All Things Bridesmaids: How I Made My Squad Feel Special on My Big Day
There is a lot that goes into wedding planning, but one of the most fun parts? Celebrating with your bridesmaids! From picking my squad to treating them like queens on the big day, here’s how I made it all happen—while keeping things personal.
Bridesmaid Selection
Since we decided on a destination wedding, I was mindful of how much my bridesmaids would need to spend to be part of the celebration. In order to do this, keeping the wedding party small was key—I wanted this to be an intimate experience with my closest friends.
If you have 12 besties and want them all by your side, go for it! But for me, having five bridesmaids was the perfect fit. It gave me the chance to truly treat them as a thank-you for their support and friendship.
The Perfect ‘Ask’ Gift
Once I had my bridesmaid list locked and loaded, I dove headfirst into brainstorming their “ask gifts.” While curated gift boxes are fun and popular, I wanted something timeless and practical, with a personal touch. Enter: the personalized cosmetic bag.
After a bit of research, I landed on the Large Accessories Pouch from Leatherology. I added hand-painted initials to each bag—both chic and functional for their travels to our wedding and beyond.
For the ask card, I leaned on my go-to stationery brand, Donovan Designs, a gem from my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. (Fun fact: I worked there during college! It’s owned by two amazing boss women who named it after their dorm at the University of Kentucky. Go Cats!) Seeing it all come together exactly how I imagined was such a joyful moment.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Let’s talk dresses! I wasn’t picky about style but wanted a cohesive look with dresses in the same colorway to complement our neutral wedding theme.
We started the hunt at Gilded Social (another hometown fave), and their team pulled several options in the perfect shade: light Cashmere. My sister tried on a stunning one-strap dress with a slit, and we immediately knew it was the one (for my girls).
Initially, I planned to let each bridesmaid pick their own style in the color, but the group unanimously loved this dress. Miraculously, it flattered all five of my bridesmaids, despite their different heights and sizes—it was a true Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment!
For shoes, I kept it simple: “Pick your most comfortable nude heels.” Trusting their judgment was the best decision and one less thing I had to think about.
Day-of Gifts & Surprises
The day of the wedding, I wanted my bridesmaids to feel just as pampered as I did. Here’s how I spoiled them:
Monogrammed Robes
Satin robes may photograph well, but I’m all about cozy vibes. I chose Weezie Towel robes, which are as comfy as they are practical—perfect for post-wedding lounging, too.Personalized Lip Gloss Kits
My favorite Charleston makeup artist, Ashley with ABP Makeup, makes custom lip glosses and lipsticks to match your look. I had her create kits for each bridesmaid, ensuring their lips stayed hydrated and flawless in Colorado’s dry mountain air.Eye Gels
Ashley introduced me to these miracle workers, and they’ve been a staple in my beauty routine ever since. They were such a hit that even the groomsmen swiped the extras! Pro tip: Wear them in flight when you travel!Brunch Buffet
Before the chaos of the day began, we hosted a brunch buffet for our entire wedding party at the townhouse we rented at The Broadmoor. It was such a treat to relax, eat, and laugh with everyone before diving into the festivities.
Planning everything for my bridesmaids made the wedding experience even more special. Their love and support has carried me through every moment in my life, so celebrating them felt like the least I could do. If you’re planning your big day, my advice is simple: make it personal, have fun, and don’t forget to show your squad how much they mean to you.
