Bridesmaids: Their Duties And Privileges Explained

Bridesmaids are the invisible heroes of the wedding process, so it's no surprise that there are many blogs dedicated to them. From fashion tips to gift guides, these blogs cover everything a bride could need to know about her bridesmaids. One blog suggests that, due to couples less frequently covering the expenses of the bridal party, it has become more common to give gifts to your bridesmaids. Another blog offers tips on how to foster relationships between your bridesmaids, who may be from different areas of your life. With so much to think about, these blogs are a great resource for brides-to-be.

Bridesmaid gifts

Bridesmaids are there for the bride from day one, helping to plan the wedding and being there for any problems. Many brides like to give their bridesmaids gifts as a token of appreciation. These gifts are usually given on the wedding day or at the rehearsal dinner, but they can also be presented at a pre-wedding brunch or a relaxed evening get-together. It is best to start shopping for gifts early – one or two months before the wedding is a good time to start.

Gift Ideas

• Customised items: These can include custom embroidered pyjamas, monogrammed tote bags, or birthstone jewellery.
• Practical gifts: Think about what your bridesmaids might need throughout the wedding, such as a tumbler to keep them hydrated, a hand cream or fragrance to feel refreshed, or their favourite snacks.
• Personalised jewellery: Charms or inscriptions can be a meaningful gift from a loved one.
• Bridesmaid boxes: These can include a range of gifts such as personalised sweet treats, candles, bubbles, accessories, and items that relate to the bridesmaid role.
• Bridesmaid robes: Pretty or customised dressing gowns will be useful for the morning of the wedding and will look great in photos.
• Bridesmaid dresses: If the bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses, gifting them their dress is a thoughtful idea, especially if they are made-to-measure and can be worn again.
• Bridesmaid accessories: Gift your bridesmaids super-pretty accessories that they can wear on the day and keep as a memento.
• Bridesmaid shoes: A pair of beautiful heels will be appreciated by your bridesmaids and can be made extra-special with a cute personalised sticker or an inscription.
• Bridesmaid bouquets: Create a keepsake bouquet made from paper, silk flowers, brooches, felt, or a bouquet charm that will look gorgeous in a vase in your bridesmaids' bedrooms.
• Bridesmaid perfume: Gift your bridesmaids with their perfect scent in a bottle.
• Bridesmaid jackets: A quirky bride squad cover-up, such as a denim or leather jacket, can be personalised for an extra-special touch.
• Bridesmaid socks: Some cute matching socks will keep your bridesmaids' feet warm before the ceremony.
• Bridesmaid hangers: Hang up their bridesmaid frocks on personalised hangers, which can be used for years to come.
• Bridesmaid makeup: Treat your bridesmaids to a professional makeup artist to make them look and feel amazing.
• Bridesmaid tote bags: There are lots of personalised tote bags available online, or you could opt for a zip-up pouch or clutch bag.
• Bridesmaid candles: Choose unique scents for each of your bridesmaids to make the gift more personal.
• Bridesmaid t-shirts: A cute, personalised t-shirt can be a fun and sentimental gift.
• Bridesmaid hats: For something a little different, gift your bridesmaids some sun hats, baseball caps, or beanies.
• Drinkware: Raise a toast with your bridesmaids and their own personalised glasses or mugs.

Budgeting

There are no rules about how much to spend on bridesmaid gifts, and you may decide not to give gifts at all. If you are paying for the wedding, the cost of bridesmaids' gifts falls to you. The average amount spent on a bridal party gift is $75 to $100 per person, but you can spend less or more depending on your budget.

Wedding rehearsal tips

A wedding rehearsal is a practice run of your wedding ceremony, usually done a day or two before the wedding. It is an important event as it ensures that everyone involved in the wedding knows what to do, and when. Here are some tips to help you plan and execute a smooth and efficient wedding rehearsal.

