Bridal Party Meeting

What do you mean by "Promises"?

Honestly, if I went to what I thought was a low-key meet and greet and was presented with a binder and a shirt, I would be completely weirded out. It's just way too much. Reasonable expectations do not need to be tracked in a binder. I'd think about what they really need to know. A group email is usually more than sufficient.

Nothing further but my goodness you are organized! My girls and I have a million pages worth of Facebook messages lol that is the extent of my organization with them. I would wait on the shirts. The only reason I say this is because my MOH gave me a "Bride" tank top for Christmas. Well, I put it somewhere safe so that I could wear it this summer for my bachelorette party, and now I can't find it

I think the binder is a great idea! This way everyone knows what is going on. There is so much to do throughout this whole process, I think it will help. You know your ladies best, if you think they will appreciate it, I'd say go for it.

I'm 4 months away from my wedding and my bridal party hasn't met before. I'm planning on doing a brunch next month so everyone can meet.

Wait...what are you including in the binder about the bridal shower and bachelorette party? Or does it just say activities and it's up to them to fill it in if they choose to throw those parties for you? Do they need to know what your budget is? Or is that for them to make their own budget? The rest seems good. I've never heard of giving BM binders. What would the shirts be for? For the wedding or for the bachelorette party? I'd say wait until the event that you want them to wear them for to give them the shirts.

Hey. We had a meet and greet for our entire wedding party about 2 months out from the wedding. It turned out very nice. Very laid back at FH's home with our coordinator and wedding party. They were able to meet one another, we went over details for the wedding day as well as events leading up until then. We decided to just gather our party's email addresses so we would send wedding pertinent information. BMs and GMs actually liked that idea since everyone is always online. I suggest email or maybe a google calendar for the dates.

What are promises?

Also, if all of the girls don't know each other it might be nice to have a little bio about them and how they know you with their contact info.

I would not include budget in there! Budget is something you should talk privately to each of them about so that you can be sure you don't overextend somebody. They may not all be able to afford bachelorette parties, and unless you're paying for their hair and makeup some of them may not be able to do that. Unless you've already cleared the budget with them, you could make somebody feel really uncomfortable.

Honestly I think the binder would be a little much. I love the idea of the meet and greet, I did one as well and it was great. But all that info can be given to them over time via email and text. You want to make the process fun and light for everyone, not make it seem like chores or work. Also, leaving the thank you cards for right before the wedding will make them more meaningful.

I think the binder depends on your crowd. Honestly in my circle we love stuff like that - but we also organize Vegas trips by a spreadsheet on a Google doc. That said, I think what people are getting at here is that this binder should be something that makes them feel good and gives them information, not something that feels like you're dictating to them.

The wedding I'm in, we went out for pizza and shopped for our bridesmaids dresses and then watched SYTTD at my place. Any questions we had about the wedding were answered as part of a natural, fun conversation. Then the MOH followed up by emailing about possible dates for a shower and bachelorette.

The binder idea would be great if you were marrying Prince Harry, but it's too much for a non-royal wedding. I don't get a binder and shirt at most full-time jobs I've had, so if I received one as a bridesmaid, I would think the bride's expectations had gotten out of control. I would also seriously consider stepping down as a bridesmaid, because being in a wedding is supposed to be fun and an honor, not an obligation on par with a second job or a high maintenance pet.

Plus, "Budget"? Are you telling your BMs all the ways they are required to pay for stuff? Because in my world, the bridesmaids pay for the dress and shoes, and anything over that is gravy.

Slow your roll, or alienate your friends. Your choice.

I would keep things really low key. If anything, maybe just a card with everyone's contact info on it but the bridal shower/bachelorette is totally up to them. Discuss your "wish list" with MOH and have her handle it from there.

I agree with Shannon. I'm very organized and I keep all of my bridesmaids up to date on what is needed (the dress info) and what I'm doing. They've all commented on how on the ball I am, but I just text them the info that they need to know. When they agreed to be my BM and after I got more info, I texted them what I was going to ask of them as BM (get dress, get makeup done by my people, and info as to prices for the MUA in case they wanted to get their hair done, too). They met at our engagement party where they just ate and talked. Anything else (shower/bachelorette party) is something that they volunteered to help plan while my parents paid for my shower. I think even as organized as I am, I'd rather just get texts and emails as opposed to being given a binder. Maybe you can just give them your BM contact info only? That is something that they should have and it won't be seen as pushy.

I don't think they will be offended by a binder. As far as the promises it's cutesy stuff like I promise to not take my frustrations out on them or pick and ugly dress, they promise to amke sure I don't forget to eat so I won't pass out at the wedding or hold my dress while I pee. As far as the budget goes I put an estimated cost for everything. I included hair and makeup and I also let them know that these things did not have to be done by a professional if they didn't want to. As far as the bridal shower and bachelorette party, I told them who had already mentioned planning it and if they wanted to help them they were more than welcome to. I'm not requiring them to throw me any parties. I let them know that I won a pole dancing bachelorette party that is no cost to any of us.

@Shannon maybe we're from two different worlds because I have never participated in a wedding where the bride paid for my dress, shoes, nails, hair or anything else. It is pretty much the norm in my circle or where I'm from that the bridal party pays for their own stuff, but hey if it works for you

As far as the shirt I just want them to have those cute little rhinestone "bridesmaid" shirts that they can maybe wear to the bridal shower or dress shopping or something

My group doesn't really do emails

I think this is so gloriously organized His #1 Lady, and since things like this are usually natural for someone, I'm sure your friends will not be surprised because they are used to you. In addition, I think its incredibly considerate of you to let them know early on what their expenses will be so that they can prepare. Really nice!

I think this is so gloriously organized His #1 Lady, and since things like this are usually natural for someone, I'm sure your friends will not be surprised because they are used to you. In addition, I think its incredibly considerate of you to let them know early on what their expenses will be so that they can prepare. Really nice!

I would love a binder. #justsayin.

This is a great idea! I came across Miss Daffodil's wedding packet reecntly and I'm handed that out to our entire immediate families who live locally at a BBQ / Logisitcs Meeting 2 weeks before the wedding. I'm just tired or answering the same questions all the time! People like to know what you expect of them and even my laid back fiance love the packet and doesn't think it's too much. I just emailed the family about this last night!

I definitely don't think you are missing anything. If you can stay this organized with the rest of your wedding planning you will help yourself tremendously!