Get Your Bridesmaids Helping: Tips And Tricks

Being a bride is stressful, and it's natural to want your bridesmaids to help you out. However, it's important to remember that their only real duties are to show up on time, in the right attire, and sober. Anything more than that is a bonus. If you want your bridesmaids to help with planning or other tasks, it's important to communicate your expectations clearly and early on. Let them know what you need help with and ask if they're willing and able to assist. Be flexible and understanding of their time and financial constraints, and don't forget to show your appreciation.

Ask for help early on

Asking for help early on is a great way to ensure that your bridesmaids are happy to help and that you get the support you need. Here are some tips to help you do this effectively:

Talk about expectations early

It's important to have long talks with your bridesmaids before asking them to be in your wedding party. Discuss what you want from them and what they are willing and able to do. Be clear about your needs, but also be understanding of their situation. Some bridesmaids may be more involved than others, and that's okay!

Keep talking about it

Communication is key. As you plan your wedding, keep asking your bridesmaids if they are able and willing to help with specific tasks. Don't make demands or assumptions. Instead, frame it as a question and be understanding if they can't commit.

Don't leave them hanging

Provide clear guidance and directions to your bridesmaids. While you don't want to be too bossy, giving them too little information can also be confusing and frustrating. Find a balance by asking for their input and making sure they have what they need to help you.

Show your appreciation

Thank your bridesmaids often and sincerely. Let them know how much you appreciate their help and support. This can be done through words, small gifts, or thoughtful gestures. Make sure they feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

Be clear about your needs

Being clear about your needs is a crucial aspect of getting your bridesmaids to help without creating resentment. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Have Long Talks Before Asking Them to Be in Your Wedding Party

It's essential to have thorough conversations with your potential bridesmaids before they accept the role. Discuss what you want and expect from them and be open to hearing their thoughts and concerns. This way, you can ensure everyone is on the same page from the start.

Be Clear and Specific About Your Requests

When you need help, be explicit about your needs and how their assistance fits into their role as a bridesmaid. For example, you could say, "I'm realising I could really use some help assembling the YAY flags. I'd love your help with this as part of your bridesmaiding. Are you available and willing?"

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Don't make assumptions about their availability or willingness to help with certain tasks. Check in with them regularly and ask if they can help with specific tasks. This way, you can adapt to their availability and willingness to take on certain responsibilities.

Provide Clear Direction

While you don't want to be bossy, it's essential to provide enough direction to avoid confusion and frustration. Give them a clear understanding of your expectations and the scope of the task. This way, they know what success looks like and can feel empowered to take ownership of the task.

Show Your Appreciation

Make sure to thank your bridesmaids often and sincerely. Let them know how much you appreciate their help and support. This can be done through words, small gifts, thoughtful gestures, or a combination of all three!

Don't leave bridesmaids hanging

It's your big day, and you want everything to be perfect. But that doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Your bridesmaids are there to support you and make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch. So, how can you get them to help without feeling like you're bossing them around?

Talk About Expectations Early

It's important to have long talks with your bridesmaids before you ask them to be in your wedding party. Discuss what you expect from them and what they are comfortable with. Are they crafty and will love helping with invitations? Or are they super busy and can only commit to showing up on the day? It's better to have these conversations early on to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Keep Talking

Even after you've chosen your bridesmaids, keep the lines of communication open. If you need help with something, ask them, don't demand it. For example, say, "I'm starting to work on decorations and could really use some help assembling YAY flags. Would you be able to lend a hand?" This way, they know exactly what you need and can decide if they have the time to help.

Don't Leave Them Hanging

Give your bridesmaids clear guidance on what you need from them. If you're too vague, they may feel confused and unsure of what to do. Provide them with enough direction so they can be confident in their tasks. But also be flexible and open to their ideas and input. It's a collaboration, after all!

Show Your Appreciation

Thank your bridesmaids early and often. Let them know how much you appreciate their help and support. Send them thank-you notes, treat them to pizza at DIY parties, or even break out into song over beers at your local pub. Make sure they feel valued and loved for all their hard work.

Remember, it's all about communication and appreciation. By talking openly and honestly with your bridesmaids and showing your gratitude, you'll have a happy and helpful wedding party.

Show appreciation

Showing appreciation for your bridesmaids is a great way to strengthen your relationships with them and make them feel valued and appreciated. Here are some ways to show your gratitude and foster a positive tone for your future interactions:

Gifts

Gifts are a popular way to show appreciation to your bridesmaids. While they are technically optional, they are a thoughtful way to express your gratitude. You can give them something before, after, or on the wedding day itself. Here are some gift ideas:

• Personalized items like custom embroidered pajamas, monogrammed tote bags, or birthstone jewelry.
• Items that fit their hobbies or style, such as a yoga mat, a wellness journal, or a custom-painted mini canvas.
• Sentimental gifts like a photo book filled with your favorite memories or a custom-illustrated card.
• Practical gifts like a travel jewelry case, a cozy throw blanket, or a personalized water bottle.
• Fun gifts like smiley face slippers, disco ball tumblers, or custom name bracelets.

Heartfelt Quotes

Thank you quotes are another way to express your appreciation. You can use them in thank-you cards, speeches, or even as part of your gifts to your bridesmaids. Here are some examples:

• "Thank you for standing by my side on the most important day of my life. Your love and support mean everything to me."
• "I am so grateful to have you as my bridesmaid. Your friendship has been a blessing in my life."
• "Thank you for being my rock during the wedding planning process. I couldn't have done it without you."
• "You made my wedding day even more special. Thank you for being there."
• "Thank you for being my confidant and helping me make the tough decisions."
• "I appreciate all the time and effort you put into making my wedding day perfect."

Actions

It's important to remember that your bridesmaids are more than just bridesmaids; they are your sisters, cousins, closest friends, or future sisters-in-law. Here are some ways to show your appreciation through your actions:

• Take the time to honor those relationships by asking about their lives and truly listening.
• When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, consider their opinions and give them some leeway within your guidelines, especially if the cost or fit makes them uncomfortable.
• Find tasks that suit their personalities and skill sets. For example, a super-organized friend might enjoy working on the seating chart, while your club-hopping sister can help choose songs for the dance floor.
• Thank them every chance you get, as publicly as possible. Thank them with cards, gifts, or even by breaking out into song!

Communicate openly

Open and honest communication is key to getting your bridesmaids to help you. It's important to have long talks with your bridesmaids before you ask them to be in your wedding party. Be explicit about your expectations and what you need from them. If you don't know what you want from your bridesmaids, figure it out before you go asking people.

Once you've decided what you want, ask for help, don't demand it. For example, say something like, "I could really use some help assembling these flags. Would you be able to help me with this as part of your bridesmaiding?"

It's also important to be clear about your needs and that you see this help as part of their role as a bridesmaid. However, always ask, never assume. Keep the lines of communication open and keep checking in with your bridesmaids throughout the process.

Remember that your wedding might be the centre of your universe, but it's not necessarily the centre of your bridesmaids' universes. They might have other things going on in their lives, so try to be flexible and understanding.

Frequently asked questions