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Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire): Stories on Growing Up, Looking for Love, and Walking Down the Aisle for Complete Strangers
In the tradition of Sloane Crosley, Mindy Kaling, and Katie Heaney, a hilarious and insightful memoir about one New York City Millennial’s journey to find herself, her dream career, and true love, all while juggling a truly unique job as the world's only professional bridesmaid.
After moving to New York City in her mid-twenties to pursue her dream of writing—and not living on the “Upper East Side” of her parents’ house anymore—Jen Glantz looked forward to a future of happy hours and Sunday brunches with her besties.
What she got instead were a string of phone calls that began with, "Jen, I have something exciting to tell you!" and ended with, "I'd be honored if you would be my bridesmaid." At first she was delighted, but it wasn’t long before she realized two all of her assets were tied up in bridesmaid dresses, and she herself was no closer to finding The One. She couldn't do much about the second thing (though her mother would beg to differ), but she could about the first.
One (slightly tipsy) night, Jen posted an ad on Craigslist advertising her services as a professional bridesmaid. When she woke up the next morning, it had gone viral. What began as a half-joke suddenly turned into a lifetime of adventure for Jen–and more insight into the meaning of love than she was getting from OKCupid—as she walked down the aisle at stranger after stranger's wedding.
Fresh, funny, and surprisingly sweet, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) is an entertaining reminder that even if you don't have everything together, you can still be a total boss—or, at the very least, a BFF to another girl in need.
After moving to New York City in her mid-twenties to pursue her dream of writing—and not living on the “Upper East Side” of her parents’ house anymore—Jen Glantz looked forward to a future of happy hours and Sunday brunches with her besties.
What she got instead were a string of phone calls that began with, "Jen, I have something exciting to tell you!" and ended with, "I'd be honored if you would be my bridesmaid." At first she was delighted, but it wasn’t long before she realized two all of her assets were tied up in bridesmaid dresses, and she herself was no closer to finding The One. She couldn't do much about the second thing (though her mother would beg to differ), but she could about the first.
One (slightly tipsy) night, Jen posted an ad on Craigslist advertising her services as a professional bridesmaid. When she woke up the next morning, it had gone viral. What began as a half-joke suddenly turned into a lifetime of adventure for Jen–and more insight into the meaning of love than she was getting from OKCupid—as she walked down the aisle at stranger after stranger's wedding.
Fresh, funny, and surprisingly sweet, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) is an entertaining reminder that even if you don't have everything together, you can still be a total boss—or, at the very least, a BFF to another girl in need.
303 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2017
16 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Jen Glantz
3 books47 followersJen Glantz is the world’s first professional bridesmaid and founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the heartbeat behind the website The Things I Learned From, and the author of the Amazon-bestselling ebook, All My Friends are Engaged. She can be found in New York City wearing old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store, on first dates, or double-fisting slices of one-dollar pizza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 4, 2016
This was so disappointing. The premise was intriguing- how and why does one become a professional bridesmaid- but it comprised maybe 25% of the book. The rest was devoted to Glantz's lackluster dating life and various hijinks, most of which did not paint her in the best light. I really wanted to know what she loved about weddings and why she thought she'd be a good professional bridesmaid but the limited stories we get didn't illustrate her accidental career choice. She might have been better served if she'd waited several years before writing this memoir.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
I expected this book to be cute, but I wasn't expecting this book to be as hilarious, honest, relatable, and addictive as it was. The author made me laugh out loud so many times while reading this book! The author and her stories felt so genuine and relatable. As a woman in her early twenties, I recently went through/I am going through a lot of similar situations that the author described in this book. I thought "OMG, YES! ME TOO!" so many times while reading this book.
Reading this book felt like I was reading the diary of my best friend. The author's writing style was so charming and real. Some stories seemed a bit ridiculous, but they were still extremely entertaining. I loved reading about the trials and tribulations the author faced as she was trying to find herself and figure her life out. I do wish there would have been more stories about her profession as a bridesmaid. I really enjoyed the stories that the author did include involving her time as a professional bridesmaid, but I was expecting and hoping for more of those stories.
The stories in this book were weaved with honesty, humor, and life lessons. This constantly put a smile on my face. If you are looking for a delightful, endearing, and hilarious book, then I would recommend picking this book up!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Reading this book felt like I was reading the diary of my best friend. The author's writing style was so charming and real. Some stories seemed a bit ridiculous, but they were still extremely entertaining. I loved reading about the trials and tribulations the author faced as she was trying to find herself and figure her life out. I do wish there would have been more stories about her profession as a bridesmaid. I really enjoyed the stories that the author did include involving her time as a professional bridesmaid, but I was expecting and hoping for more of those stories.
