Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many options for bridesmaids to consider when deciding where to stay the night before a wedding. Some bridesmaids choose to stay in a hotel, either in the same room or separate rooms, especially if they are coming from out of town. Others may stay in the bridal suite provided by the wedding venue, or in the home of the bride or another bridesmaid. It is also common for bridesmaids to have a sleepover with the bride the night before the wedding. Ultimately, the decision of where to stay is a personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who stays with the bridesmaids | The bridesmaids can stay with the bride, with each other, or by themselves. |
| Where they stay | The bridesmaids can stay at a hotel, at the bride's house, or at their own house. |
| Who pays for their accommodation | The bride and groom may offer to pay for the bridesmaids' accommodation. |
What You'll Learn
Bridesmaids' accommodation
If the wedding is not in the bridesmaids' hometown, they should book their travel and accommodation as soon as they have the finalised wedding date. It is also important to consider the number of rooms available and the comfort level of the bridesmaids. Some bridesmaids may prefer to stay with their significant others, so it is essential to offer them the choice of a hotel or separate accommodation.
On the day of the wedding, the bridesmaids should wake up early and be prepared to help the bride with any last-minute tasks, such as hair and makeup. It is also their responsibility to ensure the bride eats breakfast and stays calm and happy throughout the morning.
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Pre-wedding celebrations
Planning and Preparation
As a bridesmaid, you can offer practical support to the bride in the lead-up to the wedding. This can include planning the hen party, creating a group chat with the bridal party, and regularly checking in with the couple to offer help. Be specific about what you can do, such as visiting the venue, meeting vendors, and helping with any DIY projects. It's also important to be there for moral support and to listen to any wedding planning woes.
Pre-Wedding Pampering
Turn pre-wedding events into fun outings by combining them with brunch, cake, or cocktails. In the week of the wedding, attend beauty appointments, help with last-minute errands, and ensure you have everything you need for the big day, including your outfit, shoes, and accessories. Book some pampering sessions for yourself, such as a manicure, tanning, or a relaxing facial.
The Night Before the Wedding
Some bridesmaids choose to stay with the bride the night before, turning it into a pyjama party or slumber party. This can be a fun way to bond and ease pre-wedding jitters. If you're staying at a hotel or rented accommodation, you can offer this option to other bridesmaids and their plus ones, but it's not mandatory. It's also common for bridesmaids to stay separately with their families or partners, especially if they prefer their own space.
Wedding Morning
On the morning of the wedding, it's the bridesmaids' job to help the bride stay calm and enjoy the excitement of the day. Keep the atmosphere upbeat with music, ensure the bride eats breakfast, and keep an eye on the time to stay on schedule. Introduce yourself to key people, like the photographer and florist, and be a point of contact for any issues that arise. Help the bride with her dress, shoes, and jewellery, and be there to fix her veil and train throughout the day.
Remember, the most important thing is to be there for the bride and offer your support and enthusiasm. By following these suggestions, you'll create unforgettable pre-wedding celebrations and start the day with joy and laughter.
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Wedding morning duties
The bridesmaids traditionally spend the morning of the wedding with the bride, helping to keep her calm and ensuring she has eaten. They also ensure that hair and makeup are running on time and that the bride is ready to get into her dress, shoes, and jewellery.
- Wake up early and be on time for the bride's preparations.
- Keep the atmosphere upbeat and positive, perhaps with some music.
- Ensure the bride has eaten breakfast and stays hydrated throughout the morning.
- Keep an eye on the time to ensure the morning runs smoothly and everyone is ready in time.
- Act as a point of contact for any key people, such as the photographer, videographer, or florist, and field any questions from guests and suppliers.
- Keep the preparation room calm and ensure it doesn't get too hot or crowded.
- Help the bride into her dress and assist with any jewellery and shoes.
The bridesmaids are there to support the bride and ensure the morning runs smoothly, so it is important to be organised and proactive.
