Top 10 suggestions to being the Perfect Bride

Having been a bridesmaid twice in the past eight months and being in the midst of planning my own wedding (being a bride), I've put together a list of what I think are the top 10 things a bride needs to do for her bridesmaids!!

1. Asking your girls. Once you have decided on your bridal party, choose a special way to ask your girls! Whether it be making them a gift, buying a card that suits your friendship, or taking them out to dinner or drinks to talk it over one on one, the initial question is very important! You want your women to feel special and that you couldn't imagine the process without them - because after all, they are and you shouldn't be able to!
   
   
2. Dressing your girls. I'm of the opinion that your bridesmaids have the right to look beautiful AND be comfortable on your big day. If you're going for a mis-matched but cohesive look, give your girls a color scheme and give the freedom to pick a dress they love. If you're asking them all to wear the same dress (like I am), make sure it's something that you wouldn't mind wearing yourself. You might be the bride, but these are most important ladies in your life - you want to make them look good!
   
   
3. Introducing your girls. Something that I really appreciate as a bridesmaid is knowing the other bridesmaids before the big day. If your bridesmaids aren't already friends (i.e. college roommates, out of town cousins, high school best friend, etc.), try to set up a time and place for all of them to meet so that the awkward first encounters are out of the way before the big day. This could take place at showers, your bachelorette, or just a planned day that everyone might happen to be in the same town. If this isn't possible before hand due to traveling or finances, start a group e-mail or Facebook thread so that everyone can talk and get to know each other!
   
   
4. Keeping your girls updated. As a bridesmaid (and a bride), it's important to me that everybody knows what's going on in terms of the wedding. Whether that mean important appointments, time changes, get togethers, or just updates on things you've bought. It helps the bride de-stress, and in turn helps the bridesmaids gage whether or not the bride needs help and might not be asking (yet).
   
5. Loving your girls. Having a long engagement myself, I've found it really important and special to make sure my girls know how much I appreciate everything they're doing (or will be doing soon) in terms of my wedding. A little card here and there goes a long way!
    
   
6. Asking your girls for help. In terms of bridesmaids actually helping with things for the wedding, I think that the most important thing to consider is that the bride needs to be aware that while your bridesmaid is your bridesmaid, they have lives too. It's important that brides are sensitive to schedules, time constraints, etc. and not be resentful if a bridesmaid can't make it to every single thing. This also means that it's taboo to text your girls at the last minute for help - they have lives!
   
7. Showering your girls. This for me kind of goes along with "loving your girls." I think bridesmaid gifts are important, even if it's just something small. Inevitably, bridesmaids take on the role knowing that they're going to spend a lot of their own money to be a part of your special day and a final "thank you" needs to happen!
   
8. Let your girls let loose. I think it's important to keep in mind that the goal is for everyone to have a good time and celebrate your special day. Let your bridesmaid have a drink if they want to, let them dance around in the underwear if they want to... it's a special day for them too!
   
   
9. Prep your girls for your guests. Give your girls a heads up about the people they'll be running into throughout the process. This means warning them about creepy cousins, giving them the low down on any cute single friends, telling them about your snippy aunt, etc. This way they can avoid awkward conversations or divert any potentially stressful situations for you.
   
10. Be honest with your girls. While it's true that your bridesmaids are (most likely) in charge of planning your shower and/or bachelorette party, don't be afraid to be honest if they're planning something that will make you uncomfortable or isn't your style. If you've picked the right girls, they won't mind changing a few things to make your days special!