
That's what happened to this bride, Rebeca Sinohara, a 24-year-old computer engineering student from Brazil.
She told Buzzfeed News that she doesn't have a lot of female friends, and became sad when she saw brides taking pre-wedding prep photos online.
"In my engineering classroom there were 56 guys and only four girls, so it's not like I had a lot of choice," she said.
"Of course I have girlfriends from childhood and high school but we are not as close as before, and there are some girls that I lived with in shared housing during university, but none of them I became BFFs with.
"I always knew that I wouldn't have a gang of girls to be bridesmaids and to sit together putting on makeup and all before the event."
So instead of ditching the prep photos, she asked five of her best male friends to stand in.
"They are really great friends, and I had no doubt they would do this for me."
Rebeca only planned to take the photos on her phone, but when her make-up artist stepped in, it turned into a full-blown photoshoot.
"The guys were all so happy in their pink robes," Rebeca said. "It was really funny."
When she uploaded her photos onto Facebook, they quickly gained attention and went viral, with more than 50,000 shares.
"I definitely never thought it was going to go viral. The pictures were supposed to be only for us, to keep as a good record."
And as for the wedding? "I can say for sure all the five guys cried. I just really hope someone got that on camera."
There is a lot of pressure on women to look good on their big day, with a bridal culture which dictates looking your absolute best.
After all, those pictures are forever (hopefully).
Some women choose to lose weight for their trip down the aisle, but one bride is extending her diet and exercise policy to include her bridesmaids.
Sheena Malik is about to be the maid of honour at her bestie Ashley's wedding, and while Ashley is shedding the pounds for the big day, Sheena has been asked by the bride to do the same.
Ashley, who has already lost two-and-a-half stone in the lead up, has asked Sheena to drop 15 pounds to become a svelte maid of honour.
'Wedding photos are shared more now, so it’s important to look good,' Sheena, from Southern California, told the New York Post.
is it wrong to tell one (or more) of your bridesmaids you chose for your wedding that they have to lose weight for the your wedding?
Brides and their bridesmaids. We've heard all the horror stories… but would you go without a bridal party on your big day?
Having your closest BFFs by your side on your special day is tradition, but we all know of those chill friends who become absolute bridezillas the minute a ring is put on their finger.
And while being asked to be a bridesmaid can be one of the best moments of your life, having to factor in time off work, money, and weekends spent dress shopping means there's going to be a lot on your plate for the next few months (or year).
Well because of this, it seems like some brides are opting to ditch the bridesmaids in 2017.
According to HelloGiggles, brides don't want to deal with the drama of a bridal party anymore.
More people than ever are turning to Pinterest to find ideas for their wedding sans bridesmaids, with a trend report saying, "less is more – brides are choosing to go with fewer bridesmaids, or sometimes none at all!
"This decision ensures the focus is all about you and your partner."
Pinterest also noted that it has seen a 100 per cent your-over-year increase in millennials searching for options with no bridal party.
Some factors to think about when ditching the bridal party is not having the awkwardness of having to choose one friend over another; or, not having to put up with an all-out family war because you didn't pick your third cousin who you only see at Christmas to walk down the aisle with you.
Do you think you'd opt for this trend?
Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!
Actress Rose Byrne is set to become a mum for the first time, and she's handling her first pregnancy like a pro.
The Bridesmaids star was pictured at LAX yesterday with a noticeable bump, suggesting she's at least four or five months pregnant.
Wearing a red and navy checked shirt-dress over dark tights and black ankle boots, the 36-year-old star looked every bit the relaxed expectant mum.
She tucked her brunette hair into a wide-brimmed brown hat as she made her way through the busy terminal.
So far Rose's maternity style has been all about comfort – soft, flowing fabrics that gently skim her bump.
We love this floral summer dress she sported while strolling through the Chelsea district of New York back in July, during the early stages of her pregnancy:
Although this is the first child for Rose, it's the second time around for her boyfriend of three years Bobby Cannavale – the Will & Grace star already has a 20-year-old son from his marriage to Jenny Lumet.
Rose and Bobby met on the set of Annie back in 2012, and though they kept their romance under wraps for the first year, Bobby couldn't hold his excitement in for long.
"She's the love of my life," he told the audience at the 2013 Emmy Awards.
As for Rose, she doesn't find exclamations of love so easy – but she's trying to get better.
"To be honest, I’m not naturally that much of a romantic person," she told Elle Canada last year.
"I have trouble with things that feel very manufactured, like Valentine’s Day. I’m trying to get better at romance."
Bridesmaids has to go down as one of the funniest chick flicks of recent years, so naturally, we’re all bursting for a sequel.
And while previous interviews with cast and crew made it look like it may never happen, one of the film’s biggest stars has just given us fresh hope.
Melissa McCarthy, who played the hilarious Megan Price in the movie, has said that she would be all for reprising her role in a follow-up instalment.
Use your powers of persuasion, Melissa!
Speaking in a recent radio interview, the award-winning actress said: “I had such a good time doing that movie. Every single day on that movie was ridiculously fun.”
“At some point, if Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo say, ‘You know what, we wrote another one’, I would be tickled pink to do it,” she added.
While the movie cleaned up during awards season, producer Judd Apatow previously admitted that he was reluctant to undertake a sequel unless the script could do justice to the original.
“The key is we have to come up with an idea that is as good, or better than the first one,” he said at the time.
With a cast and crew like that on board, we’re sure they are up to the challenge.
Fingers crossed that Melissa’s enthusiasm sets the wheels in motion!