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Wedding day duties
On the morning of the wedding, bridesmaids usually get ready with the bride, helping to keep her calm and enjoying the excitement of the day ahead. This could be at the bride's house, the venue, or a hotel room.
- Get ready with the other bridesmaids and other loved ones, like the flower girl and mother of the bride/groom. This is a great opportunity to help the bride relax and start the day on a positive note.
- Give your wedding gift to the couple. It is customary to give a gift as a bridesmaid, and if you purchase something from the couple's registry, you can send it to them ahead of time. Otherwise, bring it with you on the day and add it to their gift table at the reception.
- Keep tabs on the wedding day timeline. It is your job to make the couple's day easier, so know where you need to be and when, without being told. Be prepared to answer basic questions from vendors and be on hand to help with any last-minute requests.
- Participate in the wedding ceremony. You will likely walk down the aisle and stand at the altar with the bride. You may also be asked to hold her bouquet and the groom's ring during the vows. Help the bride with any adjustments to her outfit, such as smoothing her veil or fluffing her train.
- Be available for wedding photos. The photographer will take pictures throughout the day, and your duty is to stick around for group portraits and cooperate with the photographer, planner, and couple to make this process as quick as possible.
- Give a speech at the reception if the couple asks you to. Usually, only the maid of honour, best man, and parents give speeches, but you may be asked to say a few words. Prepare and practice your speech in advance.
- Check in with the newlyweds throughout the party. Pass them food and drinks, and help with any outfit changes or bathroom breaks. Ask the planner or caterer to pack up to-go boxes for the couple, and text them the next day to see if they need anything.
Remember, the most important duty of a bridesmaid is to support the bride and be a good friend. Everything else is extra!
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Post-wedding duties
The wedding is over and the happy couple is off on their honeymoon, but your duties as a bridesmaid aren't quite over yet. Here are some post-wedding duties to keep in mind:
Attend the Farewell Party
If the couple is hosting a farewell brunch or party the morning after the wedding, you're expected to be there. Know exactly when and where you need to be and don't be late! It might be tough to get out of bed after a late night of celebrations, so be sure to set your alarm the night before. You could also text the newlyweds to see if they need anything, like extra-large coffees delivered to their room.
Organise Miscellaneous Items
If you helped take down decorations at the end of the wedding, or collected the couple's wedding gifts and cards, it's your responsibility to make sure these items are safely returned to the newlyweds or other bridesmaids. Take care of this a few days after the wedding so you don't forget or misplace anything.
Settle Outstanding Payments
Don't wait too long after the wedding to settle any remaining expenses that need to be split among the bridal party. Send your Venmo or other payment requests to the group as soon as possible so you don't catch anyone by surprise. This includes any expenses you covered for the bride, such as her wedding mani-pedi, as well as shared costs like rideshares to the airport.
Help with the Bride's Dress
After the wedding, the bride's dress will need to be carefully packed away. Help her out of her dress and pack it up to prevent any damage. This is especially important if she plans to preserve the dress as a keepsake.
Check in with the Couple
Even after the wedding, continue to check in with the couple to see if there's anything else they need. They may appreciate having someone to help with any post-wedding tasks or errands. Your support and assistance can make a big difference during this busy and exciting time.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're planning on getting ready in a hotel room, you'll need to book it for two nights as check-in isn't usually until late afternoon and check-out is around 10 am. If you're not staying for an additional night, you can request a late check-out from the hotel. Alternatively, you can book a hospitality suite connected to a guest room, which will give you more space and privacy.
It is considered rude to only offer accommodation to the bridal party and not their plus-ones. If you're unable to accommodate everyone, it's best to let the wedding party know that there are a few rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also suggest a nice but affordable hotel nearby for the rest of the group to stay at if they want.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some bridesmaids stay with the bride, while others stay at their own homes, especially if they live close by. It's important to consider everyone's comfort and privacy when making this decision.
