Bridesmaids Questions of the Month

We have decided with all the brides-to-be and maid-of-honor recipiants writing in to make a Q and A page to answer some of the more common questions. Please let us know if you also have questions as we would be happy to answer them and help out in the bridesmaid and maid of honor department:

Bridesmaid dresses question of the month - Valentine's
Is it ok for my bridal gown to be shorter than the bridesmaid dresses or should I get my bridesmaid dresses altered?

Bridesmaid dresses answer of the month
Normally, the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses should be around the same length or the gown to be much larger. This is a call on your behalf if you can see the gown and one of the bridesmaid dresses on to see how it looks together. If it looks complimentary, then you are good to go as it is your wedding and you are the final decision maker.

Bridesmaid Question of the Month:
How long should a bridesmaid remain at the wedding reception? If necessary, when is the appropriate time to excuse oneself and the proper way to do so?

Bridesmaid Answer of the Month:
The rule of thumb is to stay until all the main events are done (dance, cake served, pictures, thank you's). If you need to leave earlier, let the bride-to-be know in advance so there is no expectation to stay later. Check out our other bridesmaid duties as well as our previous bridesmaid questions of the month.

Bridesmaid Question of the Month:
I am the maid of honor and am a little shy. I don't really know the other bridesmaids and am trying to think of a way to see if anyone wants to help since I work a lot and also want to make sure I include others in bridesmaid planning.

Bridesmaid Answer of the Month:
Ask the bride-to-be for everyone's email address and phone number and introduce yourself by phone while asking if it is okay to email them updates about the wedding and events as well as to find out who wants to be involved. You can also create a blog site or facebook site about the wedding which makes it fun for everyone and memorable for the bride!

Bridesmaid Question of the Month: What should I do as the maid of honor has planned a real expensive all day event for the bachelorette party and bridal shower which most bridesmaids cannot afford with this economy.

Bridesmaid Answer of the Month: We would suggest someone that knows the maid of honor the most, have a meeting with her and state that most of the girls cannot pay for the expensive festivities. Explain that the most important part of the party is that the bride-to-be is with those bridesmaids who want to attend both the bridal shower and bachelorette party. It should not be centered on money and in fact should be sensitive to this economy!

Bridesmaid Question of the Month: What should I do as the maid of honor has planned a real expensive all day event for the bachelorette party and bridal shower which most bridesmaids cannot afford with this economy.

Bridesmaid Answer of the Month: We would suggest someone that knows the maid of honor the most, have a meeting with her and state that most of the girls cannot pay for the expensive festivities. Explain that the most important part of the party is that the bride-to-be is with those bridesmaids who want to attend both the bridal shower and bachelorette party. It should not be centered on money and in fact should be sensitive to this economy!

Bridesmaid Question of the Month: What do the bridesmaids typically pay for during the bridal shower and bachelorette party. This economy is tough and I want to know what to do.

Bridesmaid Answer of the Month: It is customary for the bridesmaids to pay their own way for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Our advice is to ask each bridesmaid or the majority if they can all pitch in for the bride-to-be main expenses as well as their own and give a break down for what the itinerary will include. If someone has difficulty paying due to the economy, ask if they can at least pay their way. The important factor is to at least get everyone together to have fun for memorable times and not about the expense or where you are.

Bridesmaid Question of the Month: Traditionally, there is a certain amount of money a Maid of Honor should spend for the wedding gift and even the bridal shower gift?

Bridesmaid Answer of the month: There is no typical amount of money to be spent on the bachelorette party, bridal shower or bridal gift. The Maid of Honor already has a lot of expenses with the bridesmaid dresses, planning and whole process. I am not sure if you saw our maid_of_honor_expenses page and I hope this helps. Have a wonderful wedding and a Happy New Year!

Bridesmaid Question: I am wondering what is the perfect number of bridesmaids for my wedding as my fiancé and I have different groups of friends? I am also wondering our responsibility on what we pay for the bridesmaids and what they pay for?

Bridesmaid Answer: There is no right and wrong amount of bridesmaids for your wedding party! You can have as many or as little amount of bridesmaids as you want. The bridesmaids and maid of honor traditionally have financial responsibilities which you can find here.

Bridesmaid Question: I am the Maid of Honor in my sister-in-law's wedding next June. However, I live in California and she lives in Massachusetts. What kinds of bridesmaid and maid of honor duties can I perform being so far away?

Bridesmaid Answer: There are a lot of bridesmaid and maid of honor duties you can perform being that far away. You can help her choose her bridesmaid dresses via the internet and sending her suggestions (if she is open to it), planning the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and help her organize the wedding where she needs help. It is always best to ask the bride-to-be what she needs assistance and support with as every bride is different. You also use your judgment in knowing who she is and how she enjoys help. Have a great wedding and we hope this helps.

Bridesmaid Question: I am a little short on funds this year due to the US financial crisis. What do I have to pay for as I am concerned at how much the wedding will cost me as the bridesmaid!

Bridesmaid Answer: It is important to be communicating this information to the bride as well as being economical with how you can help out as the maid of honor. We have a list of expenses that are traditional but again you can pay for only what you can practically afford. The important thing is that you are there for your friend on her special wedding day and those moments that lead up to the day!

Bridesmaid Question: Bridesmaid question of the month: Can I have two maids of honor or should one just be a bridesmaid?

Bridesmaid Answer: Although it is not traditional, it is absolutely up to you how many bridesmaids you have and how many maids of honors you have. Again, it is your wedding and it should be special!

Bridesmaid Question: I want to ask my Aunt, who is 55, to be my matron of honor. Is this an acceptable thing to do?

Bridesmaid Answer: No matter at what age, it is absolutely great to have your Aunt be the matron of honor. This also goes for your bridesmaids as well.

Bridesmaid Question: My Maid of Honor and my "soon to be husband" were arguing about the wedding. According to the maid of honor, it is a rule that she does not give a wedding gift to the bride and groom. Is this true? I have asked around but everyone I ask thinks she is crazy? The money doesn't mean anything to me. Its her and the bridesmaids being there that is important but I think it upset my fiancé because she is always throwing out there how much money she makes. The Maid of Honor was saying how she made 90 thousand dollars last year. Anyway if you could email me back that would be great!

Bridesmaid Answer: Thank you for your question. You are right that it is a tradition that the Maid of Honor does not give a gift as she is planning the bachelorette party, bridal shower and helping out with the wedding which is the "gift". Your groom is right as the Maid of Honor in most present weddings does give a gift to the bride and groom. It is really up to what you guys are comfortable with and accept, not about how much money she makes. I hope this is helpful and have a great wedding!

Plan some creative and fun ideas with the bridesmaids for your friend who will be married soon. With the weather staring to become more warm, many times the bridal shower and bachelorette party will be held either inside or outside at a home or restaurant, depending on what part of the country you live. Enjoy the bridal shower from bridesmaid 101.

We hope Bridesmaid101.com is helpful and fun for you! So let the planning process begin by choosing any of the bridal links above!