Photo Credits: SUNGLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

From fronting cash and choosing frocks to finding ways to smooth out tricky issues, managing your bridesmaids is no easy task. Whatever's eating you at the moment, these Q&As will help you figure out a plan of action.

Q. Most of my bridal party is from out of town. They will most likely need to stay in a hotel for two to three nights. Is it their responsibility to pay for their hotel rooms? Or is the onus on the bride's family? Also, would it be okay to split the cost with the attendants as a possible compromise?

A. Generally, the attendants are responsible for paying their own way, just like they pay for what they'll wear to your wedding and for getting there. And usually, if you have out-of-towners in for your wedding, you'll be able to reserve a block of rooms at a discount, which ought to help them save cash. Going halvesies is perfectly fine, but know that you and your family shouldn't be expected to pay.

Q. I'm scared to ask my sister to be in the bridal party because, come wedding time, she's going to be very pregnant. What is the proper way to handle a pregnant bridesmaid situation?

A. She can still be in the wedding party when she's pregnant! She can wear an empire-style dress: the waist hits right below the bustline and the dress falls from there, leaving lots of room for a pregnant tummy. Or, choose a maternity dress in the same color or fabric as the other bridesmaid dresses. Then, on the wedding day itself, just make sure there's a chair she can use during the ceremony, so she won't have to stand the entire time.

Q. Am I required to give my bridesmaids gifts? How much do I spend?

A. Think of it this way -- your maids are majorly putting themselves out for you. To remain in their good graces, show your gratitude by gifting them properly. Many brides give out gifts at the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes it's something the girls can wear on the day of the wedding, like a barrette or a bracelet. Other brides say thanks with a magazine subscription, wedding keepsakes, or special gifts handpicked with each attendant's interests/tastes in mind. As for a price range, it depends entirely on your budget. We think spending $25-$75 is a safe bet.

Q. My 9-year-old daughter has asked to be the flower girl. She will be 10 (and almost as tall as I am!) at the time of the wedding. I would like her to be included in the ceremony, but I feel it may be more appropriate for her to participate in another way can she be a junior bridesmaid?

A. It makes more sense for your daughter to be a junior bridesmaid -- she'll feel too "little girly" as the flower girl. She can wear a dress similar to the other attendants. You might even consider having her serve as your maiden of honor. An adult will have to sign your marriage license as your witness, but your daughter can still be your honor attendant.

Q. Help, help, help! I have four best friends and a sister and I am torn about who to ask to be in the wedding! It's not big enough to have them all (only 100 guests)!

A. Scrap the x amount of attendants to x amount of guests "rule." In your case, the proportion of five attendants to 100 guests is perfectly appropriate. And if these women are your best friends, that's reason enough to have them all in your wedding party.

Q. One of my bridesmaids has dropped out of our wedding party. Is it okay to have two groomsmen walk with one maid?

A. Having two groomsmen escort a bridesmaid, one on each arm, is completely acceptable.

Q. Is it appropriate to inform my bridesmaids of their traditional roles so that they are not confused? Personally, I would find it helpful, but others might find it presumptuous. How can I offer this information to my wedding party without sounding ungrateful to any assistance they may offer?

A. A fun and unthreatening way to let everybody know what her duties are (and/or what you expect of each of them) is to send out a newsletter detailing all to-dos and other essential information. That way, everyone is privy to everyone else's duties, and no one will feel as though she's been directly targeted. You're probably right that most people will find it helpful to have their responsibilities explained, because they might be fully in the dark. Be sure to include a huge "thank you" to everyone for being a part of the wedding early on in your newsletter -- your team will be much more receptive to a grateful-sounding summons.

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https://www.theknot.com/content/bridesmaids-etique...