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All You'll Ever Need To Know About A Bridesmaid Luncheon
By The Wedding Gazette
Just when you thought you had all your bases covered, you think, I have to plan another event? The bridesmaid luncheon is a totally optional, completely non-obligatory way to thank your bridesmaids for all they've done. Oh - and it's fun, too.
The 5 W's of Bridesmaid Luncheons
Who: You and the girls. Whether you've got 13 or 2, you may organize a little thank-you for them that makes them feel (almost) as special as you. It's traditional to invite your mother and future mother-in-law as well, but not necessary.
What: A specific occasion when you honor the girls who have worked for you, listened to you whine, and hot glued more than enough bows for you over the last however many months. You, as the bride, have a wonderful opportunity to show your appreciation for all the time and money they've spent on you, and to give them their gifts. After all the travel, presents, and partying the bridesmaids have done in your name, they'll probably appreciate the free meal.
Where: Anywhere really - it all depends on your style and your pocketbook. You can host it at your mom's house, your favorite local hangout, a fancy-schmancy brunch at a hotel, or some brides have recently taken to hosting a "just the bridesmaids" happy hour or pizza right before the bachelorette party. "Most of my bridesmaids were coming in from out of town, and this was the cheapest and most efficient way to do it," says Kelly from New York City, "there wasn't enough time to hold a separate function. When was I going to do it - the day of the wedding?" So it really doesn't matter where you have it - whether you're standing up eating ice cream cones or served a seven-course meal. It's the thought that counts.
When: Usually held the day before the wedding if the attendants are travelling, or one or two weeks before the wedding if they're not. "I tried to space the events out, between the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and bridesmaid luncheon. I didn't want my bridesmaids to start thinking, hey! do I have a life besides this wedding?" mentions Leslie of Milwaukee. As far as the time of day - the word luncheon is pretty confining, isn't it? Let's just say it could be a bruncheon or supperton, if you need it to be.
Why:To say thank you!
More Ideas....
Special touches: Give them a gift they can use at the wedding, like a necklace and earring set, a wrap, or a beaded purse that matches their gowns.
Get creative: Since the event is about them, you can show your love in unusual ways - frame old school pictures of "the girls", give back notes you saved from your adolescent days (am I the only one who saved all their notes?), or other memorabilia that will get them all choked up.
Non-traditional: Who says it's girls only? Have a co-ed thank you with your guy and the groomsmen. Stretch your imagination. Think barbeque and beer, miniature golf, or maybe a killer game of darts or pool.
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