ALT-5 Long Distance Maid of Honor
What's a bride to do when her maid of honor is more than two hours away and the list of bridal decisions is longer than a limo? In times past, the maid of honor was the bride's ever-present support, wedding planning assistant, and bridal shower and luncheon hostess. Brides often lean heavily on their maids of honor for decisions. The long distance factor can be overcome with a few simple helps such as technology and a prewedding planning trip.
Technology's Bridal Touch
Technology can be a bride's best friend when she needs to have a color consult regarding her bridesmaid's dresses or she needs to decide on a reception band. Whether using a laptop or a cell phone with a camera, technology brings a closeness to the situation that was not available in friends' long distance relationships just a few years ago. Another seldom used technology for brides to consider is a webcam. For approximately $30 each, the bride and maid of honor can connect a webcam to their computers. Using a free service such as Skype (www.skype.com), the wedding party can talk in real time and display table settings, color swatches, and other pivotal wedding items. Skip the long distance charges and the cell phone minutes! This service will help the bride and maid of honor stay in frequent contact.
Digital Photography
With digital photography, the maid of honor can be updated on styles, color schemes, and simple details. Weekly updates from the bride will make for a more intimate feeling when the wedding bells ring. The maid of honor will not feel like she is flying in for an event in which she has not participated.
Planning Weekend
If the bride and maid of honor can handle the cost of a wedding planning weekend, do so. Schedule a weekend when the mother of the bride, the maid of honor, and the bride can meet with key wedding personnel. Having the maid of honor's input can pull in a perspective typically from the bride's generation to the decision making process. From wedding cake samples at bakeries to choosing the bridesmaid's dresses, the maid of honor can assist the bride. This planning weekend could be topped off with a surprise luncheon for the bride with the maid of honor hosting. If the groom is in the same city, this planning weekend would be the perfect occasion for the bride's maid of honor to meet him.
Benefits
Time is used more wisely when the bride and maid of honor are kept in touch via technology. No miscommunications regarding the maid of honor's duties, responsibilities, and costs are likely to happen when the long distance is shortened with frequent communication.
With some creative technology, a possible weekend visit prior to the wedding, and careful planning, the bride and maid of honor are sure to remain closer than ever despite the long distance between their residences. A close relationship trumps the geographical distance every time, so get creative, embrace some technology, and get ready to celebrate the pending wedding!
