As an expert in wedding etiquette, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question: What does the bride do for her bridesmaids? The bride typically takes on certain responsibilities and costs associated with her bridesmaids to show appreciation for their support and involvement in her special day.
1. Bouquets: It is customary for the bride to cover the cost of the bridesmaids’ bouquets. These bouquets are usually smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet and are carried by the bridesmaids during the ceremony. The bride can work with her florist to choose the appropriate flowers and designs for the bouquets.
2. Transportation: The bride is usually responsible for arranging transportation to and from the wedding venue for the bridesmaids. This may involve hiring a limousine, car service, or providing a shuttle if the wedding and reception are held at different locations. The bride should ensure that the transportation arrangements are convenient and comfortable for her bridesmaids.
3. Gift: As a token of gratitude, the bride often gives each of her bridesmaids a gift to thank them for their participation in her wedding. The gift can be something personalized and meaningful, such as jewelry, monogrammed items, or a thoughtful keepsake. It’s a nice gesture to choose gifts that reflect each bridesmaid’s personality and interests.
Optional Costs:
1. Hair and Makeup: While it is not mandatory, the bride may choose to cover the cost of professional hair and makeup services for her bridesmaids. This ensures that everyone looks cohesive and polished on the wedding day. However, if the bridesmaids prefer to do their own hair and makeup or have their own professionals, they should have the freedom to do so.
2. Hotel Accommodations: If the wedding requires bridesmaids to travel from out of town, the bride may offer to cover the cost of their hotel accommodations. This is a generous gesture that helps alleviate some of the financial burden on the bridesmaids. However, it is not an obligation and depends on the bride’s budget and preferences.
3. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to purchase their own dresses. However, if the bride has specific requirements or preferences for the bridesmaids’ attire, she may consider contributing towards the cost or even covering it entirely. This is especially true if the bride chooses expensive or designer dresses.
4. Bridesmaids’ Luncheon: While not mandatory, some brides choose to host a bridesmaids’ luncheon as a way to thank their bridesmaids and spend quality time together before the wedding. The bride usually covers the cost of the luncheon, which can be a casual get-together or a more formal event. It’s an opportunity for the bride to show appreciation and bond with her bridesmaids.
The bride’s responsibilities towards her bridesmaids typically include covering the cost of bouquets, arranging transportation, and giving a gift as a token of appreciation. Optional costs may include hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bridesmaids’ dresses, and hosting a bridesmaids’ luncheon. Each bride has the flexibility to decide what she can afford and what she believes is appropriate for her bridesmaids.