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How to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy

How to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

Now that you've chosen your bridesmaids, you get the important task of making sure that everybody is happy and content during the lead up to the big day. With such a busy pre-wedding schedule, it can be easy to forget to listen to your bridesmaids and make sure that they are okay. To make things as simple as possible for you, here are our 8 top tips for keeping your girls happy so they can enjoy their fun role in your wedding.

How to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy | Guides for Brides

1). Ask their opinion

You've chosen these girls for a reason, so make sure to show them that you respect their opinions. Let them help you make decisions, no matter how big or small. They'll most likely be eager to help you choose your dress, hair and flowers, so invite them along to your appointments so they can help you make some exciting decisions.

2). 'Propose' to them

We've already got a blog full of ideas for how to pop the question to your bridesmaids, so be sure to check it out if you need some inspiration! From personalised jewellery, to homemade cookies, make your besties feel special as you ask them to be your bridesmaids.

Propose | How to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy | Guides for Brides

3). Address any awkwardness

Sometimes, as much as we might not like it, some of our friends just can't seem to get along. It's important not to let this ruin your wedding, so try to make the best of the situation by addressing any awkwardness that there might be. If two of your bridesmaids just can't deal with their differences, don't try to force them to be friends, just simply try to make the experience as stress-free for everyone as possible.

4). Let them choose their dresses

If you have a specific dress in mind and you really, really can't imagine compromising it, then go with your instinct and hope your bridesmaids understand. However, if your top priority is keeping your bridesmaids sweet then why not let them choose their own dresses? This is a great way to show them that you care about them! Mismatched bridesmaids dresses are on-trend right now and it's an amazing way to let your girls show their personalities through the dresses they pick. If you still want to make sure that the dresses all work together, pick a colour to act as a guideline for your bridesmaids. This way, you'll still have bridesmaid dresses that compliment your theme, whilst also giving your girls the freedom to wear what they want.

Mismatched Bridesmaids | How to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy | Guides for Brides

5). Don't overwhelm them

Of course, your bridesmaids want to help you wherever possible, but remember that they have lives outside of planning your wedding. Make sure that you respect their free time and try not to give them ridiculously long to-do lists. Yes, they are there to help you but it's not their responsibility to sort everything out for you. They're your bridesmaids, not your wedding planners!

6). Introduce them

If your bridesmaids don't all know each other, make sure you're the one to introduce them all. Try to do this in a fun, exciting way so that it's not awkward. Why not go out for dinner or cocktails together to break the ice?

Champagne | How To Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy | Guides for Brides

7). Spend time together

Both the wedding planning process and the big day itself will be extremely busy, but make some time to spend with your bridesmaids. The experience should be enjoyable for everyone, so relax and have fun with your girls. Not only will it make them feel appreciated, but it will give you an opportunity to stop stressing about wedding plans for a while and enjoy yourself.

8). Show them you care

And most importantly, remember to say "thank you"!

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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