Planning Tips:

• Hire a wedding coordinator: They will help you navigate the process and direct the wedding party so that the couple can enjoy the moment.
• Pair up your wedding party: Decide who will walk with whom, considering the height of each person and their relationship status.
• Decide on the order of entry: There are usually two options: bridesmaids and groomsmen enter together, or all the gents enter first and the ladies come in on their own.
• Choose who will escort the bride: If it is her father, be sure to ask him and not just assume he will do it.
• Send readings in advance: If you have anyone reading a passage, poem, or song lyrics, send them the exact text beforehand so they can practice.
• Discuss the order of events with your officiant: Go over the elements you want to include and ask about your options to ensure the ceremony reflects who you are as a couple.
• Decide on a receiving line: Determine if you will have a receiving line and, if so, who will be part of it. This is an opportunity for guests to congratulate you and for you to thank them for coming.

On the Day:

• Start with a formal introduction: Introduce everyone involved, especially if some people are meeting for the first time.
• Instruct the ushers: Communicate where you want them to stand to greet guests and how to accompany them to their chairs.
• Time the music: Ensure the music is timed as you would like, whether it is live or recorded.
• Practice the processional and recessional: Run through the entrance and exit of the wedding party, considering the pace and their cues.
• Practice readings: Have any readers practice their readings aloud, and advise them to bring a printed copy.
• Rehearse any special movements: Communicate any special requests for the Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man and have them practice.
• Final Q&A: After the practice run, gather the group to address any questions or concerns.
• Thank your wedding party: Take a moment to thank your wedding party and provide final instructions and reminders about the rehearsal dinner.

Choosing bridesmaid dresses

Consider your bridesmaids' preferences and comfort:

It's important to choose dresses that flatter a range of body types and sizes. Look for styles that are universally flattering, such as floor-length, one-shoulder, wrap, or A-line silhouettes. You can also consider the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend, allowing each bridesmaid to pick a dress that complements their skin tone, figure, and taste within your chosen colour scheme. This gives them more flexibility and ensures they feel comfortable and confident on your big day.

Choose timeless and functional gifts:

When it comes to bridesmaid gifts, opt for something functional and timeless. Monogrammed items like leather bracelets, blankets, or robes are always a good choice. You can also personalise gifts with your bridesmaids' names. If you're feeling creative, try making bracelets or preparing jars of homemade jam. For busy bridesmaids, vouchers for shopping, gym classes, cooking courses, or language lessons are practical options.

Plan and budget in advance:

Start planning and shopping for bridesmaid gifts early, at least one to two months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to make changes if needed. Consult your wedding budget to determine how much you can spend on gifts, and try to find a balance between their expenses and your budget. It's generally recommended to spend between $75 and $150 per bridesmaid.

Timing is key:

There is no right or wrong time to give bridesmaid gifts. If you want them to wear or use the gift on the wedding day, such as jewellery or getting-ready robes, present them while you're all getting ready. For other gifts like vouchers or personal items, you can hand them out at the rehearsal dinner to avoid any risk of losing or forgetting them during the busy wedding day.

Gift ideas:

Some stylish and practical bridesmaid gift ideas include personalised name necklaces, glitter print robes, engraved flasks, canvas bags, or matching t-shirts for a summer wedding. You can also gift them with items they can use after the wedding, such as leather bracelets, blankets, or vouchers for experiences they'll enjoy.

Remember, the perfect bridesmaid gift is something customised and practical, showing your bridal party how much you appreciate their support and presence on your special day.

Planning a bridal shower

Set a Budget and Timeline:

Start by deciding on a budget that you are comfortable with. The host traditionally pays for the shower, so choose an amount that is manageable without breaking the bank. Set a timeline for your planning process, starting at least six months before the wedding and finalizing the date about two months before the big day.

Create a Guest List:

Work with the bride to create a guest list, ensuring that anyone invited to the bridal shower is also invited to the wedding. The final guest count should typically be between 30 and 50 people. Get the bride's approval on the list before sending out invitations.

