Beyond Bridesmaid Gifts: 7 Steps to Happier Bridesmaids
In celebration of Valentine's Day, give your bridesmaids a little love! Where would you be without the ladies in your life? Here's how to diplomatically handle your bridesmaid troubles with the grace of a white-gloved Queen. No beheading!
1. Choose your bridesmaids carefully.
Break free from conventions. You don't have to pick your future sister-in-law if you two don't get along. And you don't have to pick someone because you stood up in their wedding. Think about what bridesmaid role you want them to fulfill. Do you want someone to listen to your wedding woes or plan a rockin' bachelorette party? Pick ladies that share your sense of humor and get your sense of style. And don't forget - it's perfectly acceptable to ask your guy best friend. Hint: Use our Will You Be My ....tuxedo cookie card - it's not pink).
2. When to ask?
You'll never experience post-engagement glee again, so enjoy it!
Bask in the attention. Take a romance vacay away with your new
fiance. Stare at that glittering diamond all-day long (when no one's watching). Give yourself three to four weeks of newly engaged bliss before you ask
anyone to stand up on the Big Day. Let your girls know they're invited to join your wedding party at least six months in advance so they have time for alterations.
3. How many bridesmaids is too many?
Now that you narrowed down the bridal party invite list, it's time to figure out precisely how many bridesmaids you want standing up on the Big Day. Unless you're planning a 300-person plus circus, more than six is too many. Wrangling a group of gabby girls quickens the pulse of even the most patient brides. Remember, you'll have to thank your dutiful 'maids later with bridesmaid gifts.
4. Propose to the chosen ones.
Let's be honest: Every lady wonders how they would pull off a proposal. Now you have the chance. Pop the question to your bridesmaids! Ask each bridesmaid individually so they feel comfortable saying no. Give her a bridesmaid tank along with a bridesmaid Will You cookie card to sweeten the deal. Or pop the question sorority style. Kidnap the maid of honor. Bonus points if you roll up in a big white van and wear a guerrilla suit.
5. Gulp! Let down the uninvited.
You only have room for five bridesmaids but have seven close friends. What's a girl to do? Tell them in person so they don't hear it secondhand. Definitely tell her she's not a bridesmaid well before you send out the wedding invitations.
If someone's feelings get hurt simply explain that you couldn't expand the number. Make your close, but not-close-enough friends readers or include them in other roles. A simple, "We've decided to have an intimate wedding party" lets them down easy. If you're afraid of hurt feelings, consider this: Most people would rather enjoy the wedding as a guest. Sure, she won't get a bridesmaid gift, but she also won't have walk down the aisle in a hot pink ruffled dress, wipe your tears, or hold your bouquet. She gets to dance while your bridesmaids spend hours in the bathroom bustling your gown. Sometimes it's good to be a guest!
6. Confront contentious bridesmaids.
Your Maid of Honor slacks off, leaving you without a bridal shower. Your bridesmaids start bickering about their assigned duties. Wait, wasn't this supposed to be fun? Talk to your bridesmaids directly and smooth over contentions immediately. Don't bottle it up and then explode with "You're not my bridesmaid anymore!" and fire her with a wave of your hand (or wand, if you happen to be holding one). Bridesmaid gifts work as bribery and peace makers. If the bridesmaid war gets heated, it's time to bust out those bridesmaid survival kits.
7.Say thank you with bridesmaid gifts!
They didn't blink an eye when you told them you picked sea foam green, Scarlett O'Hare bridesmaid dresses. They listened to you drone on and on about centerpiece vases, attended countless dress fittings and got carpal tunnel from addressing invitations. Treat them to a bridesmaid luncheon or spa trip and bring the bridesmaid gifts. Don't insist they throw you a Vegas bachelorette party or demand a Versailles inspired shower. Accept what is and thank them for their efforts.
Happy Valentine's Day from WeddingStand. Spread the love. Pamper your bridesmaids with bridesmaid gifts from WeddingStand!
