Is that the sound of wedding bells we hear? We can already see a stunning, glowing bride in the making! Huge congratulations! 

Well, being the bride isn’t just about the dream dress, aisle, or those perfect vows, right? 

It’s more about the people who stood beside you, holding your bouquet and your heart, to make your big day even bigger and better. 

Yes, we are talking about your “bride crew!” 

Your besties have taken time off work, spent a lot of time on dress fittings, and might have exceeded their credit card limit, too– but for whom? 

Obviously, for you, without a doubt! They are going to witness the most glorious day of your life because they love you!

So, it’s entirely up to you to make them feel amazing so that when they look back at your D-Day, they have only fond memories and zero regrets! 

But how do you do that? Want some secret tips? 

Ways to Show Love & Care To Your Bridal Gang 

1. Have Clear Communication

Starting with the basics, communicate openly with your bride squad. This simple step avoids unnecessary drama and stress and ensures your squad feels included rather than blindsided. 

Be upfront about all your plans! Set up either a group chat or share a wedding timeline where everyone can see the key dates and their roles. A last-minute, unexpected message like, “Hey, the dance rehearsal starts tomorrow,” can definitely give stress to many! 

2. Be Mindful of Their Budgets

Okay, let’s agree that weddings can be really expensive! This is not only for the couple but also for everyone involved, be it on attire, accessories, tickets, or gifts! According to an article by Bankrate, wedding guests in America had spent over $600 per wedding in 2023. This amount can be a lot for some, don’t you think? 

We agree it’s your special day, but please remember to consider your bridesmaids' finances, too, as everyone has their own financial limitations! 

For instance, it would be unfair and impractical to expect them to spend $300 on a dress they might wear just once! So, why not keep things simple and considerate– a win-win situation for all!

3. Bridging the Gap: Socializing the “Unacquainted” Bridesmaids

Give this blog a quick read; you’ll have your answers by the end! 

If your support squad is a mix of friends who belong to different phases of your life, you need to break the ice! They might not know each other, and eventually, the conversations can become a bit awkward.

So, bridging this gap between unfamiliar faces becomes essential. To fix this situation, you can plan a low-key hangout, a movie night, or a brunch with your girls before the big day.

Also, there’s a fun way of knowing each other by playing a “get-to-know-you” kind of game at any of the festivities! Once they start to bond, your wedding fun will be amplified by 1000%, for sure! 

4. Giving Them the Freedom to Dress

The tradition of following the same dress code for bridesmaids seems so over now, don’t you think? Let your girls choose different bridesmaid dresses in a specific color so they feel confident, gorgeous, and, most importantly, comfortable!  

For instance, if you want coordinated snapshots, you can pick a dress code like “Soft Romance in Peach” and let your girl gang decide the silhouette, sleeve style, or neckline! This way, everyone will feel fabulous while staying true to their style, budget, and preference. 

5. Keep Things Flexible

Let’s admit that not all your bridesmaids will be available for every event. Some might have work commitments, some might have kids, some might be expecting, some might have health issues, and whatnot! Life happens, no?

So, be understanding if your bestie cannot attend your bachelorette, after-party, or dress fittings! Being flexible shows you value their presence without adding unnecessary pressure.   

6. Feed Them and Keep Them Happy

Nobody likes a HANGRY bridesmaid, right? The more hungry they will stay, the more grumpier they will become. So, while you are all busy dolling yourself up, ensure they are well-fed and hydrated. 

For example, a “croissants and coffee treat” can keep your wedding crew happy and energized while they try on those beautiful bridesmaid dresses. Also, on the wedding day, have a dedicated corner in the bridal suite for snacks, fruit, and champagne. 

7. Gracefully Accept “NO” From Your Squad

Okay, let’s accept that your “I DO CREW” has its own life, too, and it’s not always feasible for them to say “YES” to every request. =

Maybe some cannot afford a good bridesmaid dress, can’t accompany you on your bridal shower, or can’t assist you with last-minute preps due to kids' or spouses' responsibilities. 

So, when you hear the word “no,” try to respect their boundaries instead of taking it personally. A statement like “Babe, I completely understand; don’t worry, you’ve already done a lot” can relieve their stress and free them from going on a guilt trip.

8. Create Moments to Celebrate Them

You are the bride-to-be; it’s one of your dreamiest days, and you deserve all the spotlight! However, creating a few moments highlighting your bridal crew's efforts can make them feel special and appreciated. 

Small gestures, like giving them a shout-out in your speech, preparing a slideshow with “behind-the-wedding” pictures showcasing their prep, a bridesmaids-only photo session, or writing gratitude-filled handwritten notes can make them feel loved and important! 

Let’s Not Forget: The Bride-to-be Deserves Some Love, Too! 

Okay, bridesmaids, this section is for you! Let’s shift the focus to your lovely bride-to-be for a little while! 

Doesn’t she also deserve some special treatment? After all, it’s her D-Day! Don’t you think even a small gesture of love from your side can make a big difference? 

So, here we are with some nostalgic, heartful gift ideas! How about a customized jewelry box or a scrapbook filled with all your lovely memories? Or, how about arranging a relaxing spa day for her or a heartfelt video montage with messages from her loved ones who couldn’t attend the wedding?

Even better, gift her a wedding gown preservation kit! When the celebrations are over, only the memories stay, right? And a wedding dress is a reminiscence of the most iconic day of her life. So, allowing her to preserve her most precious treasure is beyond thoughtful! 

Wrapping it Up: Keep it Fun, Not Stressful!

Being a bridesmaid is more than a title; it’s more like a calm to your chaos! Winning your girl gang’s heart is not about flaunting grand gestures but showing kindness, respect, love, and gratitude. 

There should be no room for any rigid rules or old-school traditions. By being yourself, flexible, and considerate, you can have a celebration that everyone will remember for years to come! 

A stress-free squad is indeed a happy, content squad. Your besties deserve it as much as you do!