Bridesmaids play an important role in the lead-up to a wedding, and there are several key pieces of information you should share with them to ensure everything goes smoothly. Firstly, it's important to communicate early and often, providing dates for all wedding-related events, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding day itself. It's also helpful to give them an overview of the wedding weekend itinerary, including any lunches, welcome parties, or farewell brunches they need to attend. This will help them plan their travel and accommodation. In addition, it's a good idea to share the beauty plan, including dress codes, shoe colours, jewellery styles, and nail hues, and whether you'll be covering the cost of hair and makeup services. Another key area to address is the budget; being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to be mindful of their financial situation and discuss what they are comfortable spending. It's also helpful to ask about their availability and how involved they would like to be in the planning process. Finally, don't forget to express your appreciation and keep the lines of communication open throughout!
What You'll Learn
Budgeting and costs
Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. Before accepting the role, it's important to evaluate your financial status and determine what you can realistically afford to spend. Here are some things to consider when budgeting for your role as a bridesmaid:
- Bridesmaid dress and accessories: Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own dresses and any necessary alterations. The cost of a bridesmaid dress can range from $150 to $300, with alterations costing an additional $20 to $100. To save money, look for deals on dresses and try to find an affordable seamstress.
- Bridal shower or wedding shower: The bridal shower is typically hosted by the maid of honour or a family member of the bride, but bridesmaids may be asked to pitch in for costs. These costs can range from $30 to $150, depending on the expenses involved. To save money, get involved with the planning and suggest cheaper options for venues and food.
- Bachelorette party: Bridesmaids are expected to plan and pay for the bachelorette party, including their own costs and potentially the bride's costs as well. This can be a significant expense, especially if the party involves travel or accommodations. To save money, suggest having the party closer to home and shop for flights in advance.
- Wedding day hotel and travel: Traditionally, bridesmaids are responsible for their own travel and accommodations for the wedding. This can cost anywhere from $5 to $400, depending on the distance travelled. To save money, find a travel partner to split gas costs or look for flight deals on travel websites.
- Wedding gift: While not mandatory, it is customary for bridesmaids to give a gift to the couple. This can be a small item from the couple's registry or a group gift from all the bridesmaids.
- Prewedding event attire: There may be themed events leading up to the wedding, such as the engagement party or bachelorette party, which will require additional outfits. Try to use what you already have or borrow from friends.
- Wedding day essentials: You will also need to bring your own wedding day essentials, such as toiletries, medicine, and touch-up makeup.
- Hair and makeup: Whether or not the bride covers the cost of hair and makeup for the bridesmaids will depend on her budget. If she doesn't cover it, expect to pay around $50 to $150 for each service. To save money, do your own makeup if you're confident in your skills.
Remember, it's important to be honest about your financial situation and what you can afford. Communicate with the bride and the other bridesmaids to find ways to save money and stay within your budget.
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Schedule and timing
The schedule and timing are key components of the information you should send to your bridesmaids. They need to know what's happening and when, so they can help alleviate your stress by answering questions for others and make personal plans to be at all of your pre-wedding events.
Before the Wedding
It is important to communicate early and often with your bridesmaids. Give them the dates of your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day well in advance. This will allow them to plan accordingly and be present for all the special moments leading up to your big day.
During the Planning Process
Keep your bridesmaids informed about the progress of your wedding planning. Share the wedding weekend itinerary with them, including any ladies' lunches, welcome parties, or farewell brunches they need to attend. For those travelling, providing a guideline of events will help them know when to book flights and how many nights they need to stay at a hotel.
Wedding Weekend Timeline
Two months before the wedding, send out a detailed agenda of the wedding weekend. This should include all the important timings and locations, such as:
- When and where to arrive on the wedding day
- The schedule for the ceremony rehearsal
- The time and location of the rehearsal dinner
- Any pre-wedding beauty appointments, such as hair and makeup trials
- Timing for getting ready on the morning of the wedding, including breakfast, and getting into their dresses and shoes
The Wedding Day
On the wedding day itself, your bridesmaids will have a number of duties to perform, so a clear schedule is essential. Here is a suggested timeline for the day:
- Wake up early and ensure everyone is prepped and on time
- Keep the atmosphere upbeat with some music
- Make sure the bride eats breakfast
- Keep an eye on the time to ensure hair and makeup are running on schedule
- Assist the bride with any last-minute touches, such as putting on her shoes and jewellery
- Help the bride into her dress and any other pre-ceremony preparations
- Ensure the bride drinks enough water and has a snack before the ceremony
- Take the bride's bouquet for the ceremony
- Help the bride in and out of cars or down stairs if needed
- Fix her dress and veil throughout the day, especially during photos and before walking down the aisle
- Keep the bride's lipstick and an emergency kit on hand for touch-ups
- Assist the bride with going to the bathroom if needed
- Encourage guests to sign the guest book or visit the photo booth
- Help the bride change into her second dress if she has one for dancing
- Be the first on the dance floor to encourage others to join
- Help with any send-off plans, such as a sparkler exit
- Take the wedding bouquet and put it in water to preserve it
- Help the bride out of her dress and pack it carefully to avoid any damage
By providing a clear schedule and timeline, your bridesmaids will be well-informed and able to fully participate in all the special moments leading up to and including your wedding day.
