Showering Your Bridesmaids With Love: A Guide

Bridesmaids are there to support the bride throughout the entire wedding planning journey. It's important to treat them with love and make them feel special. Here are some ways to do that:

- Involve them in the dress selection process and allow them to choose their own dresses, shoes, hair, and makeup.

- Communicate expectations early on and respect their time and financial situation.

- Show your appreciation with thoughtful gifts, such as personalized items, wellness treats, or experiences.

- Organise get-togethers for the bridal party to bond before the wedding.

- Provide necessary information and a schedule for the wedding day so they feel prepared.

- Thank them individually and make sure they are well-fed and taken care of throughout the celebrations.

Involve them in the planning process

Involving your bridesmaids in the planning process is a great way to make them feel valued and appreciated. Here are some ideas to do just that:

Communication is Key

It is important to keep your bridesmaids well-informed throughout the planning process. Share with them the dates of important events such as the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding day itself. Let them know about the dress shopping and ordering process, as well as any plans for the bachelorette party. Being upfront about time and financial commitments will allow your bridesmaids to plan accordingly and ensure they feel respected.

Delegate Tasks

Involve your bridesmaids in the wedding planning by delegating tasks according to their interests, talents, and skills. For example, someone who is good at following up and making phone calls could be in charge of contacting suppliers or managing the gift list. A creative type might enjoy helping with DIY favours and decorations. Involving your bridesmaids in these tasks will make them feel valued and relieve some of the planning burden from your shoulders.

Ask for their Input

When it comes to decisions about their outfits, hair, and makeup, be sure to ask your bridesmaids for their input. For example, while you may have your heart set on a particular colour scheme, ask your bridesmaids if they prefer short or long hemlines, or if there are any styles or colours they feel uncomfortable in. If you are set on a particular style, consider contributing financially to their outfits, especially if they are unlikely to wear them again. Similarly, while it is traditional for bridesmaids to wear matching shoes, you could suggest a specific colour while allowing them to choose a style that they feel comfortable in.

Pre-Wedding Get-Togethers

Organise casual get-togethers for your bridesmaids, especially if they don't all know each other. This could be a meal, a house party, or even a virtual happy hour for those who live far away. This will help your bridesmaids bond and feel more comfortable with each other before the wedding, making the planning process and the day itself more enjoyable for everyone.

Say Thank You

Throughout the planning process, be sure to express your gratitude to your bridesmaids often. You could also give them small gifts to show your appreciation. Practical presents such as makeup bags, coffee cups, or jewellery boxes are always useful, especially if personalised with their initials or names. If you want to go the extra mile, you can give each bridesmaid a gift tailored to their interests, such as a cooking class for the foodie in the group or a spendy bottle of wine for the connoisseur.

Be mindful of their budget

Being mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets is one of the best ways to treat them with love. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to consider ways to reduce costs for your bridal party. Here are some tips to help you be mindful of their budget:

Discuss Expectations Early On

It's important to have an open and honest discussion with your bridesmaids about your expectations and theirs. This includes talking about financial commitments. Be clear about the costs involved and give them plenty of notice for any expenses they will need to plan for, such as the dress, bachelorette party, and wedding gift. This will allow them to budget accordingly and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Choose Affordable Options

When selecting dresses, shoes, and accessories for your bridesmaids, consider their financial situation. Opt for affordable options or give them the freedom to choose their own outfits within a certain price range. You can also suggest renting dresses or purchasing less expensive alternatives. Additionally, you can gift them with their wedding-day jewelry or offer to cover the cost of their shoes to help reduce their overall expenses.

Plan Budget-Friendly Events

When planning the bachelorette party and other pre-wedding events, be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets. Choose locations and activities that are affordable for everyone. For example, instead of a lavish destination bachelorette party, consider a themed night in or a staycation at a relative's place. This ensures that everyone can fully participate without financial strain.

Provide Alternatives for Gifts

If you know that your bridesmaids are on a tight budget, you can suggest alternatives to expensive gifts. For example, you can propose that they contribute their skills or time instead of a material gift. They may be able to help with wedding favors, decorations, or other tasks within their talents and interests. This way, they can still show their support without breaking the bank.

Offer Financial Support

If you are in a position to do so, consider offering financial support to your bridesmaids. You can choose to pay for certain expenses, such as their dresses, hair, or makeup. Alternatively, you can gift them with items they may need for the wedding, such as shoes, jewelry, or a travel jewelry case. This will help ease the financial burden on your bridesmaids and show your appreciation for their participation.

