In last week’s blog post, we wrote about the honour of being a bridesmaid, and the different ways that bridesmaids can live up to the trust placed in them by the bride. It goes without saying that any bridesmaid should do her very best to provide support and friendship to the bride as she prepares for her wedding day. However, this is not a one-way street. Agreeing to be a bridesmaid is a significant commitment that involves effort and expense. In accepting the bride’s invitation, the bridesmaids have shown dedication to the bond of friendship they share with the pride. This is something that deserves recognition.

So, if you’re planning to get married, you may given some thought to who your bridesmaids will be. You may have even asked some of them already. Perhaps you find yourself wondering how you can show your friends that you truly appreciate their love and support, and that you’re glad they’ve agreed to be your bridesmaids. In this weeks blogpost, we’d like to offer some advice to the bride-to-be who wants to make sure her bridesmaids feel special and appreciated. As ever, we hope you’ll find them useful.

Ask Your Bridesmaids in the Right Way

Before you do anything else for your bridesmaids, you’ll first need to ask them to be your bridesmaids! As we’ve mentioned, agreeing to be a bridesmaid is no small committment. So, accordingly, your bridesmaids shouldn’t be made to feel as if your decision to ask them was made casually. You should ask your friends to be your bridesmaids in a way that reaffirms that you value them, and that you consider this a gesture of close friendship. The best way to do this is by asking them with a little bit of ceremony. You don’t need to go all out, but making a little occassion out of it will go along way towards making your bridesmaids feel appreciated. A group meal or day out would be idea. If your bridesmaids are not mutual friends already, and a group event isn’t suitable, consider creating a personalised care package along with a card for each of them.

Spend Time Together, and Have Fun

Throughout the months leading up to your wedding, you and your bridesmaids will spend plenty of time together, as they assist you in making preparations. While naturally work of preparing for your wedding will often be challenging, you should endeavour to make your time together as fun as possible. Whether shopping for dresses or preparing your guest list, do your best to enjoy the company of your bridesmaids, and remember that these activities are fun! It’s also highly recommended that you arrange some purely social gatherings for you and your bridesmaids, where you can let your hair down and relax for a while. This will have the benefit of giving your bridesmaids an opportunity to become closer friends with each other, if they’re not already so.

Listen to What Your Bridesmaids Have to Say

Remember, your bridesmaids are there to support you in every way they can. This means that they’ll sometimes offer input and opinions on your plans for the wedding. While you may have a very clear idea of how you imagine your wedding, make sure you give careful thought to any suggestions offered by your bridesmaids. While you don’t need to make every change suggested by your bridesmaids, you do need to make it clear that their opinion is valued and that you’re grateful for their input. Your bridesmaids will notice when you listen to them carefully, and this will make it clear to them that they are valued and appreciated.

When It’s All Over, Do Something to Show Your Gratitude

By the time your wedding has come and gone, your bridesmaids will have invested a great deal of time, effort, and expense in helping you to have the time of your life on your big day. It’s nice to acknowledge this by giving a little something back. This could be anything from a small, personal gift, to a post-honeymoon holiday for you and your bridesmaids. Regardless of what it is, your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate the gesture.

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