So you’ve got everyone in your bridal party picked out. From the maid of honor to the junior bridesmaids, all of your closest girlfriends and family members have a role to play on your special day, and you couldn't be more excited about it! However, have you given any thought to how you’re supposed to manage the bridal party, especially when you have a particularly large one? Instead of spending hours a day coordinating bridal gatherings, shopping expeditions and parties, here’s how to manage your bridal party without breaking a sweat:
Avoid The Bridezilla Affliction
Yes, it's the most important day of your life – one that you've planned in detail since you were four years old! However, before you can start managing your bridal party, it's important to take a step back and realize that you can't control everything. Of course you will be picking out the dresses and deciding on hairstyles – but you've entered bridezilla territory if you start telling your bridesmaids to lose weight (just watch "Bridezillas" for a few outrageous but true examples!). Remember, your bridesmaids are devoting a lot of time to your wedding, so be patient and gracious with them. (Check out the bridesmaid shirts and sweat suits that Molly gave her bridesmaids on The Bachelor Wedding )They will repay the favor when they get married!
Have A One-Stop Online Destination
Sometimes making the same phone call to ten girls about the color of the bridesmaid dresses can be a bit time-consuming – not to mention a little annoying! That's why it's a great idea to have a website set up where you can post information for the bridal party and send out remainder emails about deadlines and important milestones. If you have a knack for technology, you can set up free websites online. It will save you plenty of time, not to mention your sanity!
Make It Fun
Being part of the bridal party should be fun – so make it that way! From wedding dress shopping to enjoying looking at bridesmaid dresses, make each "task" as fun as possible. Why not meet every couple of weeks for drinks and a night out on the town, or designed special wedding sweat suits to have your bridesmaids stand out from the crowd and have fun with their role? The more fun and unique you make each wedding task, the more your ladies will love being a part of the bridal party. So what's the opposite of a bridezilla?
Give Gifts As Thanks
If your bridal party has spent a lot of money and time on your wedding, it's only polite to give gifts that acknowledge how much they've put into your wedding. Again, personalized bride shirts make excellent bridal party gifts (don't forget about the flower girl!), and other gifts like necklaces, totes and spa gift certificates will certainly go appreciated. Here, the only limit for giving gifts to your bridal party is your own imagination!
