- Calling All Brides:
Are You Ready to... [quiz] - Always a
Bridesmaid... in an... [article] - Groomsmen Gifts:
The Basics [article] - What Does the Maid
of Honor Do? [article] - Budgeting Tips for
Your Bridesmaids [article]
Nothing makes a statement about the value you place on your friendships quite like asking those special women in your life to be your bridesmaids. After all, the position of bridesmaid should be filled by those female friends and relatives you most want to stand by your side and support you as you marry the love of your life. A host of practicalities come along with playing this highly emotional role, however. And for a bridesmaid to fulfill her responsibilities in a way that will make both you and her happy, you both need to first understand and agree on what they are.
We can't stress this enough: When you ask each woman to be your bridesmaid, also explain what you expect from her in terms of responsibilities -- and give her the opportunity to gracefully decline if it's more responsibility than she desires. Talk about the time commitment involved in being in your wedding party, whatever it might be. Some brides expect nothing more of their attendants than for the women to show up on the big day; others want an entourage to accompany them dress shopping, to help address invitations and, essentially, to participate in every step of the wedding planning. Also, if there will be any unusual financial obligations involved with being in your wedding party (a Bahamas-based bridal shower weekend, for instance, or a custom-made designer bridesmaid's dress), you should talk about them up front. Typically, these are the expenses your bridesmaids will incur:
The Wedding Shower
Generally, the bridesmaids pool their resources to host and pay for one shower for the bride. Although some brides end up having multiple showers to which the bridesmaids are invited, the attendants themselves need not feel obligated to host or contribute to the costs of more than one event. In a similar vein, the bridesmaids will want to give the bride one bridal shower gift. This can be a group gift from all the attendants or individual presents from each maid. If there is more than one shower, bridesmaids need not bring a gift to every one. One shower gift is enough.
Next Page: The Bachelorette Bash, Bridesmaid's Attire, Hotel and Travel Expenses, The Wedding Gift