The stories in this book were weaved with honesty, humor, and life lessons. This constantly put a smile on my face. If you are looking for a delightful, endearing, and hilarious book, then I would recommend picking this book up!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
June 30, 2025
Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) by Jen Glantz is a heartfelt, hilarious, and surprisingly wise memoir that I couldn’t put down. Jen’s stories—equal parts vulnerable, laugh-out-loud funny, and refreshingly honest—give a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a professional bridesmaid, but also dive deep into what it means to grow up, figure things out (or not), and keep showing up for life and love.
What I appreciated most was how relatable her journey felt. She captures the anxiety, awkwardness, and absurdity of big events and major life milestones with warmth and wit. Her survival tips? I use them all the time—especially when navigating weddings or other big, emotional gatherings. They’re practical, empowering, and delivered with a signature Jen-style mix of humor and heart.
Whether you’ve been a bridesmaid a dozen times or just appreciate a good coming-of-age memoir with a unique perspective, this book delivers. Jen Glantz is the real deal, and her voice shines through on every page.
What I appreciated most was how relatable her journey felt. She captures the anxiety, awkwardness, and absurdity of big events and major life milestones with warmth and wit. Her survival tips? I use them all the time—especially when navigating weddings or other big, emotional gatherings. They’re practical, empowering, and delivered with a signature Jen-style mix of humor and heart.
Whether you’ve been a bridesmaid a dozen times or just appreciate a good coming-of-age memoir with a unique perspective, this book delivers. Jen Glantz is the real deal, and her voice shines through on every page.
January 12, 2018
This is my second "Books on the Subway" that I've found. I sort of feel obliged to pick them up and read them, which is how this one fell into my lap. It was okay. Jen had some funny stories, but overall the book was underwhelming. I was hoping for more stories about her actually being a professional bridesmaid, and what I got was underwhelming life stories about a Florida-native, navigating her 20's in New York. Maybe I'm a jaded New Yorker, but some of the struggles she talked about were too wordy, detailed, and "New York" that I just rolled my eyes. Below is the paragraph from the book that resonated the most with me.
"It wasn't that our friendship was pulled apart by a series of nasty comments or one final conversation that made one of us go AWOL. It was exactly the opposite. Our was friendship at first sight when we dove into being instant best friends during my sophomore year of college. But after two years, we just drifted. The daily calls turned into weekly text messages that turned into occasional Instagram likes, and finally dissolved into questions from mutual friends, over a sticky bun at brunch, about how the heck Liz was doing.
This happens a lot when we're in our twenties. Our roster of friends suddenly goes from too long with an attached waiting list, to not quite having enough for a list at all. And as we get older, we understand that's just how friendship works. You go from practically joined together at the hip to waiting patiently, for the next time you'll bump into her at the mall or get a butt-dialed voicemail from her at 3:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning so you can laugh about it for a few days and then go back to forgetting to remember that a deep-rooted, secret-swapping, matching-outfit kind of friendship ever flowed between the two of you."
"It wasn't that our friendship was pulled apart by a series of nasty comments or one final conversation that made one of us go AWOL. It was exactly the opposite. Our was friendship at first sight when we dove into being instant best friends during my sophomore year of college. But after two years, we just drifted. The daily calls turned into weekly text messages that turned into occasional Instagram likes, and finally dissolved into questions from mutual friends, over a sticky bun at brunch, about how the heck Liz was doing.
This happens a lot when we're in our twenties. Our roster of friends suddenly goes from too long with an attached waiting list, to not quite having enough for a list at all. And as we get older, we understand that's just how friendship works. You go from practically joined together at the hip to waiting patiently, for the next time you'll bump into her at the mall or get a butt-dialed voicemail from her at 3:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning so you can laugh about it for a few days and then go back to forgetting to remember that a deep-rooted, secret-swapping, matching-outfit kind of friendship ever flowed between the two of you."
March 3, 2017
"Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire)" is a funny memoir by Jen Glantz who once she hits her mid-twenties feels like one of the only questions she is ever asked is to be a bridesmaid. Bridesmaids can be very important on wedding days (I know I was happy to be surrounded by really good ones on my wedding day). They are the ones that are supposed to keep the bride calm and help smooth out the day a little bit. Most of the time its up to friends and family to be asked to be bridesmaids but in the case you need professional help, Jen Glantz is your gal. She is asked this question so much so that she is inspired she puts an ad on Craigslist to become a bridesmaid for any stranger!