Remember, being mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets will not only reduce their financial strain but will also demonstrate your consideration for their circumstances. It's important to keep an open line of communication and be flexible where possible to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected throughout the wedding planning process.

Respect their time

It's important to remember that your bridesmaids have their own lives and responsibilities outside of your wedding. They have full-time jobs, families, and other commitments that they won't put on hold for your wedding planning. Even if wedding planning has taken over your life, it shouldn't be expected to consume theirs.

Be mindful of their time by keeping your communications short and sweet. Avoid sending lengthy emails or never-ending group texts. Keep your messages concise and to the point. Provide them with a schedule of important dates, such as dress shopping, pre-wedding events, and the bachelorette party, so they can plan accordingly.

Be considerate of their financial situation and try to cut costs where possible. Bridesmaid dresses, bachelorette parties, and wedding gifts can quickly add up. Offer to pay for their dresses or suggest renting instead of buying. When choosing a bachelorette destination, ensure it's affordable for everyone and consider staying local if budget is a concern.

Remember that your bridesmaids are doing you a favour by being a part of your special day. Be flexible and understanding of their time constraints. They may not be able to attend every pre-wedding event or respond immediately to every message. Respect their time by being organised, providing clear expectations, and being mindful of their other commitments.

Let them choose their own outfits

Treating your bridesmaids with love is an important part of the wedding planning process. One way to do this is to let them choose their own outfits. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you decide to go down this route:

Firstly, be specific with any guidelines you have. For example, if you have a specific colour or fabric in mind, be clear about this from the start. You can also let them know what type of shoes and accessories you would like them to wear. This will help to create a cohesive look for your bridal party and make it easier for your bridesmaids to find an outfit that fits your vision.

Secondly, consider making dress shopping a group activity. Plan a fun day out with your bridesmaids, including brunch and visits to a few boutiques. This will not only make the experience more enjoyable, but it will also help busier bridesmaids find time to shop and nudge those who tend to procrastinate. If some of your bridesmaids don't live nearby, you can always schedule a video call with them as they shop.

Thirdly, be mindful of your bridesmaids' time and budgets. Remember that they have their own lives, jobs, and commitments, so try to keep your communications concise and be considerate of their financial situation. Think of ways to cut costs, such as letting them rent dresses instead of buying or providing their wedding-day jewellery as a gift.

Finally, be available to offer assistance and opinions throughout the process. Your bridesmaids may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of choosing their own outfits, so be sure to provide support and guidance when needed. Start a shared document with inspiration and ideas to help them get started. It's also important to give them ample time to find an outfit and make any necessary alterations.

By following these tips, you can empower your bridesmaids to choose outfits that make them feel confident and comfortable while still achieving the look you want for your wedding day.

Show your appreciation

There are many ways to show your bridesmaids appreciation and make them feel special. Here are some ideas to consider:

Involve Them in the Planning Process

It's important to keep your bridesmaids well-informed and involved in the planning process. Communicate key dates and plans for events like the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day in advance. This will help them feel prepared and ensure they can manage their time and finances effectively.

Respect Their Time and Finances

Remember that your bridesmaids have their own lives, commitments, and financial situations. Be respectful of their time by keeping communications concise and avoiding overly demanding tasks. Consider ways to reduce their financial burden, such as gifting their wedding-day jewellery or allowing them to rent their bridesmaid dresses instead of purchasing.

Choose Flattering Attire or Let Them Pick Their Own

Allow your bridesmaids to have a say in their attire. You can provide a colour palette and style guide while giving them the freedom to choose outfits that flatter their body types and suit their personal styles. This will make them feel more comfortable and confident. Alternatively, you can pay for their dresses, especially if you have your heart set on a particular style.

Feed and Take Care of Them

On the wedding day, provide snacks and drinks for your bridesmaids to keep their energy up. Offer breakfast, light snacks, and drinks like champagne throughout the day. Make sure to have water and energy bars available before the ceremony to prevent anyone from feeling hangry.

Get Them Thoughtful Gifts

Say Thank You

Express your gratitude often and sincerely. Thank each bridesmaid individually with a hug, a heartfelt speech, or a handwritten card. Let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and how special they are to you.

Frequently asked questions