Deborah Chan
Bridesmaids play a crucial role in supporting the bride on her wedding day. From planning pre-wedding events to providing emotional support, there's a lot to remember. So, it's a good idea for brides to give their bridesmaids a detailed itinerary of the day, including when and where they should arrive, a timeline of events, and any other useful information, such as food arrangements and dates' meeting points. Bridesmaids should also be reminded to bring a bag of essentials, including a positive attitude, a copy of their speech, and any fashion, hair, and makeup must-haves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timeline of events | Provide an itinerary of the day, including when and where bridesmaids should arrive, when they should be finished getting ready, and when the party will be over. |
| Food situation | Let bridesmaids know if food will be provided throughout the day and, if not, inform them of nearby restaurants. |
| Plus ones | Inform bridesmaids when and where their dates can meet them. |
| Contact information | Provide the contact info of a point person for the day, such as the maid of honor, to field any questions or concerns. |
| Things to bring | Suggest that bridesmaids pack emergency kits with items like Band-Aids, painkillers, and makeup for touch-ups. |
| Baggage | Advise on how much baggage they should bring and where they can store it during the wedding. |
| Dance moves | Send over some music or videos to get them excited about dancing at the wedding. |
| Hair and makeup appointments | Provide a timeline for hair and makeup appointments, including any specified services and preparation notes from the stylists. |
| Transportation information | Include transportation information and addresses in the timeline, such as shuttle services or parking details if they're driving themselves. |
| Important phone numbers | Provide contact information for key people, such as the wedding planner or coordinator, maid of honor, and parents. |
| Gifts | Consider giving gifts to your bridesmaids, such as personalized items, self-care kits, handwritten notes, or experiences like spa days or cooking classes. |
What You'll Learn
The schedule and itinerary for the day
The day of the wedding is finally here! As a bridesmaid, you play a crucial role in supporting the bride and ensuring that her big day goes off without a hitch. Here is a detailed schedule and itinerary for the day to help you navigate the festivities:
Morning
- Arrive at the specified location and time, as communicated by the bride or maid of honour.
- Get settled and start getting ready. If you are getting your hair and makeup done professionally, refer to the timeline provided by the bride or stylist for your appointment time.
- If you are bringing your own snacks, beverages, or breakfast, make sure to have them with you. Otherwise, the bride may provide refreshments for the group as you get ready.
Pre-Ceremony
- By now, you should be dressed and ready to go. Refer to the basic photography timeline provided by the bride to know when and where to gather for pictures.
- The bride may need help with last-minute touches, such as fixing her veil or steaming her gown.
- Ensure the bride has everything she needs for her photos, such as touch-up lipstick, blotting papers, and her phone.
Ceremony
- Be mindful of the ceremony timeline. Know when the bride will be walking down the aisle and when guests should be seated.
- If assigned, take on the role of greeting guests before the ceremony and guiding them to their seats.
Cocktail Hour and Reception
- Know when cocktail hour begins and inform the bride's contacts if she needs a moment to herself before joining the celebration.
- Remind the bride to eat and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during this time.
- Be present and proactive in offering your support to the bride and other members of the bridal party.
Post-Reception
- Help gather personal items, transport gifts, and participate in any post-wedding events, such as a next-day brunch.
- Offer to return any rentals to the vendor or take leftover items back to the hotel.
Remember to stay flexible and adaptable throughout the day. Last-minute changes or unexpected hiccups may occur, but your positive attitude and willingness to help will make all the difference in ensuring the bride's special day is memorable and stress-free!
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What food and drink will be provided
Food and drink are important components of a wedding, and it's crucial to keep the bridal party well-fed and hydrated throughout the day. Here's what you need to remind your bridesmaids about the food and drink situation:
Before the Wedding
It's essential to let your bridesmaids know about any meals that will be provided for them throughout the day, especially if they are arriving early in the morning. Inform them if breakfast or lunch will be available, so they don't have to worry about bringing their own food. If meals won't be provided, give them suggestions for nearby restaurants or cafes where they can grab a bite to eat. This will ensure they stay energised and don't have to scramble for food options.
During the Wedding
The bride or her mother usually provides refreshments for the bridal party as they get ready. It's important to remind your bridesmaids about the availability of food and drinks throughout the day. This can include a variety of snacks, drinks, and even a bag of snacks that they can bring with them. Additionally, remind them to keep the bride hydrated and fed amid the excitement of the wedding day.
Hair and Makeup Appointments
If your bridesmaids are paying for their own hair and makeup services, be sure to include the total cost of each appointment (including tip) in the timeline you provide them. This will help them budget accordingly and ensure they are prepared financially.