It sounds like the makings of a romantic comedy but this is totally and utterly real. This book is a funny memoir with some interesting ruminations on topics such as strangers. At first it seemed strange to me that someone would hire a bridesmaid. For my wedding, I had a team of bridesmaids made up of close family and friends. I also just wanted to have a big party for my wedding, which meant I was a fairly low-key bride. I couldn't imagine not having those wonderful women by my side but in some cases, there are people who just don't have that kind of support.
Glantz talks about the idea of how everyone that is close to you in your life was once a stranger. True but it's something that I have never really thought about. Even my closest friends, some that I have known for close to 20 years once started out as strangers even though I feel like I've had them for my entire life. It was sort of a beautiful way to explain why the brides feel comfortable with her. The process of the brides getting to know her and her getting to know the brides very quickly was fascinating to me. It definitely would take a certain kind of person to be comfortable with another that quickly (definitely not me).
Some of the stories in the book are very funny and had me laughing. Some parts were more poignant and staid. Overall, this was an entertaining memoir about a very strange job. Who knew?
It sounds like the makings of a romantic comedy but this is totally and utterly real. This book is a funny memoir with some interesting ruminations on topics such as strangers. At first it seemed strange to me that someone would hire a bridesmaid. For my wedding, I had a team of bridesmaids made up of close family and friends. I also just wanted to have a big party for my wedding, which meant I was a fairly low-key bride. I couldn't imagine not having those wonderful women by my side but in some cases, there are people who just don't have that kind of support.
Glantz talks about the idea of how everyone that is close to you in your life was once a stranger. True but it's something that I have never really thought about. Even my closest friends, some that I have known for close to 20 years once started out as strangers even though I feel like I've had them for my entire life. It was sort of a beautiful way to explain why the brides feel comfortable with her. The process of the brides getting to know her and her getting to know the brides very quickly was fascinating to me. It definitely would take a certain kind of person to be comfortable with another that quickly (definitely not me).
Some of the stories in the book are very funny and had me laughing. Some parts were more poignant and staid. Overall, this was an entertaining memoir about a very strange job. Who knew?
March 27, 2019
... let me start by saying there was a lot of good here... But i felt like I had reading whiplash as she bounced all over in her timeline, one wedding she even referenced emails of meeting after they had met... she repeated phrases, the first time I heard them I thought “oh nicely worded,” ... then she reused the phrase...severs times. She was over dramatic to a point that made you cringe when referencing herself and it became uncomfortable. THEN the end. She thanked someone for telling her to write out of order... she mentioned writing it in two months... gave a smug remark to those who said she couldn’t write... ughhh
I think she could write, and have a fabulous career doing so IF she had had better guidance. I think this book could have been better defined and separated into two books, each more developed and organized. I’m sorry that it seems she had money hungry guidance who just wanted to cheapen her ability and ride the wave of fame while she had attention so they rushed her along. It came out as a high school paper that was rushed and unedited when it could be a really good book. She has talent and a lot to share, it just needs better help and allowed to mature.
I think she could write, and have a fabulous career doing so IF she had had better guidance. I think this book could have been better defined and separated into two books, each more developed and organized. I’m sorry that it seems she had money hungry guidance who just wanted to cheapen her ability and ride the wave of fame while she had attention so they rushed her along. It came out as a high school paper that was rushed and unedited when it could be a really good book. She has talent and a lot to share, it just needs better help and allowed to mature.
February 9, 2017
I think this may be one of the funniest books I have read in a long while - I won it thru the GoodReads giveaways, and I am so glad I did! Jen writes with warmth and humor about surviving as a single girl in New York and the adventures (and, misadventures) of dating in the Computer Age...she kind of "fell" into being a professional "bridesmaid" for other women who need her help, her particular skill set (not to mention that 36DD strapless bra that seems to hold CVS's entire mini-toiletries section), and her empathy and caring...I would love to know this woman in person, and be her friend - not only would you be showered with love, laughter and good advice, but, you could count on an extra slice or so of wedding cake(s)! Read this book - you will be glad you did!!!
February 15, 2017
I have to say, I was beyond curious to read this memoir from Jen Glantz! A bridesmaid for hire – how did this idea come about, and how did it actually work? I had to know! This book is filled with humor, inspiration, heart-warming moments, and self-reflection. There were so many times I found myself nodding along to what Jen was saying, and chatting with my friend (and future bride-to-be!) about this story. I loved each of the wedding stories that she chose to share, and it was easy to see how Jen excelled at being a professional bridesmaid, because I felt like we became friends just from reading this book! Get this on your reading list!
