9 Tips For Keeping Your Bridesmaids Happy

Make no mistake: you (and, we guess, your partner) are very much the star of the show on your wedding day. But keep in mind that there are also some pretty important supporting cast members, too, most notably your bridesmaids. Without them, your day wouldn’t run anywhere nearly as smoothly — and would also be a whole lot less fun, too.

They’ll be working hard to ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch. And equally, you should be working hard to ensure that they’re happy throughout the course of the wedding organization and preparation process. After all, nothing will dampen your wedding day quite like having a line of unhappy bridesmaids!

Need some help ensuring they’re kept as happy as can be? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll run through some tried and tested tips that’ll ensure they always have a smile on their faces.

Ask the Right Girls

If you already know who your bridesmaids will be, then you can forget this point. But if there are a few doubts, then keep it in mind. You’ll be making things much simpler (for you and them) if you pick girls who you know get along (or will get along). If there’s been some bad blood between two of your friends, then it’s best to resolve the issue before you ask them or choose someone else. They might come together for the sake of your wedding, but there’s also a chance that the pressure of the job means that they end up arguing.

Also, remember that while you might want a specific person to be in your bridesmaid group if they live far away, then it might not be possible for them to travel back and forth as part of all the preparation work. They might still want to, of course, but it’ll be best to be ready to accept that it might not be possible. 

Make a Fuss When Asking Them

It’s a big deal being a bridesmaid, and it’s important to keep in mind that, ultimately, you’re asking them for a lot of time and effort (and also money). Rather than simply letting them know that they’ve been selected, endeavor to make as big a fuss as possible when you tell them. If it’s a big friend group where everyone knows each other, then you can tell them all at once. If they don’t know each other, then tell them individually. 

Including a couple of nice touches when you ask them can go a long way. For instance, maybe you take them out for a nice dinner or give them a personalized invitation that includes a few words about how much they mean to you. 

Try to Limit the Costs

If all of your friends happen to be millionaires, then you can skip this point. However, if they, like most people, live in the real world, then it’s worthwhile keeping in mind that some of your bridesmaids may be a little hesitant about all the costs involved in being a bridesmaid. It can be expensive to simply attend a wedding; being involved in the wedding is a whole other cost entirely.

You might want to have an amazing bachelorette party in Barbados, but what will your bridesmaids think about it? Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it makes sense that you’ll want a blowout, but that’s not the case for your bridesmaids, who will probably be a little more conscious of how much they have to spend.

Show Your Appreciation

As we said at the beginning of the article: your wedding is very much about you, but it wouldn’t be possible (or anywhere nearly as much fun) without the friends and family who will make the day so special. You’ll likely get party favors for your wedding guests, but something a little more special will be necessary for your bridesmaids. There’s no shortage of outstanding bridesmaid gifts to choose from, so take a look at what’s available, and choose a couple of gifts that your girls will love. If you have some extra cash in the budget, then you could also invest in a bridesmaid proposal gift, which is an extra special way to ask them to be involved!

Discuss Their Responsibilities With Them 

There are a bunch of tasks that your bridesmaids will be responsible for. If you don’t have a maid of honor, then the job of assigning roles to your bridesmaids will fall on your shoulders. It’s recommended to work with each bridesmaid to ensure that they’re comfortable with the task. There might be someone who’s terrified of public speaking, and in that case, asking them to stand up in front of all your family and friends will be about the worst thing they can hear!

Check Your Attitude

Organizing a wedding is stressful, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be in a good mood all the time. But under no circumstances should you take it out on your bridesmaids. Not only are they doing you a massive favor by being involved, but they’re also your friends! If you notice that your stress levels are beginning to rise, then it’s recommended to take some time to engage in relaxation activities, such as breathwork or yoga.

Invest in Relaxation

And talking of relaxation: remember that organizing a wedding can be stressful for your bridesmaids too, especially if it’s their first time. Arranging for everyone to go to the spa, get a massage, or have a weekend away at a nice rural house can do wonders for keeping stress levels low and keeping everyone’s happiness levels high. 

Remember: Communication is Key

Finally, the rules for virtually all relationships apply when dealing with your bridesmaids: communication is key! You can’t expect every facet of the wedding organization process to run smoothly, but by staying in touch, having open and honest conversations, and being there for one another, you can ensure that everyone has each other’s back and is on the same page. It’s much easier to have fun when you’re a team! 

Related Article:

• Tips for Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses
• Unique Bridesmaid Gift Ideas