Wedding Reception
Inform your bridesmaids about the food and drink options at the wedding reception. Let them know about the type of food being served, such as a buffet, seated dinner, or food stations. Provide them with a copy of the menu or a list of options so they can make any necessary dietary accommodations. Additionally, remind them about the availability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
After-Party
If there is an after-party or next-day brunch, let your bridesmaids know about the food and drink arrangements. This will help them plan accordingly, especially if they need to stay energised for the post-wedding celebrations.
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When their dates can meet them
When it comes to the bridesmaids' dates, it's important to keep them in the loop about the day's schedule. Here are some key reminders to ensure everyone is on the same page:
Timing and Location:
Inform the dates about the specific time and place they should arrive to meet their respective bridesmaids. This will help avoid any confusion or delays on the wedding day.
Itinerary for the Day:
Provide them with a detailed itinerary, including important timings such as when the bridesmaids will be getting ready, when the photographer is expected to arrive, and the expected duration of the wedding celebrations. This will help the dates plan their day accordingly and be mindful of the bridesmaids' commitments.
Pre-Wedding Events:
If there are any pre-wedding events, such as a rehearsal or welcome party, be sure to specify the details, including dates, times, and locations. This will ensure that the dates can accompany their bridesmaids and be a part of the pre-wedding festivities.
Dress Code:
Inform the dates about the expected dress code for the wedding and any pre-wedding events. This will help them feel prepared and ensure they blend in with the rest of the wedding party.
Contact Information:
Provide the dates with the contact information of the bridal party, including the maid of honor, other bridesmaids, and the wedding planner or coordinator. This will allow them to reach out directly with any questions or concerns, rather than bothering the bride.
By providing clear information and keeping the bridesmaids' dates informed, you can help ensure that everyone arrives on time, knows what to expect, and can fully enjoy the wedding celebrations.
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Who to contact with questions
The maid of honour is the first port of call for any questions. She will be able to answer most queries and is there to help the bride, so don't be afraid to reach out to her.
If you need to get in touch with the bride, it's best to go through the maid of honour, but if that's not possible, then contact the wedding planner or coordinator. They will be able to help with any questions about the day's schedule and can usually answer most other questions too.
If you have a question about the groom, then the best man is the person to contact. He will be able to answer any questions about the groom and groomsmen and can help with any issues that may arise.
For questions about the wedding party as a whole, it's best to contact the wedding planner or coordinator. They will have a schedule of events and can help direct you to the right person if they can't answer your question.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask the bride's family members, especially the mother of the bride, for help. They will be happy to assist with any queries and will appreciate being included in the preparations.
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What to bring
It's important to be prepared when you're a bridesmaid. Here is a list of things to bring with you to the wedding:
Attire and Accessories
- Your bridesmaid dress.
- A robe or button-down shirt to wear while getting hair and makeup done.
- Comfy shoes for the bridal suite.
- Shoes for the ceremony and reception entrance.
- Bride-approved jewellery and accessories.
- Bra and underwear (the same ones you wore to the dress fitting).
- A clutch bag for your phone and lipstick during the reception.
- Dancing shoes.
- A change of clothes for the after-party.
Toiletries and Beauty Products
- Flat iron/curling iron.
- Hairbrush or comb.
- Hairspray and styling products.
- Hair ties, elastics, or clips.
- Eye pencil/brow sharpener.
- Makeup remover wipes.
- Contact lens case and saline solution.
- Serums and night creams.
Emergency Kit
- Double-stick fashion tape.
- Stain remover stick.
- Gum/breath mints.
- Clear nail polish.
- Pain relievers.
- Lint roller or brush.
- Tampons and pads.
- Aspirin/ibuprofen.
- Sewing kit.
- Safety pins.
- Bobby pins.
- Boob tape.
Non-Emergency Essentials
- Phone charger.
- Portable charger.
- Extension cord or multi-device charging station.
- Mini umbrella.
- Water and snacks.
Wedding Day Essentials
- Wedding gift and card.
- Mini steamer.
- A copy of your speech.
- Contact info for the wedding party.
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Frequently asked questions
Remind them of the time and location of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, as well as any dress codes.
Provide them with a timeline of who is having hair and makeup services and when. Include any specified service and any notes from your stylist, such as whether to arrive with clean, dry, or wet hair. If your bridesmaids are paying for their own services, include the total cost of each appointment, including tip.
Remind them to bring their bridesmaid dresses, wedding shoes, clutch or tote bag, jewellery, safety pins, a mini sewing kit, and any other essential items.
Provide clear information about transportation, including the time and location of pick-up and drop-off. If they are driving themselves, provide parking information and addresses for the venue(s).
Remind them of the timeline for the day, including when they need to start getting ready, when the ceremony will begin, when cocktail hour begins, and when guests should be seated for dinner. Let them know if they will be expected to greet guests before the ceremony and when they should expect the party to be over.