4.5 stars
I received a review copy
4.5 stars
I received a review copy
February 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. As a woman in my early 30s living in NYC, I found this book completely relatable . When Jen talked about sitting at home in Friday/Saturday nights bc all her friends were with their significant others, her awkward dates, Saturdays spent at the NYPL, and her love of all things pizza , I sometimes forgot I was reading about her and thought I was reading about myself. I absolutely owe her a slice a pizza- but I'm not sure who would enjoy it more! Thanks for a great book that made me realize I'm not the only one doing some of these things :)
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April 8, 2025This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More Quickie Review
Always a Bridesmaid is a fun book. We get to see Glantz go through awkward moments, and being a bridesmaid more times than I can count. I love when she and her friend had the epiphany to be a bridesmaid for hire. It's definitely a unique business.
I liked seeing glimpses into her childhood and the dates she gets setup on. She does tend to find the humor in situations when she's not completely comfortable.
Always a Bridesmaid for Hire is a book that will have you giggling and feel like you know Jen Glantz on a BFF basis.
Always a Bridesmaid is a fun book. We get to see Glantz go through awkward moments, and being a bridesmaid more times than I can count. I love when she and her friend had the epiphany to be a bridesmaid for hire. It's definitely a unique business.
I liked seeing glimpses into her childhood and the dates she gets setup on. She does tend to find the humor in situations when she's not completely comfortable.
Always a Bridesmaid for Hire is a book that will have you giggling and feel like you know Jen Glantz on a BFF basis.
May 30, 2017
Glantz spent so much time in her 20s being a bridesmaid for friends that she felt she could make a living at it. She put a half-joking ad on Craiglist under the "women seeking women" category, and it went viral the next day while she was at work at her regular copyediting job. So she launched a business as a professional bridesmaid for a couple of years, and now seems to be on a consulting / blogging / speaking gig about how to be a self-starter.
At its best when telling funny wedding stories. A little thin on content otherwise.
At its best when telling funny wedding stories. A little thin on content otherwise.
April 17, 2017
This was a really fun read. Jen Glantz walks you through all of her neurosis, while entertaining you with (horror) stories of her dating life and the insanity that is being a professional bridesmaid. The last chapter was a bit too meta, but overall a fun and easy read. I can't imagine her poor little feet after all those hours in horrible bridesmaid's shoes! (yes, this is a true story!)
March 8, 2017
Listened to on Audible: This had the potential to be really funny if the narrator wasn't the author. Her voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
July 31, 2017
From the first few pages I could tell this was going to be a quite a story with a lot of funny moments. To go along with the laugh out loud moments, add in a few "I feel ya girl" and "I now exactly where you're coming from" or in some cases (if you're me at least), turn to the person next to you and say, "this is so me". All the while getting extremely hungry for pizza.
As the title states, this book is complied of stories about growing up, looking for love and walking down the isle for complete strangers. I do however wish there was more story about her business and how it grew to where it is today. It was more of pairing childhood memories with love stories or I should say, lack of love stories with a wedding she had worked. Which is fine, it made for a good and funny read. I just wish there was more of how this business is run. How does she keep her head while jumping into a new dress each weekend (sometimes twice) and not lose it? While the writing is humorous and relatable, it got a tad bit confusing when she jumped around.
What I liked most about this story was that she adjusted, reset and changed the "time" of her own biological clock that society says you must follow before it is too late. She saw an opportunity and ran with it. Now she is on this journey, sharing a little slice of herself with strangers -until they're not so strange anymore-helping those who needed that little extra push down the isle, stitch to cover the hole, or someone just to witness the magic and joy when two people say I Do. I think you have to be one special, kind person to work with strangers and make their day the best it can be.
I think the biggest take away is advice she received, "you're to scared to fail, so you don't even move". Because life and change can be so daunting, failing seems like the end. Instead of trying and moving, you end up stuck, stagnant and not enjoying life. No matter where life takes you, no matter your journey, move, flow, and make your own opportunities.
As the title states, this book is complied of stories about growing up, looking for love and walking down the isle for complete strangers. I do however wish there was more story about her business and how it grew to where it is today. It was more of pairing childhood memories with love stories or I should say, lack of love stories with a wedding she had worked. Which is fine, it made for a good and funny read. I just wish there was more of how this business is run. How does she keep her head while jumping into a new dress each weekend (sometimes twice) and not lose it? While the writing is humorous and relatable, it got a tad bit confusing when she jumped around.
