Bridesmaids Abroad: Coordinating Your Dream Team Seamlessly

Coordinating bridesmaids' outfits is a challenging yet exciting part of wedding planning. While it is nearly impossible to match your bridal party completely, there are many ways to achieve a cohesive look. The first step is to pick a wedding colour palette, which will be used throughout the ceremony space and decorations. From there, you can decide on 1-2 primary colours that will be used for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. To make the process easier, you can order fabric swatches to see how different colours, patterns and textures look together. You can then decide on a unifying design detail, such as matching the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses with the groomsmen's ties or pocket squares.

Planning pre-wedding events

9–11 months before the wedding:

• Send out "save the dates" to give your guests plenty of notice and time to plan their travel arrangements.
• Set up a wedding room block and research group accommodation options near the venue to recommend to your guests.
• Create a wedding website with details on travel, accommodation, local attractions, and predicted weather so your guests can prepare.
• Plan additional wedding events, such as a welcome party or post-wedding brunch, and add them to your RSVP card.

6–8 months before the wedding:

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner location. It is customary to invite all guests to the rehearsal dinner for a destination wedding.
• Order your wedding invitations and give guests plenty of time to RSVP.

3–5 months before the wedding:

• Finalise the guest list and send out invitations.
• Schedule any informal recreational activities, such as group tours or tastings, and update your wedding website with these plans.

6–8 weeks before the wedding:

• Finalise travel and accommodation bookings, guest RSVPs, and meal choices.
• Order wedding favours and arrange welcome bags for your guests' rooms, which may include treats, a welcome note, and travel-sized essentials.

3–5 weeks before the wedding:

Send any decorations, favours, welcome bag items, or paper goods that can't be carried on the plane to your on-site wedding coordinator.

1–2 weeks before the wedding:

• Finalise your seating arrangements and create a seating chart or place cards.
• Put together a wedding emergency kit.
• Check the weather forecast and confirm a contingency plan with your venue if the weather looks iffy.
• Start packing for your wedding and honeymoon, including outfits for different wedding events.

Once you arrive at the destination:

• Do a walk-through of the ceremony and reception venue.
• Meet with your coordinator and other vendors.
• Apply for your marriage license, if necessary.
• Have a tasting with your caterer or cake maker, if possible.
• Make sure welcome bags will be delivered to guests' rooms.
• Do a hair and makeup trial.
• Host the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and give out wedding party gifts.
• Get plenty of rest and allow enough time to get ready on the day.

Choosing dresses

Firstly, it's worth considering the season and setting of your wedding. If you're getting married in the fall, for example, you might want to opt for dresses in autumnal shades such as oranges, deep reds, and greens. If you're having a spring wedding, pastel pinks, purples, and blues could be a lovely choice. You can also consider textures such as velvet, lace, satin, sequins, and ruffles to add interest and variety.

If you want a classic, coordinated look, you could opt for dresses in shades that are naturally found in nature, such as Chaniti, Cinnamon, Juniper, or Quartz. This can be easily achieved by matching the bridesmaids' dresses with the groomsmen's ties or bow ties.

For a more unique look, you could let your creativity flow by mixing and matching colours, fabrics, and styles. Picking colours with the same saturation and undertone will help create a cohesive look. You could also choose a print, such as floral or animal print, and have each bridesmaid wear a different colour in the same print.

If you're worried about finding a dress that flatters everyone, you could opt for a similar colour but in different cuts. This way, your bridesmaids will still look like they are in unison, but they will also feel confident in their own look.

Remember, it's okay if everything doesn't match perfectly. Once you accept that, choosing dresses will become a much simpler task!

Staying in contact

Create a Group Chat

Creating a WhatsApp group with the bride and all the bridesmaids is a great way to facilitate easy communication and ensure everyone feels involved. This allows for quick updates, sharing of ideas, and a space to ask questions. It also helps foster a sense of community among the bridal party, which is especially important if they haven't all met in person.

Regular Check-Ins

Checking in with the bridal party regularly is crucial. This can be done through the group chat or individual messages. Offer practical help and be specific about tasks that need to be done. This ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them and can plan accordingly, especially if they live in different time zones.

