A Night With The Bridesmaids: Should You Stay Or Go?

Spending the night before a wedding with your bridesmaids is a popular choice for many brides. It is a chance to bond, relax, and create lasting memories with your closest friends. Some brides opt for a slumber party with games, movies, and snacks, while others prefer a more low-key evening with facemasks and early bedtimes. For brides with out-of-town bridesmaids, staying together can be a convenient and cost-effective option. However, it is not a requirement, and some brides may prefer to spend the night with their family, partner, or alone. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and what will make the bride feel most comfortable and excited for the big day.

Sleepover games and activities

Spending the night before the wedding with the bridesmaids is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Here are some fun games and activities to make the sleepover exciting and memorable:

• Movie Marathon: Choose a theme, such as a specific genre or a movie series, and create a cosy atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and snacks. You can even set up a DIY movie theatre using a sheet and a projector.
• Cooking or Baking Challenge: Split into teams or work individually to create dishes or baked goods. Set a theme or a specific ingredient, and don't forget to provide prizes for the winners!
• Board or Card Games: Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or card games like Uno are always a hit. Add a twist by creating your own rules or challenges to keep things exciting.
• Karaoke Night: Rent or buy a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and add some props like hats and sunglasses. You can even set up a stage and have judges to make it more competitive.
• DIY Spa Night: Gather face masks, nail polish, body lotion, candles, and soothing music to create a relaxing spa atmosphere. Take turns pampering each other with manicures, facials, and experimenting with hairstyles or makeup looks.
• Truth or Dare: A classic sleepover game that never gets old. Prepare some fun truth questions and dares, and get ready for lots of laughter and embarrassing moments!
• Murder Mystery Party: Choose or create a murder mystery kit, assign characters, provide costume ideas, and decorate accordingly. During the party, interact, gather clues, and solve the fictional murder case together.
• Backyard Camping: Set up a tent, build a campfire, roast marshmallows, and tell ghost stories. Bring board games, cards, or a portable speaker for a night of fun outdoors.
• Video Games: With so many options available, you're sure to find something everyone will enjoy. Try multiplayer games like Mario Kart or retro games like Super Mario Bros for a trip down memory lane.
• Direct a Movie or Short Film: Brainstorm ideas, assign roles, and use your smartphone or camera to film. Get creative with props, lighting, and editing software to make your film unique and entertaining.

Remember, the key is to have fun, bond with your bridesmaids, and create lasting memories. Choose activities that everyone will enjoy and don't be afraid to add your own unique twists to make the night even more special!

Bridesmaid gifts

Spending the night before the wedding with your bridesmaids is a fun tradition, but it is not for everyone. It can be a great way to bond and create memories with your closest friends, but it can also be a bit chaotic and may not result in a good night's sleep. Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide if she wants to spend the night with her bridesmaids or not, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Now, when it comes to bridesmaid gifts, it's always a nice idea to show your appreciation to your bridesmaids with a thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Personalized items: You can gift them something personalized, like a travel jewelry case, a water bottle, a tote bag, or a makeup bag with their initials or names on it. This adds a special touch and makes the gift more unique.
• Comfort items: Gifts like cozy slippers, robes, or pashmina shawls can be both comfortable and stylish. They can be used while getting ready on the wedding day and will remind your bridesmaids of your special day every time they use them.
• Jewelry: A piece of jewelry that your bridesmaids can wear on the wedding day and beyond is always a good idea. Consider earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that match their style and personality. You can even include a thoughtful note, such as "My 'I Do' Will Succ without You!" or "Pearls For My Girls."
• Self-care items: Treat your bridesmaids to some relaxation with self-care gifts like lotion, face cream, bath products, essential oils, or a spa gift set. You can also include items like face masks, nail polish, or a nice perfume that they can use to pamper themselves.
• Practical gifts: Think about items that your bridesmaids can use beyond the wedding day. Travel jewelry boxes, nice wallets, or even a book in their favourite genre are gifts that are both practical and meaningful.
• Experience gifts: Instead of material gifts, you can offer an experience. Treat your bridesmaids to a manicure, pedicure, or a spa day. You can also gift them movie tickets or a gift card to their favourite restaurant for a fun night out.
• Handmade gifts: If you're crafty, consider making something personalized for your bridesmaids. This could be a knitted scarf, a handmade candle, or even embroidered bags. These gifts will surely be cherished for their thoughtful and unique nature.
• Consumables: Edible gifts are always a delightful option. Bake some cookies, prepare gourmet marshmallows, or gift a bottle of their favourite wine or a themed cocktail mix.
• Getting ready outfits: Gift your bridesmaids comfortable outfits to wear while getting ready on the morning of the wedding. This could be button-downs, hoodies, shorts, or even personalised pyjamas for a cute photo opportunity.