What I liked most about this story was that she adjusted, reset and changed the "time" of her own biological clock that society says you must follow before it is too late. She saw an opportunity and ran with it. Now she is on this journey, sharing a little slice of herself with strangers -until they're not so strange anymore-helping those who needed that little extra push down the isle, stitch to cover the hole, or someone just to witness the magic and joy when two people say I Do. I think you have to be one special, kind person to work with strangers and make their day the best it can be.
I think the biggest take away is advice she received, "you're to scared to fail, so you don't even move". Because life and change can be so daunting, failing seems like the end. Instead of trying and moving, you end up stuck, stagnant and not enjoying life. No matter where life takes you, no matter your journey, move, flow, and make your own opportunities.
December 4, 2019
Jen Glantz accidentally stumbled into a very strange job: being a professional bridesmaid.
After being a bridesmaid too many times for friends, she joked in an online ad about being a bridesmaid for hire. It went viral, and soon she found herself actually being paid to be in strangers' weddings.
It was interesting to hear about the background of these unusual situations: who would hire a bridesmaid, and why? Some brides needed last-minute replacements, lacked female friends, or needed someone to help deal with the family drama. Sometimes brides were straightforward to guests and the wedding party about having a professional bridesmaid, and other times there was a pre-arranged story about a long-lost childhood best friend. What Glantz did in weddings and preparations was often surprising: she'd be the one to handle high emotions or last-minute dress disasters.
Other chapters, Glantz was reflecting on her own dating life and friendships, particularly as she attended weddings of friends and strangers, seeing the way her own relationships changed.
The book was relatable and funny. She tells stories of wedding and dating disasters, but also sweet and charming anecdotes about friendship, love, or just being there for a stranger in need.
After being a bridesmaid too many times for friends, she joked in an online ad about being a bridesmaid for hire. It went viral, and soon she found herself actually being paid to be in strangers' weddings.
It was interesting to hear about the background of these unusual situations: who would hire a bridesmaid, and why? Some brides needed last-minute replacements, lacked female friends, or needed someone to help deal with the family drama. Sometimes brides were straightforward to guests and the wedding party about having a professional bridesmaid, and other times there was a pre-arranged story about a long-lost childhood best friend. What Glantz did in weddings and preparations was often surprising: she'd be the one to handle high emotions or last-minute dress disasters.
Other chapters, Glantz was reflecting on her own dating life and friendships, particularly as she attended weddings of friends and strangers, seeing the way her own relationships changed.
The book was relatable and funny. She tells stories of wedding and dating disasters, but also sweet and charming anecdotes about friendship, love, or just being there for a stranger in need.
May 20, 2017
The book itself was alright. The novelty of her business was interesting enough. However, I found that her style of writing was a bit on the rambling side. I wish I had read the print book instead of the audiobook. One of my library school mentors had warned us to be wary of audiobooks narrated by the author, and this was a case in point. The tempo and intonation of the narration was inconsistent, and phrases were not spoken in a way consistent with how they were (probably) intended.
(Spoiler alert - I was bothered how she used her book as a soapbox to show her approval for a sham marriage (that was knowingly a lie on both sides) . Sure there are lots of types of love, but marriage is based on free, open, and honest love, not a lie.)
(Spoiler alert - I was bothered how she used her book as a soapbox to show her approval for a sham marriage (that was knowingly a lie on both sides) . Sure there are lots of types of love, but marriage is based on free, open, and honest love, not a lie.)
August 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! Maybe because I'm still on a high from getting married less than a year ago, so I'm still into all things weddings - but I felt like this was written with a fun tune, with humor but also a realness to it. Strong 3.5 stars.
June 14, 2023
Disappointingly, not a book of stories about being a professional bridesmaid. You can probably skip this one. 2.5/5
March 29, 2017
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. This book is hilarious! It is a shame it doesn't seem more widely read. I wish best of luck to this author in getting her book more publicity and can't recommend it enough.
June 12, 2017
Review to follow
March 11, 2017
This book is chock-full of anecdotes that all single 20-something gals can relate to. Jen does a great job of combining humor with inspiration—reminding the reader that it's the stomach churning, "can I go hide under a rock now" moments in our lives that push us farther than we ever thought we could go.
March 6, 2017
This was such a fun book and actually relatable for the twenty-something NYC girl trying to make her way through life and love in the city.
August 1, 2019
Hilarious.
