Wedding Wednesday #2

WOW! Everyone really seemed to enjoy last weeks Wedding Wednesday post A LOT! So I am going to continue with that because I LOVE writing about it. I know I am not an expert on weddings but I do feel like I have a good bit of knowledge to share on it now (and a lot of pretty pictures). So today's focus is going to be on.....

BRIDESMAIDS!


I actually can't speak from past experience on this...yet! I am going to be a bridesmaid but the weddings aren't until next summer! So what about bridesmaids am I going to discuss? How to pick them? Make them feel special? Picking gifts for them? Picking dresses that they'll love? I will hopefully cover all of this in one post! Whew :)

1. Choosing your bridesmaids

• What is the size of your guest list? This should help determine about how many bridesmaids you have. If you are inviting 50 people you probably don't want to have 10 bridesmaids. That might look kinda strange. But what if you just have 10 BEST friends that you just can't see leaving out? Give them other tasks. But you have to ask, don't just assume they will be okay with helping in another way. They may just want to enjoy the wedding from the audience if they can't be a bridesmaid. Don't feel so bad about hurting someones feelings because you should expect a lot from the girls you choose and you want the ones that will really stand by your side. When you do choose them, find a unique way to ask!!

(those are ring pops on the outside of the envelopes so they could have some bling too!)

2. How to make your bridesmaids feel special

• Now that you have chosen your bridesmaids, how do you make them feel like they were hand picked specially by you? Include them! Talk to each girl and keep her in the loop on your wedding plans. It may seem like you are driving them crazy with all of the wedding talk, but trust me if they are really your friend then they want to hear. Ask them if they want to help if you are making things, but don't force anything on them. Help them get to know each other so that no one is left out when it's wedding time. Be sure to take individual pictures with them at the wedding. They will cherish those forever!

3. Appropriate gifts for the bridesmaids

• I struggled with this part a lot. I wanted to get individual gifts that were unique to each girl, but I ultimately decided to get them all the same thing. Why? Well like I said before, you want to make each bridesmaid feel special. I was worried that someone would want the other's gift and I didn't think I could manage to spend the same amount on each. So I got the girls navy flip flops for dancing, a j.crew canvas bride bag to carry their stuff and the pearl necklace and earring set that they are wearing in the picture above. We went to Olive Garden for a bridal luncheon the day of the dress rehearsal and I gave them their gifts! (Luckily, Brittany took pictures there!!)

4. Picking Dresses that they will LOVE

• First of all, be aware of their budget. You will definitely be focused on your budget, but be aware that they will spend a lot on your wedding as well. I know my girls put in a lot of money and I am so grateful that they love me enough to do so. A bridesmaid not only has to pay for their dress, but potentially could have to pay for their nails, hair, makeup, a hotel, gas/flight, gifts for you, and any activities that you may do. So pick a sensible dress that will be comfortable for the setting/temperature, something that the girls approve of, that flatter them (this could mean different styles of the same color and material) and that they can hopefully wear again. If you can do all of this, you have found the perfect dress!

Ashley, Brittany, Morgan, Olivia and Sammi: Thank you for being by my side! I love your girls :)

Denise and Olivia: I can't wait to be a part of your special days! You are going to be beautiful brides!

The day, the dress

The bride, the groom
The joy, the tears
Will all come soon
Professing true love
To my husband-to-be
With all my family & friends
All watching me.
I hope the sun will 
Be shining down
Keep your fingers crossed
I’ll fit in my gown.
But there’s just one more thing
That needs to be….
And that’s to have you
Standing there with me!
So on my wedding day,
I will need you more than ever,
Please say you’ll be my 
Bridesmaid…
And my friend forever!

*(author unknown)

XO Samantha

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