Last week RiverStone offered a few pointers to help our bridesmaids and groomsmen knock it out of the park. But much like marriage, friendship is a two-way-street. So wedding couples, this week it’s your turn! Your wedding party is going to do everything in their power to ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams, and it is up to you to set the stage for them to do so. If you want to make this a once in a lifetime experience for you AND your wedding attendants, RiverStone has you covered!
1. Coordinate a Pre-Wedding Meet and Greet
Give your wedding party members fun opportunities to get to know one another before the main event. If friendships have already begun to develop within your tribe, it will make the big day much more enjoyable!
2. Alleviate Expenses
It’s important to recognize that your checkbook isn’t the only one taking a hit! Being a bridesmaid or groomsman is an investment of time and money. Anything you can do to alleviate a portion of that cost will be greatly appreciated. Instead of giving gifts that your wedding party won’t use again, consider allocating a portion of your budget to cover wedding day expenses…
- Wedding Apparel… dresses, tuxes, shoes, jewelry, etc.
- Hair, Makeup & Nails
- Transportation & Lodging
3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Timelines, expectations, costs…all the details. Your wedding party will need time to prepare. So give them the resources to do so. Provide them with information that is as complete and organized as possible at least a month in advance of your event. They will appreciate the heads up!
4. Shower Them with Sincere Gratitude
Be intentional about communicating how much you appreciate your friends and family. This means respecting their time, writing them thank you notes, and speaking words of gratitude before, during, and after your wedding.
5. Respect their Lives Outside of Your Wedding.
Although your wedding is likely to be your key focus right now, remember that your bridesmaids and groomsmen have full lives too! Try to be understanding if they’re not able to attend every single wedding-related activity.
Above All, Prioritize the Relationship. If you’re ever in doubt about how to handle a situation, opt for the choice that will preserve relationships! Trust us, most wedding day details are worth sacrificing when it comes to lifelong friendship.
