Bridesmaids getting acquainted?

A Sunday brunch? Either at a low-key restaurant/cafe or at your house/apt.

I think you care more about this than they do. Just make sure they all have each other's contact information.

I took my bridesmaids to a Sunday brunch, some of them knew each other, but not all of them. we have a good time talking about different topics (not wedding related) then someone brought wedding things and that broke the ice. It was fun.

I don't think it has to be formal, bowling is fine or drinks or whatever!

My bridesmaids met at my shower, and then again at my bachelorette. don't overthink this-- just invite them to brunch or drinks or whatever you would normally do with your friends. if people can come, great, but don't make it some formal "wedding" event that they have to attend.

Go for coffee before or after dress shopping. Or lunch.

What about one of those wine and painting places? Or just lunch before dress shopping? I think bowling is fine though. Yes, it's casual, but it's fun and no one is really good at it.

All of my BMs live out of state, so I just created a group text for us to discuss wedding things. They'll get to know each other better at my bachelorette party.

Why do they have to get to know each other?

Mine will all meet during the bach party. A couple of them know each other or have at least met once before so I'm not too worried. I don't think an official meeting is necessary.

I wanted them all to meet and get to know each other, so when it came to the bridal shower and bachelorette party, they would be acquainted and wouldn't mind asking for help. We went bridesmaid dress shopping and then out to lunch. I think we were together 2.5-3 hours and it was so fun! It was nice just being the girls with no kids!

They don't need to know each other.

I wouldn't force it. They may intersect between now and then. If not, they'll get to know each other at the bridal shower and bachelorette (if they choose to host). Honestly, every single wedding I've be in, we meet, we play our part for the wedding, we're friends for the night, then we never talk to the other BMs again. And that's totally OK!

ETA: My girls also met each other for dress shopping.

Mine met at the bachelorette party/shower, and all had a great time together then and at the wedding. I honestly don't understand the forced meetings, they're your friends, not each others', and likely will never talk again.

I think this is a cute idea! are you near vineyards or breweries? what about wine/beer tasting?

If they're all relatively local, maybe organize a bridesmaid dress shopping day? I've done this for a few weddings I was in and we all went to the store to try on dresses and then went to lunch or dinner/ drinks after. It was a fun way to get to know everyone before the wedding events started.

I was able to get 3 of them to meet for a David's Bridal bridesmaids appointment and then to lunch afterwards. The others could t make it due to schedules or living out of state.

Honestly, bowling sounds like "no-pressure" fun, especially for people with social anxiety.

I hosted a brunch at my house about 5 months before the wedding so everyone met there and had a good time

My husband threw me a birthday party and invited the bridal party. Maybe just do something for your birthday and invite them all to attend.

ETA: a no gifts thing

Good luck !! I try to get my girls together and of course didn't work , I got excuses after excuses, hope you can get them together and have fun, bowling is a great idea , casual and fun.

This is what The Bridesmaids' Luncheon is for.