Brides, Treat Your Bridesmaids With Love And Care

Being a good bride to your bridesmaids is all about being supportive, proactive, and positive. Bridesmaids are there to support the bride, but the bride can also support her bridesmaids by being clear about expectations, communicating honestly, and offering help when needed. Before the wedding, brides should establish who is paying for what, be tactful when giving opinions, and check in with their bridesmaids regularly. On the wedding day, it's important for brides to delegate tasks, stay calm and positive, and make sure their bridesmaids are taken care of. After the wedding, there may be additional duties such as helping with cleanup or transporting gifts. Overall, being a good bride to your bridesmaids involves clear communication, support, and a willingness to help each other out.

Be emotionally supportive

Being emotionally supportive is a key part of being a good bride to your bridesmaids. Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important to be there for your bridesmaids and ensure they feel calm and cared for. Here are some ways to provide emotional support:

• Be a good listener: Let your bridesmaids vent without interruption and offer a shoulder to cry on. Be the calm in the midst of the madness and help them see the fun side of planning if they're feeling overwhelmed.
• Offer practical help: Be specific and ask about particular tasks you can take off their plates. Check in with them regularly and offer practical assistance whenever possible.
• Create a supportive environment: Establish a calm and positive atmosphere, especially on the morning of the wedding. Keep tensions and stress at bay, and be mindful of your bridesmaids' needs.
• Be understanding: Understand that each bridesmaid is unique and may have different expectations or needs. Be flexible and accommodating, and try to put yourself in their shoes.
• Show gratitude: Express your appreciation for your bridesmaids and let them know how much you value their friendship and support.
• Communicate honestly: Have open and honest conversations about responsibilities and expectations. Be communicative about any concerns or limitations you may have, and work together to find solutions.

Communicate honestly

Communication is key to any relationship, and this is no different when it comes to being a good bride to your bridesmaids. Being open and honest with your bridesmaids will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that expectations are clear. Here are some tips to help you communicate honestly and effectively:

Be Clear About Responsibilities and Expectations:

Have honest conversations with your bridesmaids from the very beginning about their responsibilities and your expectations. It's important that everyone understands their role and what is expected of them. Be mindful that your bridesmaids may have different financial situations, so be understanding if they have limitations and work together to find solutions.

Listen and Be Supportive:

Wedding planning can be stressful, so be there for your bridesmaids as a supportive and calm presence. Let them vent to you, offer a listening ear, and provide emotional support. Be mindful of their limits and step in if they seem overwhelmed. Offer specific help and take tasks off their plates when you can.

Be Flexible and Accommodating:

Understand that your bridesmaids may have different personalities, backgrounds, and comfort levels. Be flexible and accommodating to their needs and preferences, especially when it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses. If some of your bridesmaids don't know each other, take the initiative to foster a positive group dynamic. Be kind, play nice, and avoid any unnecessary drama.

Stay Organised and Informed:

Keep your bridesmaids informed about the wedding plans and any updates. Share important information, such as the wedding timeline, supplier contacts, and the couple's suppliers' list. This will help them feel involved and prepared.

Check in Regularly:

Maintain open lines of communication by checking in with your bridesmaids regularly. Ask specific questions about their tasks and offer practical help whenever possible. This will show your support and ensure that everyone is on track.

Provide Constructive Feedback:

If your bridesmaids ask for your opinion, be tactful and constructive. For example, if a bridesmaid dress doesn't flatter someone, suggest an alternative that highlights their best features. Remember, it's important to foster an environment where honest communication is valued and respected.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to establishing honest and open communication with your bridesmaids, which will contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Help with pre-wedding events

As a bride, there are many ways you can support your bridesmaids during pre-wedding events. Here are some ideas to help you be a great bride to your bridesmaids:

Planning and Communication

• Be emotionally supportive: Wedding planning can be stressful, so be there for your bridesmaids and provide a calm presence. Offer a listening ear and be available for non-wedding-related conversations if they need a break from planning.
• Communicate openly and honestly: Understand their expectations and responsibilities as bridesmaids, and be clear about what you expect from them. Discuss financial expectations early on to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Embrace the group mentality: Encourage your bridesmaids to connect and get to know each other. Share contact information and consider creating a group chat or a Facebook group for easier communication and bonding.
• Don't micromanage: Trust your bridesmaids to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. Allow them to plan and make decisions without your constant input, and be open to pleasant surprises.

Pre-Wedding Events

• Bridal shower: The maid of honour usually takes the lead in planning the bridal shower, but offer your support and assistance where needed. It's customary to give a gift, such as a spa day or a facial, or to chip in for a larger group gift.
• Bachelorette party: Planning and paying for the bachelorette party is another significant pre-wedding responsibility for the bridesmaids. As the bride, you can offer guidance and input to ensure the event aligns with your preferences and comfort level.
• Bridal brunch/luncheon: Host or co-host a bridal brunch or bridesmaids luncheon to thank your bridesmaids for their support during the planning process. This is a great opportunity to create memories and strengthen your bond before the big day.
• Rehearsal dinner: The rehearsal dinner is an important pre-wedding event for your wedding party and families to get acquainted. As the bride, you can play a key role in planning and organising this event to ensure it runs smoothly.
• Welcome party: The welcome party is another pre-wedding event where your out-of-town guests can mingle and get to know each other. While attendance is optional, your presence can enhance the celebration and create a warm atmosphere for your guests.

Remember, each bridal party is unique, and the expectations and responsibilities may vary. Open communication and a supportive attitude will go a long way in creating a positive and memorable experience for both you and your bridesmaids during the pre-wedding events.

Be tactful when giving opinions

Being a good bridesmaid means you've likely been asked because the bride feels she can trust you. It's helpful to share your opinion if you can do it tactfully and constructively. This means being supportive and positive, and offering your help early on and throughout the planning process.

During Dress Shopping

If the bride has already purchased her wedding dress, then you love it. If she hasn't and the one she's trying on doesn't flatter her, buffer the negative with a positive. For example, you could say, "That dress you tried on before really showed off your waist."

When Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses

If the bride's chosen look for the bridesmaids is truly terrible, gather support from the other bridesmaids and tactfully suggest an alternative. For example, "We love the idea of a strapless dress, but it doesn't work on every chest. How about we do the same colour but with different tops?"

During Planning

Remember that each bride is different and may have distinct expectations for her bridesmaids. Take the time to understand what's expected of you by having honest conversations about responsibilities from the beginning. If you can't afford something, be communicative about it.

During Pre-Wedding Events

If the bride is choosing between a fun night out and a cosy night in for her hen party, for example, be honest about what you think she would prefer. You know the bride best, so share your opinion when it counts.

Be available and present

Being available and present is one of the most important ways to be a good bride to your bridesmaids. Here are some ways to ensure you're there for your bridesmaids:

Before the Wedding

Make yourself available for wedding dress shopping and fittings. Be there to listen and provide emotional support to your bridesmaids. Wedding planning can be stressful, so be the calm in the storm and let your bridesmaids vent to you if needed. Be specific about the tasks you can take on and check in with your bridesmaids regularly to offer practical help.

During the Wedding

Stay positive and flexible throughout the day. Keep your cool if something goes wrong and focus on keeping the bride and bridesmaids calm and celebrated. Be mindful of the wedding planner's schedule and do whatever is asked of you to ensure a smooth day.

After the Wedding

Your duties may extend beyond the wedding day itself, especially if it's a weekend wedding. Help with any post-wedding events, such as a next-day brunch, and offer to take leftover items back to the hotel or return rentals to vendors.

Frequently asked questions