Tasks To Delegate To Your Bridesmaids

Brides- and grooms-to-be often wonder about the best way to ask their favourite people to be part of their bridal party. While it's an exciting part of the wedding planning process, it can be tricky to know what to ask of your bridesmaids, and when and how to pop the question.

Attending the wedding and rehearsal

Before the Wedding

It is customary for bridesmaids to attend pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. These events are a great opportunity to celebrate with the bride and other members of the bridal party. It is important to be mindful of the bridesmaids' schedules and budgets when planning these events, and to respect their decision if they are unable to attend every event.

During the Wedding

On the wedding day, the primary role of the bridesmaids is to support the bride emotionally and practically. This may include helping with last-minute tasks, such as setting up decorations or assisting with seating arrangements. During the ceremony, bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle before the bride and stand next to her during the exchange of vows. They may also be called upon to participate in any cultural or religious traditions that are part of the wedding ceremony.

After the Wedding

Following the wedding, the bridesmaids usually participate in the reception celebrations. They may be asked to give a speech, toast the newlyweds, or take part in traditional dances, such as the first dance or father-daughter dance. Throughout the reception, it is important for bridesmaids to remain attentive to the bride's needs and be a source of support and encouragement.

Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal is a crucial part of the wedding planning process, and the bridesmaids' presence is essential. It is an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the venue, the order of events, and their specific roles and responsibilities during the ceremony. The rehearsal ensures that everyone in the bridal party is on the same page and helps to reduce nerves and anxiety on the wedding day itself.

In summary, attending the wedding and rehearsal as a bridesmaid entails being supportive, flexible, and committed to the bride and the overall success of the wedding celebrations. It is an honour to be chosen as a bridesmaid, and these duties are an important contribution to one of the most memorable days in the bride's life.

Bachelorette party planning

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:

Initial Planning and Consultation:

• Consult the bride: Start by discussing the bride's vision and preferences. Ask about her desired guest list, location, budget, activities, and boundaries. Determine how much of a surprise she wants the weekend to be.
• Form a planning team: Typically, the maid or matron of honour takes the lead, but additional help from bridesmaids or other wedding party members is often needed. Divide tasks according to strengths and interests.
• Create a planning spreadsheet: Use a spreadsheet to centralize all your plans, including the guest list, itinerary, budget, and meal plan. Google Sheets is a great option for easy collaboration and sharing.

Finalize the Guest List and Budget:

• Confirm the guest list with the bride: Ensure that all guests are also invited to the wedding. Clarify whether the bride wants only the bridal party or a larger group, including friends outside the bridal party.
• Discuss budgets: Understand everyone's financial limitations and comfort levels. Consider travel expenses, accommodations, activities, and meals in your budget planning.

Select a Location and Date:

• Choose a location: Decide between a local or destination bachelorette party. Consider the bride's preferences, the types of activities available, and the time of year.
• Pick a date: Work with the bride to select two to four potential dates, ideally one to three months before the wedding. Use tools like Doodle.com to find a date that works for everyone.

Book Accommodations and Travel:

• Book accommodations: Once you have the date and guest list confirmed, book your accommodations. Airbnb or VRBO are often better options than individual hotel rooms as they provide shared spaces for the group.
• Plan travel: If flying is required, use flight notification tools like Hopper and Google Flights to find the best rates. You can book as a group or allow guests to book individually, considering their schedules and budgets.

Plan Activities, Meals, and Decorations:

• Choose a theme (optional): The theme can be as simple as incorporating the bride's interests or her name.
• Plan activities: Start with the bride's hobbies, personality, and interests. Include a mix of high- and low-energy events, with some downtime in between. Don't forget to plan for meals and drinks as well.
• Decorations: Less is often more when it comes to bachelorette party decor. Focus on a few cheeky pieces of decor, a photo wall, swag, and a cute banner.

Finalize the Details:

• Get a gift for the bride: Traditionally, each bachelorette brings a small gift, often lingerie, or they may contribute to a larger gift.
• Groceries and snacks: Pick up groceries and snacks a day or two before the party.
• Confirm and share the itinerary: About a month before the party, send out the final itinerary, including important details such as transportation and packing lists.

Enjoy the Celebration:

Have fun: You've put in the work, now it's time to celebrate the bride-to-be and create memorable moments with her closest friends and family!