April 16, 2017
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is a humorous memoir from Jen Glantz. I immediately knew I had to read Always a Bridesmaid by Jen for a few reasons. One, I had already heard of her business- Bridesmaid for Hire and I thought it was genius! I have been casually following her through that and I love seeing things about how it all works. Two, Jen is my age and from the same town in Florida. We even went to the same high school for 2 years before our town built another school and split the students. I didn't know Jen growing up, but I had several mutual friends who did. So I was super curious when I saw she was coming out with her own book! And then finally, look at the tag line: "Stories on Growing Up, Looking for Love, and Walking Down the Aisle for Complete Strangers." That just sounds completely hilarious. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check this book out. And I was so glad that I did. Always a Bridesmaid(for hire) is fantastically funny and just plain fun.
Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) follows Jen on a series of blind dates that are each worse than the next and leads up to the start of her business idea. I loved the casual conversational writing style. I felt like I was sitting down with Jen and she was giving me a play by play for how the whole thing happened. I loved it. I read Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) in one quick afternoon. I'm going to give you a quick run-down for how her business came about, and then I will leave the rest of the fun and juicy bits for you to read about and enjoy. After Jen had been a bridesmaid about a million times, and after about a million bad dates of her own, she drunkenly made a craigslist ad saying she would be your bridesmaid for hire. She would help walk you through all the wedding and bridesmaid stuff that first timers have no idea about, then she went to sleep. And then she went viral and everything went from there. I had a blast on this journey with Jen.
I think this is a book that all twenty somethings should read. I think everyone will get something different out of it, whether you are single or not. I really loved it. I had a serious case of perma-smile while I was reading it. Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is a really, really fun book. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. But more than that, it is so easy to relate to Jen. She is do darn likable. I can't wait to see what she is going to write next! If you are looking for funny and fresh memoir for the millennial generation, this is it. If you are looking for a really funny read, read Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire). And then come back here so we can chat about it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) follows Jen on a series of blind dates that are each worse than the next and leads up to the start of her business idea. I loved the casual conversational writing style. I felt like I was sitting down with Jen and she was giving me a play by play for how the whole thing happened. I loved it. I read Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) in one quick afternoon. I'm going to give you a quick run-down for how her business came about, and then I will leave the rest of the fun and juicy bits for you to read about and enjoy. After Jen had been a bridesmaid about a million times, and after about a million bad dates of her own, she drunkenly made a craigslist ad saying she would be your bridesmaid for hire. She would help walk you through all the wedding and bridesmaid stuff that first timers have no idea about, then she went to sleep. And then she went viral and everything went from there. I had a blast on this journey with Jen.
I think this is a book that all twenty somethings should read. I think everyone will get something different out of it, whether you are single or not. I really loved it. I had a serious case of perma-smile while I was reading it. Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is a really, really fun book. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. But more than that, it is so easy to relate to Jen. She is do darn likable. I can't wait to see what she is going to write next! If you are looking for funny and fresh memoir for the millennial generation, this is it. If you are looking for a really funny read, read Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire). And then come back here so we can chat about it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
February 24, 2017
I adore this author's relatable humor, especially in the way she tells stories. There were several actual laugh out loud moments, and that's exactly what I was looking for in this book. I also appreciate the organization and honesty. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for some uplifting entertainment (:
April 17, 2017
Title: Always a Bridesmaid for Hire
Author: Jen Glantz
Read by: Jen Glantz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: Approximately 8 hours and 43 minutes
Source: Simon & Schuster Audio Digital Review Copy – Thank-you!
Sometimes you need a funny book to lift up your spirits on your way to and from work. Always a Bridesmaid for Hire is just such a book – a humorous book that gives you a good laugh. Jen Glantz is the author and narrator of the audiobook. As I listened, I felt like Jen Glantz was one of my “fun friends” who got into all sorts of scraps and always has a good story to tell. She was very relatable.
Jen Glantz is heading towards the end of her twenties and has more bridesmaid dresses than she knows what to do with. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Jen realizes that she can take her skills as a bridesmaid and turn it into a lucrative career. She is the bridesmaid for hire who will come to the wedding and keep the other bridesmaids in line and make sure that all emergencies are settled. This leads to a lot of funny situations and hilarity along the way.
I enjoyed that the audiobook was a person story of Jen Glantz and her life as well as the story of her unique business. Having been through my own wedding as well as the bridesmaid in several weddings, I could definite relate to the wedding woes. Also getting married at 25 was a big deal in a family where my mother and grandmother were married at 18. I felt like I was very old . . . although these days, I realize that 25 is not that old to get married! Poor Jen isn’t old, but after being the only single lady at one wedding, she is starting to feel that way.
Overall, I found this audiobook to be laugh out loud funny and very relatable. I would love to listen or read any of Jen Glantz’s future work, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.
This review was first posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2017/...
