Gifts And Gestures: Thoughtful Ways To Honor Your Bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is a big deal and comes with a lot of responsibilities. It's important to know what to expect from the role and how to best support the bride-to-be. From pre-wedding planning to the big day itself, there are a number of duties to keep in mind.

Before the wedding, bridesmaids are expected to help plan and attend pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They should also be prepared to lend a hand with tasks such as dress shopping, sending out invitations, and providing moral support to the bride. It's also customary to send an engagement gift to the couple and to purchase a wedding gift for the big day.

On the wedding day, bridesmaids typically get ready together with the bride and other members of the wedding party. They walk down the aisle and stand at the altar during the ceremony, often holding the bride's bouquet. They may also be asked to give a speech at the reception. Throughout the day, it's important for bridesmaids to keep tabs on the timeline, answer vendor questions, and be available for wedding photos.

After the wedding, there may be a farewell party or post-wedding brunch to attend. Bridesmaids should also help with any outstanding payments and organise any leftover items.

Being a bridesmaid is not just about the duties, it's also about providing emotional support to the bride and being a good friend. It's a chance to celebrate and create lasting memories together.

Gift ideas

While gifts for bridesmaids are technically optional, they're a very popular way to show gratitude for all their support and hard work. Here are some ideas for gifts to give your bridesmaids:

• Personalised items, like custom embroidered pyjamas, monogrammed tote bags or birthstone jewellery.
• Items that reflect their hobbies or style, such as a wellness journal, a yoga mat or a book about their star sign.
• Practical items they can use on the day, like a tumbler, hand cream or bug spray.
• Beauty gifts, such as a lipstick, rollerball perfume or hand cream.
• Food and drink, including a bottle of bubbly, chocolate truffles or a box of gourmet gummies.
• Something fun, like a zodiac-themed candle, a set of glittery mimosa cubes or a pair of heart-shaped earrings.
• Something to wear, like a silk sleep mask, a bucket hat or a pair of slippers.
• A small planner or notebook.
• A small piece of jewellery, like a bracelet, necklace or earrings.

How to introduce bridesmaids to each other

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time for everyone involved, so it's important to keep your bridesmaids in the loop and ensure they all feel comfortable with each other. Here are some ideas for how to introduce your bridesmaids to each other:

• Create a group chat or email chain with all of your bridesmaids. This will help everyone get to know each other and feel included in the wedding planning process. You can use this space to share ideas and inspiration, as well as important updates and information.
• Host a get-together or brunch for your bridesmaids to meet each other. This could be in person or virtual, depending on everyone's location and availability. Keep it casual and fun, and encourage everyone to share their name, where they live, and how they know you. You could even turn it into a brainstorming session and get your bridesmaids' input on wedding colours, styles, and other ideas.
• If you're able to, consider treating your bridesmaids to a spa day, lunch, or another fun activity. This will give them a chance to bond and relax, and it's also a great way to thank them for their help and support during the wedding planning process.
• If your bridesmaids don't all live in the same area, you could send them care packages with a personalised note and a small gift. This will make them feel appreciated and excited to be a part of your special day.
• Create a private Pinterest board or Facebook group where your bridesmaids can share ideas and inspiration. This will help them get to know each other's style and interests, and it's also a great way to collect ideas for the wedding.
• If possible, invite your bridesmaids to join you for dress shopping or other wedding planning activities. This will give them a chance to get to know each other and feel involved in the process.

Wedding day duties

Being a bridesmaid comes with a long list of responsibilities and duties, especially on the wedding day. Here are some detailed instructions for bridesmaids to ensure the wedding day goes smoothly:

Wedding Morning

On the morning of the wedding, it is the bridesmaids' job to help the bride stay calm and collected. They should ensure she eats breakfast and stays hydrated. They should also keep an eye on the time to make sure hair and makeup appointments are running on schedule. It is also a good idea for bridesmaids to introduce themselves to key people such as the photographer, videographer, or florist, and let them know they are available to help with anything. They can also ensure the prep room stays calm and cool, and help the bride into her dress, shoes, and jewellery.

