Long Distance Bridesmaids

In today’s global and mobile society, many brides find themselves with scattered wedding parties. Perhaps you are a bride, as I was, with bridesmaids in several different states - or even continents. Or maybe you’re a bridesmaid living far from the bride and wondering how you can still help. Have no fear! Though we’re often scattered, our resources are abundant!

First, there are contributions a bridesmaid can make from afar. Thanks to the internet, so much research can be done long distance. Maids can even research your local vendors, as well as help you find the best deals on dresses and accessories. And by emailing photos, bridesmaids can easily offer their opinions on many aspects of your wedding. If you have a non-traditional registry, a bridesmaid can help manage that, as well. And to help keep all your efforts focused, as well as add a little fun, your or one of your bridesmaids can create a newsletter or wedding website to keep everyone up to date.

Second, there are all the tasks that can be accomplished on a visit to the bride. Whether it’s just one or all the maids visiting, many of the fun planning events are perfect for a visit, including:

• gown shopping or fittings

• Bridesmaid dress shopping

• accessory and favor shopping

• hair and makeup trial runs

• florist comparing

• cake testing

• food testing with caterer

• photographer and videographer reviews

• invitation addressing

• DJ/Band/performer reviews

• centerpiece makings or other crafting projects

• facility visits (for decorating ideas)


And, of course, you could plan a bridal shower during the visit of your closest friends.

Finally, there are the many duties associated with the actual wedding. If any of your maids arrive early, they can plan your bachelorette party. If you are decorating your reception site, they can help with that. And that day, no matter where they live, bridesmaids can be given different responsibilities, such as:

• gift and card watcher

• time keeper (to make sure events, such as the cake cutting, begin on time)

• photo prepper (to make sure you are photo ready at all times)

• video interview manager (if you are having interviews on your wedding video, assign someone to make sure the appropriate people are interviewed)

• gift lister (if you open your gifts right after the wedding, someone should note the gifts so you can send thank you notes later)

• flower distributer (get flowers to the right people)

• marriage license keeper

There’s always more, so you’ll have to assign the appropriate duties to the appropriate maids.

So, while friends may be scattered, they can still help you with your wedding planning, preparations and actual wedding day. Since each maid will be anxious to help, use her! Just make sure she shares in the common goal: to help you enjoy your Big Day! Delegate and enjoy!