Involving Bridesmaids: Creative Ways To Make Them Feel Special

Involving your bridesmaids in your wedding is about more than just having them show up on the day. Your bridesmaids are there to support you, but they also have a key role to play in the lead-up to and during the wedding. Here are some ideas for how to involve your bridesmaids and ensure they feel valued and appreciated.

Ask them to help with wedding dress shopping and fittings

Asking your bridesmaids to help with wedding dress shopping and fittings is a great way to involve them in the planning process and make them feel valued. Here are some tips to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free for everyone:

Communication is Key

Keep your bridesmaids informed about the wedding dress shopping process from the beginning. Let them know your vision, budget, and timeline as early as possible. This will give them enough time to prepare and ensure that their schedules are clear for the fittings and appointments. Effective communication will also help manage expectations and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Respect Their Opinions

While it's your special day and the final decision rests with you, it's important to respect your bridesmaids' opinions during the dress shopping process. Encourage open and honest discussions about styles, colours, and fits. If they have concerns or preferences, listen to them and try to find a compromise. Remember, your bridesmaids want you to look and feel your best, so their input can be valuable.

Be Mindful of Budgets

Wedding attire can be expensive, and your bridesmaids may have financial constraints. Be considerate of their budgets when selecting dresses and offer affordable options. You can suggest rental dresses or propose budget-friendly alternatives to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. Remember, you want your bridesmaids to enjoy the experience without feeling financially strained.

Provide Clear Guidelines

When asking your bridesmaids to help with fittings, provide them with clear guidelines and expectations. Communicate the dress code, colour palette, and any specific requirements, such as shoes or accessories. This will help them prepare accordingly and reduce the risk of last-minute surprises or additional expenses. Clear guidelines will also ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the fittings run smoothly.

Make it a Memorable Experience

Wedding dress shopping and fittings can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your bridesmaids. Plan some special activities or treats to make the day memorable. For example, you can organise a light brunch or a fun photoshoot to celebrate the occasion. Creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere will leave everyone with fond memories of the day.

Offer Support and Flexibility

Understand that your bridesmaids have their own commitments and schedules. Be flexible and accommodating whenever possible. Offer support and assistance if they have challenges attending fittings or finding the right attire. Remember that they are an important part of your wedding, and their presence and participation are valuable.

Send a letter in a bottle

Sending a letter in a bottle is a fun and unique way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Here are some tips to make it special:

The Bottle

You can find tiny message bottles online or at craft stores. Choose a bottle with a cork or a stopper so that you can seal your message inside. If you're feeling creative, you can decorate the bottle with ribbons, twine, or charms. You could also add a small weight to the bottle, such as a shell or a pebble, to give it a more authentic feel.

The Message

Handwrite your message on a small piece of paper or parchment. You can simply ask, "Will you be my bridesmaid?" or include a more personalized note. For example, "I couldn't do this without my best friend. Be my bridesmaid?" or "I'd love to have you by my side on the big day. Will you be my bridesmaid?" Roll up the message and tie it with a ribbon or twine before placing it in the bottle.

Presentation Ideas

There are several ways you can present the bottle to your bridesmaids-to-be:

• Hand them the bottle in person and ask them to open it on the spot for an unforgettable moment.
• Mail the bottle to them, especially if they live far away, for a fun surprise in their mailbox.
• Hide the bottle and create a treasure hunt for your friends, leading them to their special message.
• Present the bottle at a get-together with your bridal party, creating a shared experience for everyone.

Additional Touches

To make the moment even more special, consider adding some of these extra touches:

• Include a small gift or keepsake in the bottle, such as a piece of jewellery or a personalized key chain.
• Pair the bottle with a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine or sparkling juice.
• Create a "message in a bottle" themed invitation for a bridal party get-together, where you can ask your friends to be your bridesmaids in person.
• After your friends accept, treat them to a spa day or a girls' night, or create a scrapbook of your favourite memories together.

Remember, the most important part is to make your friends feel loved and appreciated. Asking them to be your bridesmaids is a special honour, and they will surely be thrilled to share this exciting time with you!

Create a WhatsApp group

Creating a WhatsApp group is a great way to involve your bridesmaids and keep everyone in the loop. Here are some tips to make the most of your WhatsApp group:

Add All the Bridesmaids and the Bride

Ensure that all your bridesmaids are added to the group, including yourself, the bride. This will create a space for everyone to connect, chat, and coordinate easily.

Set Clear Expectations and Guidelines

Communicate clear expectations and guidelines for the group chat to ensure it remains a positive and supportive space. For example, you may want to establish guidelines around the type of content shared, the frequency of messages, and the level of participation expected from each member.

Use the Group for Planning and Coordination

The WhatsApp group can be a central hub for all wedding-related discussions and planning. Share important dates, timelines, and any updates or changes. This will help everyone stay organised and ensure that no one misses out on key information.

Encourage Open Communication and Support

Encourage your bridesmaids to use the group as a safe space to voice their opinions, ask questions, and provide support to each other. It can be a great platform for everyone to bond, share ideas, and offer help whenever needed.

Share Fun and Lighthearted Content

While the group is primarily for wedding planning, don't forget to have fun! Share lighthearted content, funny memes, or even create special moments within the group, like virtual brunch catch-ups or cocktail evenings. This will help build camaraderie and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

By following these tips, you can effectively use a WhatsApp group to involve your bridesmaids and create a positive and organised environment for your wedding planning journey.

Give them a plus-one

Being a bridesmaid is a lot of work, from dress shopping to planning the hen party and everything in between. They have given you their time, love, energy, and money, so it's only fair to let them bring a plus-one to your wedding. This is especially important if your bridesmaids are travelling from out of town or are in a committed relationship.

Even if you are on a tight budget, it is courteous to allow your bridesmaids to bring a date. It can be awkward and uncomfortable for them to attend without a companion, especially if they are the only one without a plus-one or if they don't know many people at the wedding. It is also a nice way to thank them for all their help and support during the wedding planning process.

Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you have to force each bridesmaid to bring a date if they don't want to. Some may decline the offer, but it is still important to extend the invitation. By giving your bridesmaids the option of a plus-one, you are showing them that you value and appreciate their presence in your wedding.

If your bridesmaids are in long-term, committed relationships, it is generally expected that their partners will be invited. However, if a bridesmaid has a new or casual partner, you may choose not to invite them. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but giving your bridesmaids a plus-one is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude and ensure they feel comfortable and supported on your big day.

Organise a meet-and-greet

• Host a dinner party at your place and ask your bridesmaids to come. You can cook a homemade meal or order from a restaurant. During dinner, pour some bubbly and bring out a cake iced with the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• Put together a bridesmaid proposal box for each of your bridesmaids. Fill it with goodies like chocolate candies, face masks, notebooks, scented candles, and cozy socks. Decorate the box with stickers and add confetti and tissue paper that matches your wedding theme.
• Give each of your bridesmaids a "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" print that has been personalised with their name and your wedding date. You can easily find these online and they make a sweet keepsake.
• Surprise your bridesmaids with personalised jewellery, such as delicate gold bracelets or necklaces with their initials, or earrings that match your wedding colours.
• Send your bridesmaids a letter in a bottle. Handwrite "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on a small piece of paper, pop it into a tiny bottle, seal it, and hand them to your bridesmaids-to-be.

Frequently asked questions