Author: Jen Glantz
Read by: Jen Glantz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: Approximately 8 hours and 43 minutes
Source: Simon & Schuster Audio Digital Review Copy – Thank-you!
Sometimes you need a funny book to lift up your spirits on your way to and from work. Always a Bridesmaid for Hire is just such a book – a humorous book that gives you a good laugh. Jen Glantz is the author and narrator of the audiobook. As I listened, I felt like Jen Glantz was one of my “fun friends” who got into all sorts of scraps and always has a good story to tell. She was very relatable.
Jen Glantz is heading towards the end of her twenties and has more bridesmaid dresses than she knows what to do with. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Jen realizes that she can take her skills as a bridesmaid and turn it into a lucrative career. She is the bridesmaid for hire who will come to the wedding and keep the other bridesmaids in line and make sure that all emergencies are settled. This leads to a lot of funny situations and hilarity along the way.
I enjoyed that the audiobook was a person story of Jen Glantz and her life as well as the story of her unique business. Having been through my own wedding as well as the bridesmaid in several weddings, I could definite relate to the wedding woes. Also getting married at 25 was a big deal in a family where my mother and grandmother were married at 18. I felt like I was very old . . . although these days, I realize that 25 is not that old to get married! Poor Jen isn’t old, but after being the only single lady at one wedding, she is starting to feel that way.
Overall, I found this audiobook to be laugh out loud funny and very relatable. I would love to listen or read any of Jen Glantz’s future work, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.
This review was first posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2017/...
May 2, 2017
#FirstLine ~ When you live in New York City, it's almost expected that people will see you at your very, very worst, very, very often.
Inspirational, funny and honest...and so much more! This book was pure fun. I adored all the candid talk and the fact that Glantz took control and became what she wanted...a boss of her own. You will laugh and love being on this journey with Jen. By the end of the book (or way sooner than that) you will want to be her BFF or at a minimum part of her tribe!!!
Inspirational, funny and honest...and so much more! This book was pure fun. I adored all the candid talk and the fact that Glantz took control and became what she wanted...a boss of her own. You will laugh and love being on this journey with Jen. By the end of the book (or way sooner than that) you will want to be her BFF or at a minimum part of her tribe!!!
February 7, 2017
This is not a manual on how to create a successful small business. More importantly, this is not a guide on how to be a professional bridesmaid. This is, however, a story about how one woman turned a closetful of bridesmaid dresses and troves of on the fly problem-solving skills into a thriving company. Jen Glantz is the “wildcard gal pal” every reader can’t help but relate to and wants to be friends with. The candid honesty and raw emotion found throughout Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is what makes this one of the best books I’ve read in years. Like, “can’t put it down, I ate six meals over my computer in order to finish reading this in two days,” GOOD.
The heart of this book is obviously Jen’s impromptu Craigslist ad, turned viral sensation startup business…but beyond the makeup, hairspray, and endless amount bobby pins, this book is really an introspective look at the relationships we form with others and the love we cultivate for one another.
As the chapters ebb and flow between past and present, Jen shares childhood lessons that have (or haven’t) prepared her for many of life’s challenges (think, impossible demands at work, underwhelming first dates, and all of the uncertainties in between).
Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is a book about how repeated failure is, in and of itself, success. Perhaps that a little bit how love works…you have to kiss a lot of frogs (and learn a lot about yourself in the process) before you can appreciate a Prince Charming when he shares your love for $1 street pizza and converse.
I was provided an ARC by Atria Books for the purposes of writing an honest review.
The heart of this book is obviously Jen’s impromptu Craigslist ad, turned viral sensation startup business…but beyond the makeup, hairspray, and endless amount bobby pins, this book is really an introspective look at the relationships we form with others and the love we cultivate for one another.
As the chapters ebb and flow between past and present, Jen shares childhood lessons that have (or haven’t) prepared her for many of life’s challenges (think, impossible demands at work, underwhelming first dates, and all of the uncertainties in between).
Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) is a book about how repeated failure is, in and of itself, success. Perhaps that a little bit how love works…you have to kiss a lot of frogs (and learn a lot about yourself in the process) before you can appreciate a Prince Charming when he shares your love for $1 street pizza and converse.
I was provided an ARC by Atria Books for the purposes of writing an honest review.
April 23, 2017
LOVED this book! Jen Glantz could totally be my new best friend. And, I'm sure that's how the brides who have hired her to act in that capacity feel as well.
This book reads like a romantic comedy, but it's a memoir. The true story of what happens when a single woman gets asked one too many times to sashay down the aisle in uncomfortable shoes and smile while another one of her friends pledges her life to her betrothed.