Remember, when choosing bridesmaid gifts, it's important to consider their individual tastes, interests, and hobbies. A thoughtful, personalized gift will always be cherished over something generic. You can also include a heartfelt note with each gift to express your gratitude and make it even more special.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a longstanding wedding tradition, predating even the days when guests would travel for weeks to get to a wedding. It's a chance for the couple, their families, and the wedding party to come together and get to know each other. It's usually held the night before the wedding, after the wedding rehearsal, but sometimes couples opt to hold it two days before to allow for recovery time before the big day.

The dinner can be formal or casual, large-scale or intimate—it's up to the couple to decide. It doesn't even have to be a dinner; a rehearsal brunch, lunch, cocktails, or even a softball game and picnic are all valid options. The key is to share a meal and spend time together before the wedding.

The guest list usually includes the wedding party, their dates, and out-of-town guests, but it can be as big or small as the couple prefers. Traditionally, the groom's family hosts and pays for the event, but nowadays, the costs are often split as part of general wedding expenses.

The rehearsal dinner is also an opportunity for toasts and speeches, especially from those who won't be speaking at the wedding reception. The groom toasts his bride, and the fathers of the couple often give speeches. Gifts for the wedding party are also commonly exchanged at this time.

As for the location, it's common to hold the dinner at a country club or restaurant, or even at the couple's home. Many wedding venues also offer on-site rehearsal dinner options. It's best to keep the event relatively informal and low-key, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to mingle and get to know each other.

• Hire a photographer to capture the special moments.
• Pick a theme to help with venue selection.
• Don't plan anything too extravagant that could overshadow the wedding.
• Choose a location close to the wedding venue or rehearsal location for convenience.
• Give clear communication to guests about what to expect, from meal details to the dress code.
• Remember to eat in moderation and avoid overindulging the night before the wedding.
• Keep the event timely and not too raucous, ensuring guests are well-rested for the main event.

The rehearsal dinner is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and create lasting memories before the big day. It's a chance to share hospitality, enjoy good food, and celebrate the love that will be sealed at the wedding.

Getting ready together

Spending the night before the wedding with your bridesmaids can be a fun way to calm pre-wedding nerves and promote better sleep before the big day. Here are some ideas for activities to do with your bridesmaids to make the night memorable and relaxing:

Host a Sleepover

A bridal party sleepover is a fun way to spend the night before the wedding. Light some candles, put on some music, and spend the evening chatting and laughing with your bridesmaids. Bring cosy pyjamas, plan sleepover games, and watch romantic movies to create a fun and relaxing atmosphere. This is also a great opportunity to do some beauty preparations, such as face masks, nail painting, and waxing, to save time on the wedding day.

Get Set for the Morning

Take some time to prepare the bridal suite for the morning of the wedding. Ensure the bride has everything she needs for the wedding and honeymoon, and check on any last-minute details with the venue or speeches. Hang up your dresses to ensure they are wrinkle-free and ready for the big day.

Cook a Healthy Meal or Snack

Preparing and sharing a healthy meal or snack with your bridesmaids is a great way to bond and ensure you're feeling your best for the wedding. Opt for foods that will make you feel energised and avoid anything that might cause skin issues or bloating.

Relax and Unwind

The night before the wedding is all about relaxation. Consider ordering room service or enjoying a healthy dinner if you don't feel like cooking. Light some calming candles, put on your favourite PJs, and sip on herbal tea to soothe any nerves. You can also book a yoga or meditation class to help you and your bridesmaids unwind and set a calm tone for the evening.

Exchange Gifts

If you're planning to give your bridesmaids gifts, the night before the wedding is a perfect time to do so. It's a sentimental touch that makes the experience more memorable. You don't have to spend a lot—even a photograph and a thank-you letter can be meaningful. Consider gifting your bridesmaids cosy bridal PJs and slippers that they can wear that evening and during the getting-ready photos on the wedding morning.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this special time with your bridesmaids and create lasting memories. Whether you're staying in or going out, make sure you're taking care of yourself and having fun!

Sleep arrangements

• Bridal Party Sleepover: Spending the night before the wedding with your bridesmaids can be a fun and memorable experience. It provides an opportunity for bonding, chatting, and enjoying each other's company. This tradition is also believed to bring good luck to the bride. However, some brides may prefer their privacy and a quiet environment to relax and get a good night's sleep.
• Separate Accommodations: If the bridesmaids prefer their own space or have significant others attending the wedding, they can opt for separate hotel rooms or accommodations. This allows for more privacy and a quiet environment to rest before the big day.
• Combination of Both: A hybrid approach is also feasible. Bridesmaids who live locally or have their own accommodations can meet up with the bride and other bridesmaids for part of the evening and then retire to their own spaces for the night. This way, everyone can enjoy some quality time together without compromising their comfort and sleep.
• Destination Wedding Sleepover: If the wedding is at a destination or resort, booking a large chalet or suite for all the bridesmaids and their partners can be a fun sleepover option. This creates a festive atmosphere and ensures that everyone is together and ready for the wedding activities the next day.

Ultimately, the decision on sleep arrangements depends on the bride's and bridesmaids' preferences, the wedding location, and the level of comfort and privacy desired. It is important to communicate and plan ahead to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable evening before the big day.

Frequently asked questions