A girl can get awfully spoiled when she becomes engaged. Wedding salons pamper you with champagne and frothy mounds of gorgeous gowns. Aunts and dear friends host showers where an endless pile of gifts wait to be unveiled. For once you can actually rationalize luxuriating with a facial, manicure, and massage all in the same week.
Alas, eventually the bubble must burst and you come to realize there are others who have made some of their own sacrifices with time and budget to help support you upon your big day... or week, for the divas out there. While bridesmaids are most likely your dearest friends and family and are honored to stand by your side, keep in mind they have spent hard earned cash, vacation days, and travel time to make it so. What better way to express your love and thanks than hosting an event just for them (finally!).
The bridesmaid brunch traditionally honors the maids with mimosas, quiche and yummy desserts. If you have any ladies serving as readers or program attendants, feel free to include them as well as any aunts or grandmothers. Given arrival times, it will usually be best to hold the brunch the day before the wedding when you know most have arrived in town. Decidedly girly affairs, the brunch involves the bride handing out small gifts to the maids as a token of her appreciation. The gifts may be engraved frames or trinkets to display, or else an accessory to be worn with the bridesmaid dress such as a wrap or earrings. Some brunches conclude with the cutting of the "charm cake," after each maid and the bride pull out the ribbons attached to charms hidden in the icing. Each charm has meaning, such as the miniature airplane foretelling upcoming travel.
Modern brides or those with smaller wedding parties can splurge on a spa day for her maids, either at the salon or have the technicians perform the treatments at home. The salon may offer a "group discount" or else find a manicurist and/or masseuse to perform on their day off -- you will only pay them for the services rather than the higher charges the salon may impose. Some salons have specific "bridal parties" and offer cocktails, fruit trays, etc. However, ask if you can supply your own as they often up-charge for these added services. If you planned to have your nails done anyway before the wedding day, it might as well coincide with catching up with your girls before the hectic weekend begins.
Low key brides may prefer an intimate evening hosted at home over larger festivities. Even if a simple dinner is all that the budget allows, the bridesmaids will appreciate the acknowledgement and time spent together. Incorporate special touches such as place cards, a signature drink, and small favor (such as a framed picture of the two of you), and you can elevate a standard home-cooked meal to a memorable night.
Above all the gifts, meals, and fuss, be sure to tell your friends and family what they mean to you before the big day. We so often become wrapped up in getting everything done (bridesmaids' brunch included) that this simple step slips by forgotten. A short note to thank her for her years of support and friendship will be kept long after the bridesmaid gown is donated and manicures grow out.
-- Jennifer Mackethan