Bridal Party Meeting

I think there's a bit of confusion here. I'm not really asking if this is a good idea or not. I asked 1. If I missed anything to cover with them and 2. If I should give their shirts now or later. I don't know how this turned into an opinion-driven discussion

Of course it's your wedding and of course you can do what you want, but it is totally beyond my imagination why anyone would want to have a giant bridal party and all the headaches that go along with that.

When I hear anyone complaining about how much time/pain/money/emotion goes into planning a wedding I have the urge to remind them that most of that time/pain, etc, they brought upon themselves, and it's probably good to weigh the "YIPPEE THAT WAS FABULOUS' possibility against the 'Jesus that was a big fat pain in the ass' possibility.

The more complicated that anyone makes their wedding, whether it's multiple locations, giant gaps, huge bridal parties, choreographed dances or anything else that's not really necessary, the more aggravation you're going to bring to yourself. And why?

That being said, if I was summoned to a meeting and given a binder, I'd resign. And 'promises'? No way.

@Kirsten Exactly! I'm sure all of these people commenting have told their bridal party what dress and shoes they want them to wear, probably even their makeup and hairstyles!

Because your wedding party is so big, I think you are very organized and the ladies will appreciate it. If they're in your bridal party, they know your sense of style and you know what lines of communication will work. I love detail (type A). Besides letting the ladies know ahead of time about the 'details' of your day will help them (after all its your day and the more they know how they play a part, the better)- in my opinion. I would however hold on the shirts and pass them out at a later meeting. The binder is enough to take in for one gathering; and I'm certain there will be many more. The 'Promises' should break the ice (for those meeting for the 1st time) and cause a lot of laughter. I was part of a bridal party where the bride had us take 'vows'. It was hilarious!!!! Good luck.

I honestly don't think it is a huge deal either. These people are your close friends even if one of them did think it was excessive they would probably just think "that's so his #1 lady". As long as your binder isn't full of stuff like "you will throw me a shower on these available dates, they will include the following games/favors. Everyone is to spend at least $100 on a present. No one can gain weight lose weight, get pregnant, or get an incurable illness before my wedding" then you're fine. Part of me is upset for not thinking it. I have gotten the same questions about the rehearsal from all of my bridesmaids like 5 times now. I could be like "please refer to your binder"

I think you've covered it! My friend just got married the other weekend and she had a 12 person bridal party. It was a mess, and binders would have probably been a great idea for the day of the wedding as well, especially since they didn't have a DOC.

@His #1 Lady- Great idea! Who cares what others think. It's YOUR wedding!

Does your "Activities" or "Calendar" include dates for future meetings (other than rehearsal, bridal shower, etc.)? You'll want to make sure they know ahead of time so it doesn't interfere with their schedules (work or personal).

Yes it does Kim. Not really meetings. I just have dates for a day I would like them to come and try everything on to make sure everything fits and looks right just in case they need alterations or something. Some of them have kids in the wedding as well so I put the day their stuff needs to be ordered by. I even put in my "Thank You" portion that I understand that everyone has a lot going on other than the wedding and I don't want anyone to feel overwhelmed. :-)

The only time I see brides make bridal party come over and try things on for inspection...is on Bridezillas. Is this really a thing? Are they incapable of deciding what alterations they need on their own?

I think you're going to overwhelm yourself AND them. Information - time, location, contact info is good. Meetings, shirts, etc is a bit overboard - do they even want shirts? I wouldn't waste the money if I were you...I've never met anyone who wanted to wear one!

I think this is an awesome idea! You're being organized and preventing everyone from being confused.

With that said, I think you've covered everything, but wait on the shirts. Maybe this is when you should ask them if they want one and maybe you all could work on a design together.

I doubt it would freak them out.

I dont understand whats the big idea. Im doing a meeting soon and im not doing a binder but the entire bridal party is getting a packet. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen will just have the price of things dates of important events like the fittings rehearsal and what I expect meaning please have your money for your stuff and be on time. Bridesmaids get your hair a certain way type of shoes jewelry etc. I think you are very organized and your bridal party wont have any questions. Emails and texts can get lost. I hope yall have a great time.

Wow this is organization. We never had a meet and greet but then again they were all my sisters.

Lovely idea His #1 Lady I did the same thing it is a great help trust!!

What stands out strongly to me is that you have set a budget for your girls. You need to ask each girl privately what her budget is and then plan for the lowest one you get. You don't put a pricetag on your vision and then tell them this is what I want from you. I also think the binder is pretty over the top.

I didn't set a budget. I asked each girl and went with the lowest one. I included a budget list to show them what they were paying for and to let them know that I would try to stay below that amount even. Why wouldn't I ask them what they could afford first?

Great idea! very organized!

I Love the idea I would also use it as a keepsake put pictures in, kinda make it out of a scrapbook I do memory things like that tho. Also I understand ur vision I want everyone in my wedding to look fabulous so yes they do need their hair done even if it's just ironed out, also they an should want to put a little makeup on or something for crying out loud they are in something that is great to someone specialin their life people u r taking things way to serious if u don't have something nice to say don't say if at all!! But I think the shirts can wait a little longer on them so it's doesn't get misplaced but really it's up to u can u post a picture of your binder I might steal the idea...

I gave my bridal party, boys and girls both, a sheet of info that included the dates and locations of the wedding ceremony and rd, approx month we would expect to buy dresses / rent suits next year and included a little thank you section etc. I thought it was over kill but the boys LOVED it.

Bloody hell, that is just.. Wow

The BestMan and my MOh have already met so no meeting here, or in the words of FH "He has stuck his dick into my little sister and danced around"