Pick a Theme and Location:

Choosing a theme is a fun way to add personality to the party. Select a theme that reflects the bride's interests, such as a vintage tea party or a rustic celebration. The location should be easily accessible for guests and have enough space to accommodate everyone. Consider the bride's home, a relative's home, a restaurant, or a venue that aligns with the theme, such as a spa or art gallery.

Send Out Invitations:

Finalize, purchase, and mail the invitations about six to eight weeks before the event. Include the bride's name, date, time, location, registry information, and RSVP details. This will give guests enough time to clear their schedules and purchase gifts.

Plan the Menu and Decorations:

Work within your budget to plan a menu that the bride will love, with options that cater to any dietary restrictions. You can cater the food, cook it yourself, or opt for a potluck-style meal. For decorations, look for items such as mylar letter balloons, customized posters, tassel garlands, and photo backdrops. Fresh flowers and candles can also add a nice touch.

Plan Games and Activities:

Games are a great way to break the ice and entertain guests. Classic bridal shower games include bridal bingo, wedding mad libs, and guessing trivia about the bride. You can also plan activity-oriented games like a spa day or a calligraphy lesson.

Create a Playlist:

Music sets the mood for the event. Create a playlist with mood-boosting and romantic songs, and don't forget to include some of the bride's favorites!

Set Up a Gift Station:

Create a designated area for guests to place their gifts as they arrive. This can be a table or a traditional "wishing well." Have someone record the gifts to make it easier for the bride to write thank-you notes later.

Prepare a Toast:

As the host, it's a nice gesture to share a few words to thank guests for coming and to congratulate the bride. Keep it short and sweet, and feel free to include some encouraging words for the bride-to-be.

Favors for Guests:

Consider giving out small favors as a token of appreciation for the guests' attendance. This could be something edible, like a frosted cookie, or something wearable, like personalized sunglasses.

By following these steps and paying attention to the little details, you'll be well on your way to planning a memorable and enjoyable bridal shower for the bride-to-be!

Bridesmaid speech ideas

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it also comes with a daunting task: writing and delivering a speech at the reception. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft the perfect bridesmaid speech.

Structure

The key elements of a bridesmaid speech are an attention-grabbing opening, a few memorable stories, and a toast to the newlyweds. You can play around with the structure, but remember to keep it authentic and heartfelt.

Content

Share 2-3 brief stories or anecdotes that give guests a glimpse into your bond with the bride and the couple. This could include:

• The bride's most admirable qualities and how they shine in her relationship
• A funny or touching story from your friendship
• How you've seen the couple's love grow

Express your love and admiration for the couple, and talk about the bride's best qualities. You could also offer marriage advice or include a favourite quote.

Delivery

• Keep your speech concise (around 3-5 minutes)
• Practice beforehand so you feel confident
• Be authentic and sincere
• Avoid embarrassing stories or inside jokes that others won't understand
• Keep it light-hearted and avoid mentioning ex-partners

Examples

"Good evening everyone. I'm [Name], and I've had the pleasure of being [Bride's Name] best friend since college, where we quickly bonded over our shared love of [insert hobbies/interests]. 10 years later, and I couldn't be happier to be standing here today to celebrate the amazing person [Bride] is, and the amazing life she and [Partner] have created together."

"Hello everyone, I'm [Name], the maid of honour and, as of five minutes ago, an expert on public speaking. So please, lower your expectations accordingly!"

"Hi everyone, I'm [Name], one of the bridesmaids, and I just wanted to say how happy and lucky I am to be here to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom's] wedding with everyone. Today, everything looks effortless. From the beautiful wedding ceremony to the food, music and decorations, every little detail was planned by [Bride] and [Groom]. And don't forget the late nights spent shopping for dresses and doing fittings! So let's all give a round of applause for [Bride] and [Groom]."

Frequently asked questions