Remember, the most important aspect of bachelorette party planning is ensuring that the bride feels celebrated and loved. By following these steps and staying organized, you'll be well on your way to planning an amazing bachelorette party that everyone will enjoy.

Dress fittings

One of the most important tasks for your bridesmaids is to organise their dress fittings. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

It is customary to ask your bridesmaids to purchase their own attire, whether you choose the dress or allow them to select their own. When making your decision, consider their budgets and try to accommodate their financial situations.

If you have a Maid of Honour, she can be a great help with coordinating the bridal party's dress fittings. She can be in charge of communicating with the bridal shop or seamstress to schedule fittings and ensure that all bridesmaids are able to attend. It is also a good idea to provide her with a list of the bridesmaids' contact information so she can easily get in touch with them.

The Maid of Honour can also assist in ensuring that the bridesmaids' dresses are appropriately altered and that any necessary adjustments are made. She can remind the bridesmaids to bring the appropriate undergarments and shoes to the fittings to ensure an accurate fit. Additionally, she can help with the organisational aspects, such as keeping track of payment deadlines and collecting payments from the bridesmaids if you are covering the cost of the dresses.

If you are not assigning a Maid of Honour, or you want to directly involve another bridesmaid, you can also ask one of your bridesmaids to take on these responsibilities. It is beneficial to have one point of contact to streamline communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of your bridesmaids' schedules and provide them with enough notice for the fittings. Try to be flexible and work around their availability, especially if they are travelling or have other commitments.

Budgeting for trips

As a bride-to-be, you might be excited to ask your favourite people to be your bridesmaids. However, planning a wedding can be expensive, and your bridesmaids may need to budget for trips to various events. Here are some tips to help you and your bridesmaids with budgeting for these trips:

Discuss expectations and budgets

It is important to be clear about your expectations from the beginning. Discuss with your bridesmaids what events you expect them to attend and be mindful of their schedules and financial situations. Be open to feedback and willing to make compromises if necessary.

Plan ahead

Give your bridesmaids enough time to plan and budget for any trips. It is generally recommended to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. This will allow them to make the necessary arrangements, including saving up for any travel expenses.

Consider the location and cost of events

If you are expecting your bridesmaids to travel for events such as the engagement party, bachelorette party, or wedding, be mindful of the financial burden this may place on them. Try to choose locations that are relatively convenient and affordable for everyone. You could also suggest carpooling or shared accommodation to help reduce travel costs.

Offer financial assistance if possible

If you are in a position to do so, consider offering to cover some of the costs for your bridesmaids. This could be in the form of paying for their accommodation, transportation, or certain activities. Another option is to suggest budget-friendly alternatives, such as a local spa day instead of a destination bachelorette party.

Communicate regularly

Keep an open line of communication with your bridesmaids throughout the planning process. This will allow you to address any budget concerns early on and make adjustments if needed. It also shows that you value their input and want to ensure they are comfortable with the arrangements.

Remember, your bridesmaids are your family and closest friends, and they are excited to support you on your special day. By following these tips, you can help ensure that budgeting for trips is a smooth and stress-free process for everyone involved.

Buying their own attire

While it is customary for the bride to choose the bridesmaids' attire, it is also common for bridesmaids to purchase their own outfits. If you are asking your bridesmaids to buy their own attire, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly.

First, be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets. While you may have a specific dress in mind, consider their financial situations and choose something affordable for everyone. It is important to communicate openly about budgets and be willing to make compromises if needed.

Second, give your bridesmaids ample time to plan and purchase their outfits. Ideally, you should ask them to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before the wedding. This will give them enough time to find and buy their attire, especially if they need to order online or make alterations.

Third, offer guidance and support. Provide clear instructions on the style, colour, and any other specific details you want them to follow. It is also a good idea to set up a group chat or a designated space where they can ask questions, share updates, and coordinate their purchases.

Fourth, be considerate of their preferences and comfort. While it is your special day, remember that your bridesmaids should feel comfortable and confident in their attire. Try to accommodate their individual needs and concerns as much as possible.

Finally, remember to express your gratitude. Let your bridesmaids know how much you appreciate their efforts and understand the financial commitment they are making. A simple thank-you note or a small gift can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

By following these suggestions, you can ensure that the process of purchasing their own attire is smooth and stress-free for both you and your bridesmaids.

Frequently asked questions