Bridesmaids' Need-To-Know: Your Wedding Day Cheat Sheet

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but keeping your bridesmaids informed and organised can help to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. Here are some key things to communicate to your bridesmaids as soon as possible:

- Contact information: Make sure you have their phone numbers and email addresses, and encourage them to connect on social media or a group chat.

- Responsibilities: Outline what you expect from your bridesmaids, including any pre-wedding events, planning, fittings, and the rehearsal dinner.

- Budget: Discuss financial expectations, including the cost of their dresses, shoes, jewellery, hair, and makeup.

- Timeline: Share a schedule of the wedding day, including hair and makeup appointments, photography, the ceremony, and reception.

- Transportation and accommodation: Provide information on transport and parking, as well as any accommodation you've arranged or recommended.

- Dress code: Give guidance on what they should wear, allowing for their input and comfort.

- Gifts: Let them know if you plan to give them any gifts, such as jewellery, robes, or gift certificates.

- Pre-wedding activities: Plan get-togethers or virtual meetings to help your bridesmaids get to know each other and feel involved.

Contact details and communication preferences

Contact Details:

• Gather contact information: Collect phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses from each bridesmaid. This will enable easy communication and the sharing of important information.
• Preferred methods of communication: Ask each bridesmaid about their preferred methods of communication. Some may prefer email or messaging apps, while others might opt for phone calls or video chats. Respect their preferences and use their chosen methods whenever possible.
• Create a central communication platform: Consider creating a private group on social media, a group chat, or a shared document where you can share information and discuss wedding-related topics. This will make it easier for everyone to stay connected and access important details.

Communication Preferences:

• Timely information sharing: Share information as early as possible to prevent confusion and anxiety among your bridesmaids. Provide specific dates for major events, such as dress fittings, the bridal shower, and the bachelorette party.
• Clear expectations: Explain exactly what you expect from your bridesmaids in terms of their roles and responsibilities. Be reasonable and don't overwhelm them with excessive demands.
• Open and honest communication: Encourage your bridesmaids to voice any concerns or questions they may have. Address these promptly and honestly to maintain a positive and stress-free environment.
• Regular updates: Send regular updates to your bridesmaids, especially if there are changes to the schedule or any new information they need to be aware of.
• Inclusion and introductions: If your bridesmaids don't know each other, plan get-togethers or virtual meetings to help them connect and introduce themselves. This will foster a sense of camaraderie and make it easier for them to collaborate on wedding-related tasks.

Budget and financial responsibilities

Being a bridesmaid is a major financial commitment, so it's important to be transparent about what you can afford from the start. Here is a list of common bridesmaid expenses and financial responsibilities to consider:

Outfits and Accessories

Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own wedding day ensemble, including their dress, shoes, and jewellery. If you're the bride, consider giving a rough estimate of the cost of the dress and be open to suggestions from your bridesmaids. You could also give them some colour and style requirements and ask them to show you the dress for final approval. If you're able to, you could offer to pay for half of the cost or set up a payment plan.

Hair and Makeup

If you want your bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup professionally done, it's a nice gesture to cover the bill as a gift. Alternatively, you could split the bill or give them the option to do their own hair and makeup. This will need to be planned in advance so the stylist can schedule enough time.

Bachelorette Party

Bridesmaids typically plan and pay for the bachelorette party, including their own costs and the bride's expenses. If it's a destination bachelorette party, each bridesmaid might only chip in for an evening out or the bride's hotel costs. It's important to have an honest conversation about what everyone can afford early on in the planning process.

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is usually organised and paid for by the maid of honour, but bridesmaids may also be expected to contribute financially, especially if they are helping to plan the event. If you're a bridesmaid and are unsure, touch base with the maid of honour or the bride's mother.

Gifts

It is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift, although this is not mandatory, especially if you've already committed a lot of money to other elements of the wedding. Some bridal parties choose to go in on a group gift, which can be a more affordable option.

Travel and Accommodation

Bridesmaids are generally responsible for paying for their travel and accommodation for the wedding. However, the bride may offer to split the costs or set up discounted group rates for hotel rooms. It's considerate to iron out these details a few months in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Remember, it's important to have honest and frequent communication about finances to alleviate any potential stress or resentment. Be understanding if a bridesmaid needs to opt out due to financial constraints.

Bachelorette party plans

Planning a bachelorette party can be a fun but challenging task. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan an unforgettable celebration for the bride-to-be:

Guest List

The first step is to determine how many people will be attending. This will impact various aspects of the planning process, from the location to the activities and the overall cost. The guest list typically includes the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and sometimes other close friends and family members. It's important to remember that only those invited to the wedding should be invited to the bachelorette party.