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Dress and style
When it comes to dress and style, there are a few things you should communicate to your bridesmaids. Firstly, it's important to give them plenty of notice about what you expect them to wear. This includes the colour, fabric, and any specific style requirements you have, such as sleeve length or neckline preferences. It's also a good idea to involve your bridesmaids in the decision-making process and be flexible with their preferences, especially when it comes to dress silhouettes. Remember that your bridesmaids have different body types and budgets, so try to accommodate their needs as much as possible.
To make the process easier, start by shopping with one or two bridesmaids whose opinions you trust. This can be your maid of honour or a close friend with good fashion sense. Once you've narrowed down your choices, present those options to the rest of the bridesmaids and get their feedback. It's also essential to have open and honest conversations about budgets early on. Discuss how much each bridesmaid is comfortable spending, and be prepared to subsidise the difference if needed.
In addition to the dress, you should also communicate any expectations about shoes, hair, and makeup. If you want your bridesmaids to have a particular hairstyle or makeup look, be prepared to cover the cost of professional services. However, it's also a good idea to allow them some freedom in this area, especially if they prefer to do their own hair and makeup. Ultimately, remember that your bridesmaids are your friends, and you want them to feel comfortable and confident on your big day.
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Pre-wedding events
There are many things to consider when it comes to sharing information with your bridesmaids about pre-wedding events. Here are some details you can include to ensure your bridal party is well-informed and prepared:
Firstly, it is important to share a timeline of events with your bridesmaids, outlining key moments such as the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and any other pre-wedding gatherings. Specify the dates, times, and locations of these events, and don't forget to include the dress code! This will help your bridal party plan their schedules and travel arrangements accordingly.
Hair and Makeup:
Provide your bridesmaids with information about hair and makeup appointments. Share the timeline for these services, including who is having them and when. Communicate any specific requirements, such as arriving with clean or dry hair. If your bridesmaids are paying for their own services, be sure to include the total cost of each appointment (including tip) so they can budget accordingly.
Getting Ready:
Let your bridesmaids know where they will be getting ready on the day of the wedding. Provide a list of items they should bring with them, such as their dresses, suits, or any other special attire. If there are monogrammed or themed items you plan to provide, be sure to mention those as well.
Photography:
Give your bridal party a basic idea of when pictures will be taken. Let them know if you plan to take all photos before the ceremony or if there will be specific moments captured after the ceremony, such as during cocktail hour or before dinner. This will help them know when to be ready and ensure they don't miss any important shots.
Transportation:
Inform your bridesmaids about transportation arrangements. If you are providing a shuttle service, include the arrival and departure times. If they need to drive themselves, provide clear directions to the venue(s) and any relevant parking information.
Contact Information:
Share important contact information with your bridesmaids. Provide phone numbers or email addresses for your wedding planner or coordinator, the maid of honor, and any other key persons they can reach out to with questions or concerns. This will help reduce the number of direct inquiries coming to you on your big day.
Remember, clear and timely communication is key to ensuring your bridesmaids feel included and valued. By providing them with these details about pre-wedding events, you'll help set everyone up for a smooth and enjoyable experience leading up to your special day!
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Communication
Clear and Early Communication:
Start by sharing essential information as early as possible. Give them dates for important events such as the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding day itself. Outline your plans and expectations well in advance so they can adequately prepare.
Details on Attire:
Provide details about the bridesmaid dresses, including the price range, ordering deadlines, and your preferences for style, color, and length. If you're asking them to wear specific shoes, jewellery, or a particular nail color, be sure to communicate that as well. You may also want to mention if you plan on gifting any accessories.
Beauty and Self-Care:
Inform your bridesmaids about your expectations for hair and makeup. If you want them to have a particular style, share that information, and let them know if you'll be covering the cost of professional services. If not, ask who would like to opt-in and share the price.
Bachelorette Party Planning:
Keep your bridesmaids informed about your bachelorette party plans. If they are expected to contribute financially, be upfront about it and give them an estimate of the cost. If any of your bridesmaids are involved in planning the bachelorette party, be responsive and provide input when needed.
Availability and Scheduling:
Discuss their availability for various pre-wedding events and activities. Ask about any scheduling conflicts and determine their level of involvement in planning and attending fittings, etc. Share timelines and be clear about when you need them to be present, such as for the rehearsal dinner and wedding ceremony rehearsals.
Budget Considerations:
Be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so consider ways to reduce their costs. For example, you could suggest renting dresses instead of buying them or provide their wedding-day jewellery as a gift.
Use of Technology:
Create a WhatsApp group or use Google Forms to facilitate communication and organization. This can be a great way to centralize information and ensure everyone has access to important details.
Remember, effective communication will help alleviate stress for both you and your bridesmaids. It will also ensure that your bridesmaids feel valued and appreciated throughout the process, leading up to your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Share the itinerary for the wedding weekend with your bridesmaids, including the dates of the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day. Also, inform them about the bridesmaid dress code, such as the colour palette and style, and whether they need to purchase or rent their outfits.
Inform your bridesmaids about your expectations for hair and makeup. If you want them to have a specific style, communicate this clearly and cover the costs. You can also suggest a shoe colour and provide options for jewellery, nails, and other accessories.
Ask about their availability for pre-wedding events and planning sessions. Inquire about their budget constraints and their comfort level with spending on items like dresses, hair, and makeup. Also, ask about their preferred style of dress and shoes, and whether they prefer silver or gold jewellery.