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Being a bridesmaid is a tradition that’s strongly rooted in history, and one that, for so many women, is an honor. But let’s face it: It’s not the most exciting job one could ask a friend to perform. If we’re being honest, there’s a lot of time, effort, and cash involved in the task.

Historically, bridesmaids were there to assist the bride with her gown, each one bedecked in the same white attire to confuse evil spirits who may wish the newlyweds harm. Today, customs have somewhat evolved. Amy Shey Jacobs, founder and creative director of Chandelier Events, says that while the tradition of bridesmaids and bridal parties still holds strong around the world, the complexity has changed: “There are men of honor, best maids, and bridal parties can be anyone from one best friend or sibling up at the altar to a myriad of friends on each side; my largest bridal party to date has been 26!”

Whether it’s your sorority sister or closest mister, a bridal party often plays host to a laundry list of responsibilities. From favor-making to in-law fielding to bustling the gown, it’s a big ask that requires a gracious manner. And that doesn’t even count that whole bridesmaid-dress situation. Here, a guide to making your bridesmaids love you forever.

Pay for their dress (or part of it)

Bridesmaid dresses are often expensive and never worn again—no matter how you try to spin it. (“Tina, this will later be perfect for a jungle-themed charity event!” Nope.) If the bride has her heart set on a particularly fanciful satin gown, or an order-at-the-bridal-store lemon yellow number, it’s only kind that she pony up the money to pay.

Or let them choose their own frock

Even better, let the bridesmaids choose their own dress—something that looks flattering on their body and suits their style. Shey Jacobs says, “While many brides still have their bridesmaids wear matching gowns, it’s now more for the fashion statement than the superstition—and the matchiness has given way to more eclectic bridesmaids fashion selections as well.” Such is the case with the wedding of luxury watch designer Cassie Coane, whose bridesmaids wore a smattering of floral gowns; her besties Mary-Kate and Ashley chose a dazzling vintage variety. The photos? Simply stunning.

And there’s certainly no need for matching shoes

It’s possible that not one wedding guest in the history of time has looked closely at the bridesmaids’ footwear—unless it was a claret red pump, ghastly dyed to match the dress. Shey Jacobs says that she’s seen much less focus on having each bridesmaid wear the same pair of shoes in modern wedding planning. More commonly, her brides will make a gentle suggestion for, say, a strappy heel in a metallic or simple black. “Almost always, my brides would prefer their bridesmaids to be walking gracefully down the aisle and dancing comfortably all night long over emphasizing too much control over their shoe choice.” She does say that it’s common for a bridesmaid to be responsible for purchasing the shoe, but there’s always an exception. “I recently had a bride who gifted her maid of honor a pair of Jimmy Choo stunners as her bridesmaid gift.”

Choose an agreeable bachelorette destination

When did it become perfectly acceptable for a bride to insist her entire entourage jet to St. Tropez for a pre-wedding party? Of course, a tropical location or Vegas weekend of debauchery is a blast, but make sure your best pals can afford the fete. And for those strapped on cash, a themed, at-home dinner and night on the town is certainly acceptable.

Get her a gift she’ll cherish forever

This is a bride’s chance to say thank you—for helping with her wedding website to attending the shower in the suburbs of New Jersey. While an engraved jewelry box is well meaning, a gift that’s useful and personal is tops. And again, no matching required. Put thought into each present: If one bestie loves to cook, treat her to a cooking class. Perhaps another appreciates fine wine—so splurge on a very spendy bottle. And if all is lost: A gift card to a spa is always a win.

Also, give her a plus-one

There’s nothing more maddening to a single guest than being denied a plus-one. Ever been placed at a table with strange canoodling couples or drunk Uncle Larry? It’s the worst. Of course, you can add them to the wedding-party table (which is certainly ideal) or toss them to a single bunch of eligible bachelors, but know this: A plus-one on the invite is often worth the extra plate expense.

Treat them to a special getting-ready morning

After the emotional support, favor-making, and gift-giving, the wedding day is not just about the bride. Shey Jacobs advises to construct an organized hair and makeup schedule ahead of time to keep the party stress free and to create a beautiful getting-ready environment for the bridal party. “Often, we’ll invite the bridesmaids for a wedding-day breakfast in the suite where they are greeted with beautiful robes or monogrammed button-downs and slippers.”

And don’t forget transportation, please

And just how are your besties getting from the salon to the ceremony to the reception and then that post–wedding day brunch—especially if they’ve been tipping back bubbly with the bride? Shey Jacobs says, “I think it is lovely when the bridesmaids are treated to transportation that’s arranged for them—especially if traveling from a hotel to a venue or from the ceremony to the reception.” Bottom line: Don’t make your best pals unexpectedly call an Uber on your wedding day.Read more at:beach wedding dresses | cheap wedding dresses