Bridesmaids are the people you choose to be by your side throughout your wedding process. Your maids may be siblings or friends that you have history and memories with, and who will be there as you plan and celebrate your upcoming wedding day.  These special people deserve a show of gratitude for giving their time and energy to help you plan a successful wedding. Here are eight ways to say thank you to your bridesmaids.

Plan a photoshoot session for them

Most women love to take and keep photos. Why not hold a photoshoot session as a way to thank your bridesmaids?  During the photoshoot, your gal pals (and perhaps man friends) get to be carefree and enjoy themselves while taking pretty pictures. A professional photoshoot for your group is sure to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Consider going a step further by preparing an album of your moments together to be gifted to each one of them as your way of saying thank you. 

Personalize a thank you card for them

A thank you card specially designed for your bridesmaid with a personal letter, or a few words can be given to show gratitude. This can be done after the wedding or sent by mail to their home addresses. While emails are also an option, I love the thought process behind a hand written note. Let them know how much it means to you that they stood with you and helped you through the wedding process. A written card may seem old-fashioned and straightforward, but it can mean so much to the recipient.  Tell them that they are the best, you are grateful, and the event would not have been as successful as it was without them being by your side.

Customize gifts for them

Offering a gift is one of the easiest ways to say thank you and show you are grateful. So thank your bridesmaids with custom made gifts for each of them. It can be in the form of customized necklaces, bracelets, bags, hairpins, mugs, or glasses to take home.   In my opinion, personalized gifts are incredibly endearing.  Gifts are known to strengthen human relations and bonds, so showing your affection in this way will tell them that you valued their presence and their role in your wedding.  I am a personal fan of anything from Locally Gifted.

Organize a party for them

Throwing a party for your bridal party certainly a great way to say thank you. It doesn’t have to be huge, and it can be a party for you and them, with food, snacks, and music to make it exciting. You can put games on the party itinerary that will help them to get to know each other. All the fun activities you put together will be your way to thank them for putting their schedules on hold to celebrate your big day with you. You will also get the opportunity to hear their opinions and concerns.

Pamper them with treats

Getting manis and pedis with your bridal party?  Considering treating your bridesmaids as a toke of your appreciation.  They will be grateful for the gesture, and the offering of the treatments will show them that you care.  In addition, consider paying for wedding day hair and makeup as well (and potentially their bridesmaid dress).

Plan a road trip for them

After your bridesmaids have stood beside you throughout your big day, another way to show appreciation is to go on a road trip with them to unwind. You can even do it before the wedding, to show them that special oval engagement ring you are now rocking. Discuss wedding plans thus far and how important each of them are in your life.  You can include a dinner date, slumber party, or a girls’ night out on the itinerary so that you all have the time of your lives. Whatever your choice, make it a unique event to remember.

Take their interests seriously

The plans you make for your bridesmaids shouldn’t feel forced or autocratic. That’s because you want them happy and willing to play their role. Consider their interests, especially when it comes to their bridesmaid dresses, hairstyles, and activities. Remember, they are the ones playing the part; they should feel as comfortable as possible. Have an open mind when they disagree with you or when your ideas differ, create room for tolerance, and let them have a say. You can agree on a dress with reasonable pricing that their finances can cover if they pay for it themselves – and if you are paying, consider allowing them to choose the dress style.

Prepare their sleeping arrangements

You can also thank your bridesmaids by offering to cover their sleeping arrangements over the wedding weekend. The issue of where your bridesmaids will spend the night when they come in for your wedding preparations is essential. Some may have to travel in from other cities to play the role of being your bridesmaid. So taking care of that would put their minds at ease and freely come on time to meet you. If you are holding the wedding in a hotel where they are required to stay, you can reserve their rooms and make payment for their reservations.

 

Your bridesmaids are probably one of the most important people at your wedding. They took time out of their busy schedules to join you, celebrate and hold your wedding ceremony, and that tells how much they love and cherish you. Show your appreciation for the gestures and sacrifices they may have made in any of these ways.