When Your MOH or Bridesmaids Live Far Away

In today’s world, there’s a good chance that your maid of honor and many of your bridesmaids will live far away from the place where your wedding is taking place. Yes, you can still ask them to participate; just know that some adjustments will need to be made.

If your chosen maid or matron of honor lives a long distance from you, discuss complications when asking her to take part. Do not be upset if it’s too difficult for her to take on the responsibilities. You can, however, make compromises. Her dress fittings and alterations will take place in her hometown, and she can coordinate activities via the phone and email. Depending on when she’ll actually arrive to your town, she can still arrange a shower or bachelorette party. Remind her to visit your personal wedding website to update events and keep bridesmaids in the loop.

An alternative is to have two maids of honor, one far away and one in your hometown. The woman near you can attend fittings and host a shower weeks in advance. When your other MOH arrives, give her immediate responsibilities; let her do a reading and be responsible for last-minute emergencies. Treat each one equally, and give both of them the same gift or style of gift. You can have both walk down the aisle together.

As for your bridesmaids, have them schedule the fittings as soon as possible. Since they won’t actually get their outfits until they arrive, advise them to go to a shop that carries the dress or a dress in a similar style. Each shop uses slightly different calculations for fittings, so the closer they are to the actual style, the less chance that last-minute alterations will occur.

Since the bridesmaids and the maid of honor won’t be communicating in person, make sure they all check your wedding website on a regular basis. Between that and the magic of texting, they can go over details for your wedding; even share their frustrations!

Should there be a mixture of far-away bridesmaids and ones near you, parties can be difficult. Try and get the entire groups to your town at least two days before the wedding, and have the shower at that point. If you’re having a bachelorette party, and the only available time is the night before your wedding, do not make it a drink-fest. You don’t want to have to be hungover on your wedding day. Also, feel free to have a luncheon or drink night with those attendants near you, and another one after the wedding with the out-of-towners. That way, all are included in your fabulous day.

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