As a bride-to-be, it goes without saying that you love and cherish each of your bridesmaids. After all, you’ve asked them to be by your side on one of the most important days of your life. They must hold some special place in your heart to receive such an honor. Even so, this gesture alone isn’t enough to make your bridesmaids feel happy and appreciated—and let’s face it, they deserve all the love! They’re putting in their time, effort and no small amount of money to make your big day one for the books. So, why not show your love and appreciation for each of your maids on your wedding day? You don’t need to do any grand gesture. In fact, it’s the little things that can make a big difference in their happiness. To give you a few ideas, here are seven ways to help show your love and appreciation for your bridesmaids. Let Them Pick Their Bridesmaid Dresses Each and every one of your bridesmaids want to look and feel amazing on your big day. By letting them choose their own bridesmaid dresses, you can give them the freedom to express their personal style and choose a dress that best flatters their shape. Don’t worry–you don’t need to give up total control of what your bridesmaids are wearing. In fact, setting a few parameters is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve a perfectly cohesive wedding party look. To keep things uniform, give them your exact color choice and ask them to choose a specific length of the gowns. This way, your crew can rock the mix-and-match bridesmaid dress trend and everyone is guaranteed to feel confident and comfortable on your wedding day. Offer Snacks and Beverages It’s no doubt going to be a long day for you and your bridesmaids. To keep everyone’s energy levels up (and to avoid hangry bridesmaids), be sure to provide healthy things to nosh on while you and your besties get ready. The perfect pre-wedding foods are healthy and have some protein in the mix. Stick to lighter, protein-packed foods such as meat and cheese platters, finger sandwiches and deviled eggs. Add a healthy side of fruit and veggies to complete the menu. You can also offer your bridesmaids mimosas or sangria. However, just be sure to offer plenty of water as well to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Give Them Unique Gifts Bridesmaid gifts are part and parcel of the wedding party experience. While there is nothing wrong with getting them wedding day accessories and other traditional bridesmaid gifts, it also helps to throw in something unique to each of your girls. For example, is one of your bridesmaids obsessed with corgis? On top of your regular bridesmaid gift, give her a corgi-related gift such as a pair of corgi socks or a corgi coloring book. She’ll love the personalized touch that clearly shows how much you know her. Say a Few Words When You Pop the Bubbly Once the maid of honor pops the morning bubbly, it’s time to relax with music as you get ready for the big day. Before you get the party started, gather your bridesmaids close and clink glasses in celebration. This is the perfect time to say a few words of appreciation to your maids. It doesn’t need to be long—they’ll probably get a bigger shout-out at the reception by the groom—just keep it simple and sweet. You can tell them how much it means to you to have each one of them here on your special day. Though it’s a small gesture, reminding them how grateful you are to have them by your side won’t go unnoticed. Plus, it’s simply a nice way to start off the wedding day activities on a good note. Write Them Each a Heartwarming Note If you’ve ever received a thoughtful, personalized letter before, you know just how much of an impact it can make. Penning a heartwarming note to each of your bridesmaids is a kind gesture that each of them is sure to cherish. On top of thanking your bridesmaids in your note, be sure to include things that are specific to each one. Did one of your bridesmaids help you through a personal crisis during wedding planning? Mention this in your letter and tell her how grateful you are for her support. No matter how small or inconsequential the task, make it clear that you appreciate the little things more than they can possibly know. Just get the tissues ready in case they aren’t expecting you to get so sentimental. Make Your MOH Feel Extra Special Whether she’s your sister or best friend since forever, your maid of honor is one-of-a-kind. She’s taken on some of the most important roles, from wrangling your bridesmaids into order to planning your bachelorette party and more. Needless to say, her super-hero status definitely deserves recognition. One way to make her shine on your big day is by dressing her in a different bridesmaid dress than the rest of your bridal party. Have your maid of honor wear a floral printed bridesmaid dress while the rest of your crew dons regular gowns. Or, have your MOH wear a long style while your other bridesmaids opt for shorter dresses. You can also make her feel special by giving her a personalized necklace or by treating her to a much-needed spa day after all the excitement. No matter what the gift, make sure that it’s worthy of all that she’s done for you over the last year or so. Creating Lasting Memories with Your Bridesmaids Above all, remember to relax and have fun with your bridesmaids. They’re by your side because you can’t imagine sharing this special moment with anyone but your best gals. Live it up, laugh with your bridesmaids and get ready to embark on the next amazing chapter in your life. This post was sponsored by The Dessy Group, a leading manufacturer of bridal and bridesmaids dresses. The words and opinions are my own. Sponsorships make this blog possible. Thank you for supporting our amazing sponsors, like The Dessy Group.
