The Venue is booked, planning has started, now you just need to pick your “wedding squad.” The ride and dies who are going to be there for you on the big day and (we hope) forever after. These people are going to share the most important day of your life and be present in majority of your wedding pictures, so how do you pick them and make it a great experience? Worry not, in this blog we are going to cover all things “Bridesmaid” or whatever you are calling the special people walking down the aisle with you.
Choosing your bride squad
First things first, the hard bit, who to choose.
Remember this is your day so you can have as many bridesmaids as you like, do keep in mind your budget, though (outfits can be expensive). There is always pressure on who you should choose for the big day (your cousin three times removed does not have to be a bridesmaid) but you want to make sure you have those you truly want with you on the day. Also remember, just because they are not a bridesmaid, doesn’t mean they can’t be involved on the day. Why not give them a special task for the day or leading up to the wedding to help them feel included?
What are their duties?
So, the Squad has been assembled and asked to be bridesmaids in the most Insta-grammable way, so what’s next? It’s important you let your bridesmaids know what you expect from them, it may be all you want is for them to turn up on the day but if you have grand plans of wedding prep production lines let them know. It’s easy to expect them to just be there but as much as I’m sure they are super excited to see their friend to walk down the aisle, not everyone is willing to give up every weekend for wedding planning.
Say yes to the Bridesmaid dress
Quite possibly the most stressful part of your wedding is picking an outfit all your bridesmaids like and are comfortable with. It’s important to let your Bridesmaids know beforehand if you are expecting them to buy their dress or if you are happy to pay. If it’s the former, make sure you know their budget. It’s ok to ask them to pay, but remember not everyone can afford £300.00 for a dress (even if they can “totally wear it again”).
Most importantly have fun!! Get the gang together and make a day of it, this is a once in a lifetime thing and you want to make it memorable.
Remember what it was like
If you have been lucky enough to be asked to be a bridesmaid before, remember the things you liked and those you were not so keen on. Make the wedding planning process as fun for them as it is for you, the last thing you want is having a falling out with someone you hold close to you before your wedding. The happier they are the better they’ll be for you.
Recognise them
Now some people don’t ask their wedding party to be involved in the planning of their wedding, but the vast majority do. It’s always nice to recognise them on the day and thank them for all the help they may have given you leading up to the big day. Even if it was just being at the end of the phone while you had a wedding freak out, the countless hours they spent sticking diamantes onto the seating plan or simply wiping a tear, so you don’t ruin your wedding make-up. Let them know they are special to you, it will be much appreciated.
Have fun
Most importantly have fun!! This is the best time of your life and you want it to be spent with the best people. Don’t stress about the small things and relax, lets be honest, at the end of the day you are marrying the person you love, and your friends will just be happy to experience this special day with you.
