Calm Your Bridesmaids With These Simple Strategies

Bridesmaids play a crucial role in supporting the bride and ensuring she feels calm and relaxed on her wedding day. From helping with pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party to providing emotional support during moments of tension, bridesmaids have a lot on their plate. To keep bridesmaids calm and ensure they can effectively support the bride, it is important to communicate expectations early and often, respect their time and financial situation, and allow them to have a say in their attire and styling choices. Providing a calming environment on the morning of the wedding, such as playing relaxing music and having a hearty breakfast, can also help ease nerves. Ultimately, keeping bridesmaids calm involves open communication, consideration for their needs and preferences, and creating a supportive dynamic within the bridal party.

Be emotionally supportive

Being emotionally supportive of the bride is a key responsibility of a bridesmaid. Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important to be there for the bride in moments of tension. Bridesmaids should ensure the bride feels calm and cared for while planning such a momentous occasion.

Bridesmaids can offer emotional support by attending dress appointments and helping the bride choose her attire for the wedding. If you're a close friend of the bride, she may value having your opinion when it comes to picking out her dress or flowers.

It's also important to be emotionally supportive by being mindful of the bride's financial situation. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so think of ways to cut costs. For example, you could give them their wedding-day jewellery as a gift, or let them rent a bridesmaid dress instead of buying one.

If the bride is feeling anxious, you could suggest practising mindfulness, meditation, breathwork or yoga. Even a few minutes a day in the lead-up to the wedding can help to regulate the nervous system.

Another way to be emotionally supportive is to help with pre-wedding events. Planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party are two of the biggest pre-wedding expectations. As a bridesmaid, you should plan to support the maid of honour's efforts with these events.

Finally, be emotionally supportive by being kind to the other bridesmaids. Not all of the bridesmaids will know each other, so don't stir up any unnecessary drama. Play nice, be kind, and stay upbeat to ensure the bride feels cherished and supported.

Communicate early and often

Keeping your bridesmaids calm and happy is an important part of wedding planning. Communicating early and often is a great way to ensure your bridesmaids are informed and prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Give them advanced notice:

Well-informed bridesmaids are happy bridesmaids! Share important dates and timelines as early as possible. Let them know about the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day well in advance. This will allow them to plan accordingly and reduce last-minute stress.

Be transparent about time and financial commitments:

Be upfront about the time and financial commitments involved. Discuss the bridesmaid dress shopping or ordering process, bachelorette party plans, and any other relevant details. By setting clear expectations, your bridesmaids can plan their schedules and budgets effectively.

Keep communication concise and respectful:

Respect your bridesmaids' time and personal lives. Keep your communications concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy emails or obnoxious group texts. Remember, your bridesmaids have their own commitments, such as full-time jobs, families, or classes. Don't expect them to put their lives on pause for your wedding planning.

Provide clear directions and expectations:

Be clear about any tasks or responsibilities you assign to your bridesmaids. If you want them to help with specific tasks, such as centrepieces, favours, or reservations, give them ample notice and guidance. This will ensure they feel confident and calm in their roles.

Encourage open and honest conversations:

Encourage your bridesmaids to have honest conversations about their responsibilities and expectations. If they have any concerns or limitations, financially or otherwise, create a safe space for them to express them. This will help you better support and accommodate their needs.

Keep budgets in mind

Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so keeping budgets in mind is important for keeping calm. Before accepting the role, it's a good idea to evaluate your financial status and be honest about what you can afford. It's okay to say no if the costs are too high, and there are other ways to celebrate the couple.

To avoid financial stress, create a budget that covers all the expected costs, such as the dress, accessories, travel, accommodation, food, drinks, and gifts. Ask the couple, maid of honour, or family members about expected costs, and communicate your budget to the bride early on. It's also helpful to track your spending with a spreadsheet or budgeting app.

There are ways to save money as a bridesmaid. For example, you can shop sales, use your own resources and connections, make DIY gifts, and split costs with other bridesmaids. You can also suggest cheaper alternatives for venues, food, and decorations. Additionally, if you have freedom with accessories or shoes, you can try to use what you already have or shop at affordable stores.

Remember, it's important to stick to your budget and only spend what you're comfortable with. Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it shouldn't compromise your financial stability.

Respect their time

Bridesmaids have their own lives and commitments, so it's important to respect their time. Here are some ways to do that:

Keep Communications Short and Sweet

Keep your communications with your bridesmaids concise and to the point. Avoid sending lengthy emails or contributing to never-ending group chats. Respect that they have other demands on their time and attention.

Provide Information in Advance

Give your bridesmaids as much information as possible, as early as possible. Share dates for all wedding-related events, including the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding day itself. Let them know about dress shopping and ordering, and give them plenty of notice for the bachelorette party. This will allow them to plan their time effectively and minimise stress.

Be Mindful of Their Finances

Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to consider your bridesmaids' financial situations. Look for ways to reduce costs, such as renting dresses instead of buying them or choosing affordable accommodation for the bachelorette party. Only plan events that everyone can afford to attend, and be upfront about any financial commitments from the outset.

Delegate Tasks Wisely

Your bridesmaids are there to support you, but it's important not to overload any one person. Spread out responsibilities so that no one feels overburdened, and ensure everyone feels valued and important. Ask each bridesmaid to take charge of one or two specific tasks, and be mindful of their strengths and interests when delegating.

Allow for Downtime

Your bridesmaids will need some downtime amid the wedding preparations and celebrations. Avoid overloading them with tasks and activities, and allow them some time to relax and recharge. This will help ensure they stay calm and energised throughout the wedding festivities.

Choose flattering dresses

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses, you want to ensure that each bridesmaid feels confident and beautiful. Here are some tips to help you choose dresses that will flatter your bridesmaids and keep them calm on your big day:

A-Line Silhouette:

The A-line silhouette is a classic and universally flattering style. It accentuates the waist and flares out gently, providing comfort and coverage. This style suits a variety of body types, including athletic, petite, and fuller figures.

Necklines:

Choosing the right neckline can make a big difference. For petite bridesmaids, sweetheart necklines or V-necks can create a flattering shape and subtle cleavage. One-shoulder necklines are also a great option, providing coverage, support, and room for accessorizing. If your bridesmaids have broader shoulders, V-necks can help elongate the neck and narrow the shoulders.

Sleeves:

Adding sleeves to the dresses can provide a little extra coverage and help your bridesmaids feel more comfortable. Whether it's cap sleeves or long sleeves, this trend is not only flattering but also functional. 3/4-length sleeves, in particular, work well for everyone, regardless of height or age.

Fabric and Structure:

The fabric and structure of the dress are important considerations. Avoid flimsy, gauzy fabrics that may not flatter different body types. Instead, opt for sturdier fabrics like chiffon, which is a popular choice for bridal parties. Look for dresses with internal structure, as this can work well for both athletic and curvier bodies.

Colors and Shades:

While black is often considered a universally flattering color, it may not be the right choice for your wedding theme. Consider other shades like teal, eggplant, gray, or navy. Monochromatic looks, where the dress and shoes are the same color, can also be very flattering and create a streamlined effect. Additionally, matte fabrics are more flattering than shiny or iridescent ones, which tend to accentuate every bump and curve.

Mix and Match:

Allowing your bridesmaids to mix and match their dresses can be a great way to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident. They can choose necklines and styles that suit their individual body types while still maintaining a cohesive look for the bridal party.

Remember, the key to keeping your bridesmaids calm and happy is to make sure they feel confident and beautiful in their dresses. By considering their unique body types and preferences, you can choose dresses that will flatter them and ensure they enjoy the day just as much as you do.

Frequently asked questions