Location and Theme

Once you have an idea of the guest count, it's time to choose a location. Consider a place that is easily accessible for most guests, whether by flying or driving. Other factors to keep in mind include the weather during that time of year, the distance to amenities like grocery stores and restaurants, and the availability of house rentals or hotel accommodations.

After finalizing the location, pick a theme for the party. This could be something fun like "Aperitivo Before The Altar," as seen in one example, or it could be tailored to the bride's interests, such as a disco theme or a Taylor Swift-inspired night. The theme will help inform decorations, attire, and activities.

Budget and Logistics

Discuss the budget with the guests early on. Send out a survey or Google Form to gather information about their financial comfort levels and their ability to contribute to the bride's expenses. It's important to be mindful of everyone's financial situation and not put undue pressure on anyone.

At this stage, you should also start thinking about travel, accommodations, and activities. If you're staying local, it's still a good idea to make reservations for any popular restaurants or venues you plan to visit.

Save-the-Dates and RSVPs

Send out official invitations, either virtual or physical, to confirm attendance. This is especially important if you're planning a destination bachelorette party, as it will help with travel-related logistics.

Finalize Details

About two months before the party, focus on purchasing decorations, favors, games, and party swag. You can also start creating a detailed itinerary for the event, including any transportation details, accommodation addresses, and specific items guests may need to pack.

Pack and Travel

In the week leading up to the party, it's time to pack your suitcase and organize any decorations or supplies you'll need to bring. If you have a lot of items, consider asking others to help transport them.

Set Up and Celebrate

As the host, aim to arrive at the party venue a few hours before the guests to set up and ensure everything is in order. Then, it's time to celebrate!

Thank You and Follow-Up

After the party, take some time to thank those who helped with the planning and send a general thank-you to the guests for attending. Follow up on any outstanding expenses and take some time to rest before the wedding festivities begin!

Dress and style preferences

• It is important to give your bridesmaids a say when it comes to their attire. The more input you allow them, the better. It is important for your bridesmaids to like their dresses and feel comfortable.
• You could either round up the bridesmaids and try to collectively agree on a style and shade, or talk to each bridesmaid separately and ask for her preference.
• On the first shopping trip, you may want to take just your maid of honour along to scout things out, and then when you narrow it down to a few styles, bring in the rest of the crew to try on the dresses and give their opinions.
• It is also important to be specific about any requirements you have, such as colour, length, and style. For example, if you want your bridesmaids to wear black shoes, be specific about it.
• It is also considerate to choose a dress that is reasonably priced, or to let your attendants choose their own gowns.
• Bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses, so it is a nice gesture if you can pay for half or all of the cost, or set up a payment plan.
• If you are requiring your bridesmaids to get their hair and makeup done professionally, it is expected that you will pay for it.
• It is also a good idea to give your bridesmaids a small gift, such as jewellery or a gift certificate to a spa.

Schedule and availability

The Months Leading Up to the Wedding

As a bride, you should be mindful of your bridesmaids' schedules and availability in the months leading up to the wedding. Ask them about any scheduling conflicts or time constraints you should be aware of. This will help you plan any pre-wedding events, fittings, and other activities while ensuring your bridesmaids don't feel overwhelmed or stressed.

Planning and Fittings

Find out if your bridesmaids are available to assist with planning and attend fittings. It's essential to communicate your expectations clearly and ask if they can commit to these responsibilities. Be mindful that some bridesmaids may have limited availability or prefer not to participate in certain activities.

Pre-Wedding Events

Inform your bridesmaids about any pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, and ask if they can attend. Provide them with a schedule of these events as early as possible, including dates, times, and locations. This will help them plan their attendance and make any necessary arrangements.

Wedding Weekend Schedule

Create a detailed timeline or schedule for the wedding weekend, including the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, hair and makeup appointments, getting-ready time, ceremony, and reception. Specify the time and location of each event and any relevant details, such as dress codes or transportation arrangements. This will ensure your bridesmaids know where to be and when, making the weekend run smoothly.

Communication Preferences

Ask your bridesmaids about their preferred methods of communication. Everyone has different preferences, and finding out how each bridesmaid likes to communicate will make it easier to stay in touch. Some may prefer email or text messages, while others might opt for phone calls or video chats. Using their preferred methods will increase the chances of a timely response and effective communication.

Contact Information

Gather your bridesmaids' contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. This will enable you to reach out to them individually or as a group, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed. It's also helpful for sending invitations, sharing important updates, and following up on any unanswered questions or concerns.

Remember, effective communication and consideration for your bridesmaids' availability are key to ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions