How Important are Your Bridesmaids

Conde Nast came out with some interesting statistics last week about the big part bridesmaids play in the wedding industry. Bridesmaids are obviously an essential part of your wedding, assuming they play their part. There are a lot of things the bride has to worry about during the months of planning and especially on the wedding day itself! Hopefully your bridesmaids will be helping you get through the process without losing your mind! That being said remember you are also asking a lot of your bridesmaids in terms of money to buy a new dress that they may never wear again or even like. So how can you make sure you keep your bridesmaids happy?
 
- Let them pick their own dress style. If you planned on doing this you are in the minority (see below). Don’t worry you can keep control of your look and theme by specifying the color. But, your bridesmaids will be at least able to pick a style that goes with their body type and maybe get one they will wear again! Check out these beautiful examples above from Jenny Yoo.

- Make sure you get them a nice, personal gift as a token of your appreciation. Notice I said personal. I’m a big fan of getting both the groomsman and the bridesmaids a gift that is unique to their likes and personality. It really shows that your care.

- Any other ideas out there? 
Here are the interesting statistics from the Conde Nast’s press release:
Brides have an average of 5 bridesmaids in their wedding.
Based on 2.2 million weddings per year, there are approximately 11 million bridesmaids each year.
There are 44,230 weddings every weekend, 23 million bridesmaids and groomsmen, and almost 380 million wedding guests.
64% of brides have their bridesmaids dress identically.
Bridesmaid’s dresses cost an average of $691 total, figuring to be $138 each with the average of 5 attendants.