Last week, you got to read all about how to choose your Maid on Honor, but this week I wanted to touch base with 10 ways to keep your bridesmaids happy. We’ve all heard stories about that bride turning into a bridezilla, the Maid and Honor and other bridesmaids, hating her for it, and heaven forbid, they end up forgoing being a bridesmaid because of it. Well, with these tips, you won’t even have to worry!

They Have a Life

When you get in the middle of wedding planning, sometimes it can be hard to remember than not every one else’s lives are revolving around that as well. There’s a lot of thing to work out, and they just may not have the time to do it all with you, and THAT’S OK! It helps to keep them in mind when you are planning things like dress fittings, and florist appointments. If they have class or work at 10 on Wednesday Thursdays, don’t make your appointment at those times if you want them to be there with you. Problem solved!

27 Dresses

Sure, it’s your wedding, and you get to choose your colors and flowers, but ask them what THEY want to wear. Remember that no one has the shame body shape and your size 0 bridesmaid isn’t going to look the same in a dress as your size 10 bridesmaid. You may have dreamed about having all your bridesmaids in a sweetheart top style dress since you were little, but your larger busted bridesmaids may not be able to enjoy the day if they have to worry about pulling their top up all night. Ask, and they will give you feedback. But both of you should be willing to compromise if needed

They’re Special…

….so make them feel that way! Out of all your friends, you have selected those chosen few. They will be putting their time, money, and effort into your bid day as well. Think of them more like VIPs than your servants, and they’ll appreciate it tenfold! They are probably just as excited about your big day as you are, so make sure you let them know they are appreciated!!

Introduce Them

Your bridesmaids maybe all your sorority sisters from college who already know each other, have inside jokes, and more! But chances are, they won’t be! Make sure you introduce them to each other, and let them get to know each other, too! Maybe plan a girls night (pre-bachelorette party) for them all to get to know each other better. It’s your job to make sure they are nice to each other and get along! 😉

$$$

Keep in mind their wallets. You are learning how expensive weddings can be, and just like for you, being a bridesmaid can add up as well. The dress, the shoes, accessories, cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching. It adds up quick, so maybe don’t have all your bridesmaids wearing your favorite Mischka Badgley shoes. Also, keep in mind that if you are requiring they get their makeup done, you should be the one paying for it.

Communicate

Some of the girls you choose may have been bridesmaids for all of their others, and some maybe haven’t even been AT a wedding. Make sure you communicate with them on what you expect and keep them in the loop. If you are ordering dresses, who is doing it? If you are all going to a dress boutique, make sure they know that and are prepared. Just like in a marriage, miscommunication is a good way to start an argument!

Say No to Bridezilla

Your stressed, and your bridesmaids and other helping you plan your wedding are going to be the first in line to get the brunt of that. Keep that in mind when you are wanting to get sassy. They’re taking their time and money and putting it into your big day, so be nice. A few meltdowns or two are expected, but just keep it in check.

They Are Still Your Friends

As such, you should still talk to them about more than just wedding stuff. It’s easy to forget that you have a life too (as well as their’s). Remember to not make every conversation wedding related but also remain involved with their personal lives. Stay in the loop with what’s going on with them!

Give, and Recieve, Graciously

You may have had this elaborate Paris Bachelorette Party (think Bridesmaids Movie) in mind, only to be rewarded with little smokies and beer. Your girls did this for you, and you need to remember to be grateful for the time and effort they put into it, even if it wasn’t just what you were envisioning.

Say Thank You

One of the best things you can do to help your girls feel appreciated is simply say “thank you!” Your momma taught you to do it when you were little, and it’s because it feels good as the giver to feel appreciated. It’s customary to give them all gifts, but a hand-written note and a Starbucks gift-card can go a long way!

What are some other ways you could think a bride could keep her bridesmaids happy!?