The result? Said girl goes on Craigslist and creates a tongue-in-cheek ad offering her services as a professional bridesmaid.
Then, goes to bed and wakes up to find her ad has gone viral and she's got a new career.
I vividly remember the time in my life when EVERYONE was getting married and I was constantly wearing a lovely dress that I could absolutely use many times over. *insert eye roll here*
By the way, this book contains a nifty list of things to do with a bridesmaid dress.
Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) captures that time with hilarious accuracy. Glantz's conversational style feels like she's telling you stories over margaritas rather than writing her life story.
And, at its heart, this book really isn't truly about being a bridesmaid, even though the stories she includes on that and her experiences with online dating had me laughing so hard that my dog woke up from her nap to check on me.
This book is really about love, friendship and losing yourself while trying to take care of everyone else.
Glantz takes you through her journey of discovering why someone would hire a professional bridesmaid, how she turned it into a career and how that led to her crying in an airport bathroom. All without asking for sympathy or pity. And, all with a terrific sense of humor.
I am a problem-solving, fix-it type person. I think that's why I could identify with Glantz's desire to be sure the brides she works for get the best day possible without having to sweat the little things.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to anyone who is at the point in their lives where every weekend is consumed with dress fittings, cake tastings, and bachelorette parties.
This book reads like a romantic comedy, but it's a memoir. The true story of what happens when a single woman gets asked one too many times to sashay down the aisle in uncomfortable shoes and smile while another one of her friends pledges her life to her betrothed.
The result? Said girl goes on Craigslist and creates a tongue-in-cheek ad offering her services as a professional bridesmaid.
Then, goes to bed and wakes up to find her ad has gone viral and she's got a new career.
I vividly remember the time in my life when EVERYONE was getting married and I was constantly wearing a lovely dress that I could absolutely use many times over. *insert eye roll here*
By the way, this book contains a nifty list of things to do with a bridesmaid dress.
Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) captures that time with hilarious accuracy. Glantz's conversational style feels like she's telling you stories over margaritas rather than writing her life story.
And, at its heart, this book really isn't truly about being a bridesmaid, even though the stories she includes on that and her experiences with online dating had me laughing so hard that my dog woke up from her nap to check on me.
This book is really about love, friendship and losing yourself while trying to take care of everyone else.
Glantz takes you through her journey of discovering why someone would hire a professional bridesmaid, how she turned it into a career and how that led to her crying in an airport bathroom. All without asking for sympathy or pity. And, all with a terrific sense of humor.
I am a problem-solving, fix-it type person. I think that's why I could identify with Glantz's desire to be sure the brides she works for get the best day possible without having to sweat the little things.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to anyone who is at the point in their lives where every weekend is consumed with dress fittings, cake tastings, and bachelorette parties.
September 10, 2017
"After the first time I was asked to be a bridesmaid I became a traveling toiletry section of CVS combined with the snack aisle of 7/11, my tote bags stuffed with individual packets of salted peanuts, fun-size Snickers bars, and Sara Lee muffins."
I wanted to like this book, but it wasn't quite what I expected.
I was intrigued by Jen Glantz's unique business and wanted to hear more about how it started but it took a while to get to the real story. The majority of the book focuses on Glantz's dating life (or lack of) and experience as a bridesmaid for her friends. I realize due to the nature of her work she can't really talk about what she does for the people that hired her but I was hoping for more anecdotes in this book.
I also found the writing to go on and on a bit at times. There's some sections where it felt like what she shared didn't really add context to the story it was just put out there so we knew more about her as a person and some of the stories she shared weren't particularly engaging. I don't really enjoy reading people talk about an interview that they've done that I can look up on youtube unless something really significant happened but that could just be me.
Personally the writing style and how the business was presented wasn't really interesting to me but the premise was.
I wanted to like this book, but it wasn't quite what I expected.
I was intrigued by Jen Glantz's unique business and wanted to hear more about how it started but it took a while to get to the real story. The majority of the book focuses on Glantz's dating life (or lack of) and experience as a bridesmaid for her friends. I realize due to the nature of her work she can't really talk about what she does for the people that hired her but I was hoping for more anecdotes in this book.
I also found the writing to go on and on a bit at times. There's some sections where it felt like what she shared didn't really add context to the story it was just put out there so we knew more about her as a person and some of the stories she shared weren't particularly engaging. I don't really enjoy reading people talk about an interview that they've done that I can look up on youtube unless something really significant happened but that could just be me.
Personally the writing style and how the business was presented wasn't really interesting to me but the premise was.
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