Your wedding party members play such an important role in this chapter of your life – both before the wedding and on the day of. They will put in a lot of time, money, and effort just to make sure you have the wedding of your dreams. Repay them by making them feel extra special both throughout the planning process and on the big day. Here are just a few ideas.

Make the ask creatively.

Put a little thought into how you pop the question to your I Do Crew. It can be as simple as a pretty card with a handwritten note inside. If you’re feeling crafty, put together a box of treats and small gifts that are cohesive with your wedding theme or that you know they’ll love. Whatever your approach, just let it reflect how much those people mean to you and how honored you would be if they stood beside you on your wedding day.

Help them get to know each other.

You’ll likely be mixing siblings, other family members, future in-laws, and various friends from different eras of your life in your wedding party. They may not know each other when things get started, so make sure to facilitate introductions. If they are all local, host a brunch or wine night. If not, a group text is a good idea. Explain how you know all of them, provide fun facts about each, or share a funny memory to break the ice.

Treat them.

After spending hours shopping for the perfect attire, helping you make decision after decision, and generally just being by your side, treat your party to lunch, dinner, or even just ice cream. It’s a simple way to thank them for their time and energy. You should also provide breakfast or lunch on your wedding day. They’ll do so much for you that day and this is just another simple gesture.

Let them help you.

If your bestie offers to help with a project or run an errand for you, take them up on it! Ask them for ideas, gush over wedding details together, and keep them in the loop. They will feel more involved if you actually involve them.

Take their opinions into consideration.

When it comes to choosing the wedding day attire, try to keep their thoughts in mind. Make sure everyone is comfortable with both the style and the price of your selections. If someone isn’t, maybe go back to the drawing board or opt for the mix and match trend. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you wouldn’t want someone to ask you to wear something you absolutely hated or to spend more than you were comfortable with. So try not to do that to them.

Acknowledge them.

At your shower, bachelor/ette party, or rehearsal dinner (or all of the above!), publicly acknowledge your wedding party. Introduce each of them, tell the other guests how you know each other, and say why each of them is special to you. Be sure to call out special roles they may have played or tasks they may have done.

Thank them.

A lot. Start on day one and don’t stop until after the wedding is over. Your wedding party will do so much for you; acknowledge their efforts with these two simple yet meaningful words. Present them with a small gift at the rehearsal dinner or while you’re getting wedding ready. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a token of your appreciation. Make it something personal that reflects their personality and that they’re sure to treasure.