As you prepare the gift baskets filled with goodies asking your bridal party to stand next to you on the big day, stop and make sure that you have had the talk with them first.
This talk, before doing official bridal party proposals, should sound something like being willing to meet your expectations during the wedding planning process. Being a bridesmaid is a lot more than just buying a matching dress and going to the bachelorette, these days it is taking on a time and financial commitment.
As bridesmaids are typically expected to attend all of the pre-wedding events, which means a lot of travel, accommodation and dress costs throughout the engagement. Before sending over that super cute gift basket, have a heart-to-heart with each person to make sure they are on board for the time and financial commitment, and be okay with them saying no as it can be a lot.
Here are 10 expectations to give your bridesmaids before they get on board, knowing these items off the bat will eliminate any areas of miscommunication. Make sure to give a separate checklist to your maid of honor.
10 The Cost
According to a recent study, the average bachelorette weekend costs more than $500 to attend, which should give you an idea of just how expensive it is to be in a bridal party. Not everyone has the money for that bachelorette weekend, plus all the other pre-wedding events, as the costs stack up in travel, accommodation and not to mention attire.
If cost is a barrier for anyone on your bridal squad, be okay with them needing to back off on events or help them out financially if you are able to and it means a lot to you to have them there. Alternatively plan events on a budget to make them more accessible.
9 To Attend The Bridal Shower
The bridal shower is typically planned by the maid of honor, and sometimes in collaboration with the mother of the bride, groom or both. But in many cases, the bride's maids also help out in planning or taking care of logistics such as setup.
Make sure your bridal party is willing to help out, even in small ways.
8 Attend The Bachelorette
This is a big one, as it is so expensive to attend a bachelorette party it is a bigger request than you might have thought. In addition to all the extra costs of being in your bridal party, the bachelorette is a pricey one with travel and accommodation expenses.
But, it is without a doubt super fun. Try to have as many dates planned out ahead of time, so that they can easily mark their calendar.
7 Possibly Help Plan For The Bachelorette
Along with attending the bachelorette, it is common for the bridal party to help out. Usually, the maid of honor plans the majority, but let the bridesmaids know it is super helpful to lend a hand in the process.
Bridesmaids will probably have to buy some extra essentials like matching bikinis or bridal party PJs.
6 Buy A Bridesmaid Dress
Being in the bridal party means wearing the right dress, and that is a variant cost as well. From designer wedding gown shops to economically friendly online brands, regardless it is a cost for a dress that will likely not be worn again.
If you can, tell them about your vision for the dress and the predicted price range based on that.
5 Help The Bride Go Dress Shopping
Tell them to make their calendars for the appointments you have for dress shopping as there are sure to be at least a weekend full of wedding dress boutiques for finding the dress, if not two.
This is less necessary for all bridesmaids to be in attendance, but having them with you is always supportive and fun. Plus, free champagne.
4 Be Willing To Help With Occasion Wedding Tasks
Now and again you might need to call on one of your gals to help out with some wedding logistics. With the bride and her partner front most of the planning, along with some help from the maid of honor and best man, occasionally it is helpful to ask the bridesmaid (or groomsmen) to lend a helping hand.
Such as making a simple phone call, confirming with a vendor to dropping by the florist.
3 Go To The Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner, along with any wedding weekend events, is mandatory for the bridal party, this shouldn't be an issue but be upfront about the time commitment that weekend so that your bridesmaids can plan their travel and expenses accordingly.
2 Get Ready With The Bride
The day is a big day, and it starts by getting ready altogether for the wedding ceremony. This should be super fun, but a little-known detail is a cost of paying for getting your hair and makeup done, do allow bridesmaids to opt out of this if they prefer to do it themselves.
1 Be On Hand For Day Of Wedding Logistics
The day of the wedding is anything goes, and you need to count on your bridal squad for any little thing, from helping a guest with a random request to sorting the gifts. Make sure your bridesmaids are ready to go where they are needed to be of assistance on this day, and most of al, have fun!
