From an office of seasoned bridesmaids, there are a few rules we think should be remembered when it comes to yours… If you need more tips, click here to buy the latest issue of ELLE Wedding.
If you want to choose their dresses, be aware that one shape (and even one colour) may not suit all. Your friend with a big bust probably won’t appreciate a strapless dress, and your sister-in-law, with an English rose complexion may not be able to carry off that peach-coloured gown.
Then there’s the minefield of who pays. The general consensus is that if you want full creative control, you should probably pay for it. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you should force your friends to wear something hideous…
Hair up or down? DIY make-up or professional make-up artist? If you want your bridesmaids to have a complicated hairdo and relative uniformity when it comes to make-up, consider paying a professional to come and do it for them; they may not have the cash to cover it.
If they’re more comfortable doing their own beauty on the day (or if there won’t be time), choose a simple style that doesn’t require 50 grips and six hands to complete.
Be clear about what you’d like – action-based, sedate affair, spa day… If you want it to be a surprise, make sure organiser has a rough idea of the invited guests’ budget. You want your friends to have a great time on your hen, not to be stressed about how much their hotel room is costing them.
TIME
Set manageable expectations with regard to the amount of time you want your bridesmaids to dedicate in the run up to your big day. They probably want to help as much as they can, but jobs and partners have a tendency to get in the way…
SAY THANK YOU
This may sound like a no-brainer, but a thank you goes a long way. Your bridesmaid(s) will (hopefully) help your day run smoothly, and will be there in years to come to laugh about anything that didn’t go quite to plan. So a token gift is a lovely gesture. Jewellery for them to wear on the day is one idea, but there are plenty of others, so be creative!
Good luck! And remember, at least your bridesmaids won't be these ladies…
