Bridal party attire checklist

By Esther Muchene

The hardest part about being a wedding planner is working with people. Working with the bride is a handful task. Then you have the family and friends who don’t shy away from giving ideas and demands from all corners.  In addition is the bridal party, which if you don’t put your foot down, may ruin your day.

Here are a few tips to ensure all goes well with regards to their outfits:

•     Once you have set the wedding date and you’ve decided who will be in your party, including the maid of honour and best man, make sure you get the word out early to them.

•     Decide whether you want to purchase or hire their attires. In the case of groomsmen, you can opt to buy tuxedos or have them tailored, considering you have the colour scheme in mind.

•     Agree on who will pay for the outfits. You can choose to foot the bill as a gift to them or they can pay for themselves. Should the latter be the case, inform them early so they can plan financially.

•     If the clothes are being stitched, set dates and timings for every attendant to go to the tailor. Set a time that is conveniet for the working attendants and school attending children.

•     Ensure everyone goes for fittings and last minute adjustments a few days to the wedding.

•     Have someone in charge of coordinating this, so they ensure all the balances have been cleared and outfits collected.

•     Decide on shoes and accessories, hoping you will allow them to express themselves by choosing what suits them. This should be as long as it’s within the colour scheme or the theme you’re intending to achieve.

•     Lastly, choose hairstyles and make-up you want the girls to wear. As for men, a simple neat haircut will do.

•     On the eve of the wedding, ensure all the stuff is at the venue where the bridal party will be preparing from for the big day.