3 Simple Steps To A Happy Bridal Party
- by KissMeGoodnight.com

A happy bridal party can make your wedding less stressful and more joyful. Here are three ways to let your friends and family know how much you appreciate their contribution to your special day.

Control Expenses

1. Make a budget. Costs can quickly add up, from shower gifts to bridesmaid dresses to hotel rooms. Estimate the total financial expenses that your attendants are likely to incur. Try to stick to that budget.

2. Prioritize. To keep the financial burden reasonable, decide what items are most significant for you. If you have your heart set on an expensive destination wedding, you may want to scale back on the engagement party and shower.

3. Discuss finances openly. People are often uncomfortable talking about money. Take the lead in letting your bridal party know you want to work within their means. Share about your own budget. Invite them to talk with you if any purchases create a burden for them.

4. Hunt for bargains. It pays to shop around. Your loved ones may have suggestions for good values on standard services like photography and flowers. You may find much lower prices on products not specifically targeted to weddings. Those savings can be passed along to your bridal party.

5. Consider letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. Bridesmaids' dresses are one of the biggest expenses. If you designate just the color and style, your assistants can often buy beautiful dresses for less and get more use out of them.

Help Your Bridal Party Help You

1. Clarify responsibilities. Your bridesmaids want to help you. Let them know your exact expectations and the best methods of communicating promptly with you.

2. Delegate sensibly. People excel in different areas. Your friends with great penmanship may be better suited to writing out invitations while others may have a knack for decorating. Plan ahead to make the most of everyone's individual talents.

3. Be open to feedback. Welcome feedback on the decisions that will impact the whole wedding party. You'll benefit from working as a team and getting advice from those who know you best.

4. Stay calm. Allow yourself as much serenity as possible. Encourage everyone to make time to relax and keep things in perspective. Go for a walk together or have an afternoon picnic at the park.

Express Your Gratitude

1. Be generous with thanks and praise. Take every opportunity to express your gratitude. Let everyone know when they've done a great job suggesting a hairstylist or getting the best price on a hotel package.

2. Find a meaningful gift for each member of your bridal party. Gifts need not be expensive but they should express how much you value each personal relationship. Give a copy of the first foreign movie you discovered together back in college or a luxury candle in her favorite scent.

3. Respect their obligations. Remain sensitive to what else is going on in the lives of your bridal attendants. Spend some time together to stay abreast of their activities. Be flexible when conflicting demands temporarily prevent them from participating in your wedding arrangements.

4. Return their generosity. When the time comes, strive to be as good a bridesmaid for them as they were for you. Whether or not they marry, take opportunities to go the extra mile with any request for support they send your way. You might want to help them move to a new house or watch their children while they go on vacation.

Your heart will glow, seeing all of the significant people in your life work hard to make your wedding day memorable. In all the frenzy of wedding preparations, take the time to let your bridal party know how much they mean to you.

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by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2011

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