Bridesmaids can have it pretty tough. They are either labeled as being too picky and demanding, or they are serving as doormats for a bridezilla. The brides and bridesmaids can compromise on something that will please everyone. Find out the secrets to having a happy group of bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids don’t expect too much – just to have their opinions counted. After all, who wants to be forced to wear a dress that they had no say in picking out? Horrid, isn’t it? That is just the way a lot of bridesmaids feel when the bride thinks only of herself when shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Your bridesmaids will be so happy if you take care to consider what they will like to wear and what they can afford to spend. A contented group of attendants will make the whole wedding planning time more fun for the bride!

Another way to keep your bridesmaids happy is to recognize that they have lives beyond your wedding. Sure, bridesmaids usually help out with a few little tasks along the way, but they still have their own lives to live. A nice bride does not ask for more time or energy than her friends can give (and that may vary for each individual). The bride might have to give up her dream of getting her bridesmaids to spend every weekend practicing a wacky first dance, but it’s not the end of the world. And it will be highly appreciated if you take the time to ask your bridesmaids how their lives are going and not just talk about your wedding plans when you spend time together.

Don’t forget that your bridesmaids all have their own taste and style. There is no reason that bridesmaids need to look like carbon copies of each other. Presumably you love your friends for who they are, so why not let them show their personalities at the wedding? For some brides, this may mean letting each attendant select her own dress and shop for bridesmaid jewelry that she loves. In other cases, the bridesmaids might all wear the same dress, but they should definitely be permitted to select their own shoes, hairstyle, and makeup. A group of attendants all looking and feeling their best is sure to be lovely!

Another thing you can do to make your bridesmaids really happy is to show appreciation for them. While it is the bride’s day, that does not mean that her bridesmaids are nothing but her servants. It is important that the bride makes the effort to express her gratitude for her attendants. This includes giving them beautiful gifts of bridesmaid jewelry, thanking shower hosts with a small gift, and perhaps throwing a bridesmaids’ luncheon in their honor. Think of it this way: if your bridesmaids know that you don’t take them for granted, they will be more cheerful and ready to help with your wedding.

Many women have had enough bad bridesmaid experiences that it won’t take much to please them. A little consideration and appreciation are all they need. And really, isn’t that a way that friends should treat each other all the time anyway?