During the Ceremony

Bridesmaids will usually be expected to walk down the aisle and stand at the altar with the bride. They may also need to hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony and help smooth her veil and train so she looks perfect in the photos. Throughout the ceremony, the bridesmaids should be on hand to help the bride with any last-minute nerves and be ready with tissues or a smile if she needs it.

After the Ceremony

Bridesmaids should be ready to help the bride in and out of cars and down any stairs, and fix her dress, veil, and bouquet throughout the day. They can also help round up family members for photos and keep the bride's lipstick and emergency kit close by. It is important to keep the bride hydrated and fed, and assist her with bathroom breaks if required. Bridesmaids can also help with young members of the bridal party and make a speech if they wish.

Reception

Bridesmaids should be the first on the dance floor to encourage others to join in and keep the party going. They can also help the maid of honour pay and tip vendors, and ensure the couple eats something during the busy reception. Finally, they can help with any send-off the couple has planned, such as a sparkler exit, and ensure the bride's dress is carefully packed away so it doesn't get damaged.

Pre-wedding duties

Bridesmaids play a crucial role in the wedding planning process and on the big day itself. Here are some pre-wedding duties that bridesmaids can take on to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Planning and Communication

• Create a WhatsApp group with the bride, other bridesmaids, and groomsmen (if desired). Effective communication is key to a well-organized wedding.
• Regularly check in with the couple and offer practical help. Be specific about what you can do to assist them.
• Visit the wedding venue and help make decisions on layout and décor.
• Meet the wedding coordinator and offer yourself as a point of contact for any issues that may arise.
• Help with any wedding DIY sessions.
• Accompany the bride to wedding dress shopping and fittings.
• Organize bridesmaid dress shopping and fittings, and do some legwork in finding dresses.
• Listen to the bride's wedding planning concerns and be supportive and enthusiastic.
• Plan pre-wedding events and turn them into excuses for brunch, cake, and/or cocktails.
• Book pre-wedding pampering sessions for the bridal party, such as manicures, pedicures, tanning, waxing, and facials.
• Ensure your room is booked if you're staying at the wedding venue.

Hen Party and Rehearsal

• Plan the hen party.
• Attend the ceremony rehearsal to know your cues, such as when to walk down the aisle and where to stand.
• Attend the rehearsal dinner.
• Help the bride pack for the wedding and honeymoon.
• Prepare an emergency kit for the wedding day.
• Create a wedding morning playlist and stock up on some bubbly.
• Help diffuse any pre-wedding stress or tensions.
• Get a list of the couple's suppliers and their contact information for the day.

Remember, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively, and be supportive of the bride and groom throughout the entire process.

Post-wedding duties

There are many duties that a bridesmaid must consider after the wedding. Here are some detailed instructions for post-wedding bridesmaid duties:

The Day After the Wedding

Make an effort to be present at breakfast with the newly married couple. This is a great opportunity to debrief and reflect on the events of the day. Offer to collect any cards and gifts from the venue's safe for the couple, ensuring that nothing is left behind. Take charge of packing up any flowers and decor, either for day two celebrations or for transport home. Box up keepsakes, such as framed photos, guest books, and photo booth snaps, to ensure their safe transport. If the bride is feeling tired, offer to do her hair and makeup for any day two celebrations.

In the Days After the Wedding

In the days following the wedding, the bride may turn to her bridesmaids for help with various tasks. Offer to assist her in picking out photos for her wedding album, sorting through gifts, and even just providing a listening ear as she processes the experience.

Ongoing Support

Remember that your role as a bridesmaid doesn't necessarily end when the wedding does. Be prepared to offer ongoing support and friendship to the bride in the days, weeks, and even months following the wedding. This may include helping her to adjust to married life, dealing with post-wedding blues, or simply being available for a chat or a fun outing to lift her spirits.

Frequently asked questions