Virtual Meetings

For important discussions or more detailed planning sessions, consider scheduling virtual meetings via video call. This allows everyone to be "present" and actively participate in the decision-making process. It also helps create a sense of unity and ensures that all voices are heard.

Email Updates

For longer or more detailed updates, sending email newsletters to the bridal party can be a great way to keep everyone informed. This is also a good way to share any inspiration or reference materials that may be helpful for the group to review at their own pace.

Phone Calls

Don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned phone call! Sometimes, a quick chat over the phone can be more efficient and personal than a text or email exchange. It also allows for a more spontaneous conversation, which can be helpful when ideas or questions arise unexpectedly.

Time Zone Awareness

When planning meetings or setting deadlines, always be mindful of everyone's time zones. Try to find a time that works for everyone, and be flexible. This ensures that no one feels left out or overwhelmed trying to keep up with different time zones.

By utilising these communication strategies, you can effectively stay in contact with your bridesmaids, even if they are scattered across the globe. Regular and open communication will help ensure that everyone feels valued and included in the wedding planning process.

Emotional support

Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility and can be a source of stress, so it's important to provide emotional support to your bridesmaids, especially if they are abroad and may be feeling left out. Here are some ways to do that:

• Keep them in the loop: Share all the details about the wedding plans, including any changes or updates. This will help them feel included and involved, even if they can't be physically present for all the events.
• Be understanding: Recognise that your abroad bridesmaid may not be able to attend every pre-wedding event or activity. Try not to pressure them, and let them know that you understand and support their participation in a way that works for them.
• Virtual inclusion: Include your abroad bridesmaid virtually whenever possible. For example, they can join dress shopping trips or planning meetings via video call. This way, they can still feel involved and part of the process.
• Open communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your abroad bridesmaid. Let them know that they can come to you with any concerns or challenges they may be facing. Be supportive and understanding of their unique situation.
• Offer assistance: If possible, offer to help with some of the costs or logistics for your abroad bridesmaid. For example, you could offer to cover the cost of their dress or help them with their travel arrangements. This can reduce some of the financial burdens they may be facing.
• Be flexible: Understand that your abroad bridesmaid's circumstances may change, and be flexible and adaptable. If they can no longer make the trip, find other ways for them to be involved, such as through video calls or by including them in decision-making processes.
• Assign a buddy: Assign one of your local bridesmaids or another member of the wedding party to check in with your abroad bridesmaid regularly. They can provide additional support, answer any questions, and help your abroad bridesmaid feel connected to the group.

Day-of logistics

On the day of the wedding, there are several ways to coordinate your bridesmaids, especially if they are coming from abroad. Here are some tips to ensure the day goes smoothly:

Firstly, it is important to be prepped and on time. As a bridesmaid, you should ensure you are ready early and that the atmosphere in the room is upbeat and positive. Music is a great way to keep the mood light and joyful. It is also key to ensure the bride eats and stays hydrated throughout the day.

Secondly, bridesmaids should be mindful of the timeline of the day. Although it is not necessary to memorise the schedule, having a good understanding of how the day will flow is beneficial. This includes being aware of the order of the processional and knowing when to walk down the aisle and where to stand.

Thirdly, bridesmaids should act as a point of contact for any key people, such as the photographer, videographer, or florist. They should also be prepared to answer any questions from guests and suppliers, keeping issues away from the couple where possible.

Additionally, bridesmaids should be on hand to help the bride with her dress, shoes, and jewellery, as well as any last-minute touch-ups with hair and makeup. They can also ensure the bride has everything she needs for photos, such as a touch-up lipstick, blotting papers, and her phone.

Finally, throughout the day, bridesmaids should assist the bride with her dress and veil, especially when she needs to move around, such as getting in and out of cars or walking down the aisle. They can also take care of the bride's bouquet during the ceremony and help round up family members for photos.

By following these suggestions, bridesmaids can ensure the day runs smoothly and the bride feels supported and celebrated.

Frequently asked questions