Bridesmaid Questionnaire: How to Format It & What to Ask
A bride and her bridesmaids laughing together while getting ready. Image by Gift Habeshaw.
Planning a wedding is so exciting, but it can easily become overwhelming. Between coordinating vendors and making choices, you’ll need all the help you can get to make your special day just right.
That’s where your bridesmaids come in! They can offer you extra support and help keep you on track, especially your maid of honor. However, you don’t want to overwhelm them.
So to get organized, you can design a bridesmaid questionnaire. This document will help you gather important information so you can call on the right person at the right time and avoid bombarding your bridesmaids with questions.
Fundamental Aspects of the Questionnaire
Bridesmaid questionnaires are essential for gathering basic information about your special group of ladies. They help you gather personal and practical details that will allow you to make informed decisions about foods, color palettes, and event locations.
The easiest way to build and send a bridesmaid questionnaire is through Google Forms. There are many different templates to choose from, and you can easily send the form through email or text.
Make one long survey with all of your questions or break it down into specific categories to send at opportune times. For sensitive topics like finances, you can make the survey anonymous to encourage honest and realistic answers without feelings of shame or guilt.
When is the Best Time to Do a Q&A with My Bridesmaids?
As you begin the wedding planning process, it’s best to launch your questionnaire as soon as your bridesmaids and maid of honor have accepted their roles. This will allow you to start planning right away and will help you make decisions that will benefit your entire wedding party.
Role and Responsibility Clarity
A bride and her bridesmaids holding bouquets in the air. Image by Carson Vara.
These questions will help clarify role responsibilities to your bridesmaids so they know what they can expect and how you will need them during the planning process.
This is a great way to distinguish the roles of bridesmaids vs. maid of honor. It also helps to open lines of communication so that everyone is on the same page. Include questions like:
Have you ever been a bridesmaid before?
What’s the best way to get in contact with you?
What is your schedule like in the months leading up to the wedding?
Will you be available to attend pre-wedding activities?
Special Questions for Your Maid of Honor
Will you be able to make a speech at the reception?
Are you available to help with planning appointments, like dress fittings and event setup?
Have you ever served as maid of honor?
Are you comfortable planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower?
Are you comfortable being in charge of the wedding decor checklist and making sure everything arrives?
Financial Considerations
As you build a bridesmaid questionnaire, you’ll need to add some questions about budget expectations. Since your bridal party is likely made up of friends and family, you can expect a variety of different financial situations.
Be strategic as you discuss dress costs, events, and other expenses. Be tactful but upfront. You don’t want your bridesmaids to overextend themselves or feel obligated to spend more money than they can.
You can also use the questionnaire to figure out if there are members of your bridal party who would be interested in splitting the costs of things like hotel rooms and rideshares, which will help save on their budget.
Tell me what your ideal budget is for total expenses. What limit is most comfortable?
What digital payment platform do you prefer? (Zelle, Venmo, Cashapp)
Are there any restrictions or limits you’d like me to know about?
Would you be able to pay for make-up and hair services on the wedding day?
Are you able to attend a destination bachelorette party?
How much would you be willing to spend on a dress?
Do you want to split accommodation costs with a roommate or pay for a solo room the night before the wedding?
Would you prefer to split a ride-share or drive your own car to events?
Personal Preferences and Comfort
A lower body shot of a bride and bridesmaids in a row. Image by Jamie Coupaud.
While many brides have a unique vision for their wedding day, they also make choices to make sure all of their bridesmaids are comfortable. After all, they are part of your special event as well, so they should feel like they belong.
So, ask questions about everything from their style preferences to favorite coffee orders. You can even ask about things like music and personal concerns to make sure you plan every detail just right.
What are your top dress style choices?
What colors do you love to wear?
What colors do you avoid?
Do you want to wear a wrap or cardigan with a sleeveless dress?
Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down?
What is your shoe size?
What is your t-shirt size?
Is there a shoe style you prefer?
Do you have any types of clothing you avoid? (sleeveless, specific fabrics, high heels)
What is your favorite song?
If busy days make you feel overstimulated, what do you need to center yourself?
Coordination and Planning of Pre-Wedding Parties
Even though your wedding day is on your mind, you can’t forget about all the pre-wedding fun, like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and getting ready for the ceremony. These question types will help gather important information for your maid of honor as well.
Ask questions that will help you with scheduling and planning. You should also make sure you have enough information to assign roles and responsibilities for each component so that you are well prepared.
Any suggestions for the bachelorette party location?
Would you be willing to help plan the bridal shower?
Any ideas for group outfits or t-shirt designs?
What gift would you most like to receive?
Do you prefer gold or silver jewelry?
Would you prefer to wear a robe or button-down shirt when getting ready?
Do you have any sensitivities to fragrances or dyes?
What is your favorite candy?
What is your favorite beverage?
Dietary Concerns and Allergies
A bridal party group showing their heels in a circle. Image by Samantha Gades.
Making plans for food allergies or dietary restrictions amongst your bridesmaids is crucial for wedding planning. Not only do you need to ensure that everyone has something they can eat so they feel included, but you must inform the venues and caterers to prevent cross-contamination.
Don’t forget to ask about beverage preferences as well. You’ll need to know this as you plan the menus for pre-wedding, rehearsal dinner, and wedding reception menus.
Do you have any food allergies? If so, are there any special protocols you follow when you accidentally ingest these foods? (for safety reasons)
Are there any food sensitivities I should know about when planning menus?
Do you drink alcohol?
Are there any special diets you follow?
Do you prefer breakfast or brunch?
Special Skills and Contributions
Everyone has something to bring to the table. Use these questions to encourage bridesmaids to share any special skills or resources they may be able to contribute to the wedding preparation.
This is a great way to shrink your budget and involve your special ladies in the planning process.
Do you enjoy crafting?
Do you have any special skills that may be helpful in planning the wedding? (Organization, digital design, crafting skills.)
Can you sew?
Can you bake?
Would you be interested in decorating the ceremony or reception space?
Availability
A bride in a pink Barbie bathing suit and her bridal party in black Barbie bathing suits on the beach. Image by Jose Vazquez.
Your bridesmaids and maid of honor are your support system for the duration of wedding planning, So you’ll want to make sure they are available for important events like showers, parties, the wedding rehearsal, and, of course, the wedding!
Use these questions to gather intel on what days they have plans, work commitments, or other events to attend. You can also determine if they are comfortable with late nights or prefer daytime meetings.
Are there any important dates I should know about when planning pre-wedding events?
Are you able to attend the rehearsal dinner and wedding?
What are some “blackout” days for your availability? (birthdays, anniversaries, other weddings)
Are you available to travel for destination events?
What does your work schedule look like?
What time of day is best for you to attend wedding-related gatherings?
How much notice do you need for changes in the schedule?
Are there other obligations I should be aware of? (sports, clubs, school)
Destination Wedding Considerations
If you are planning a destination wedding, there are specific questions you’ll need to ask to make sure you’ve planned for everything.
Will you bring your children? If so, will anyone be available to care for them while you participate in wedding activities?
Do you have a passport?
Do you need help making travel arrangements?
Are you interested in room sharing or shared accommodations upon arrival?
Are there any destinations you are uncomfortable traveling to?
Conclusion
Organization is the key to smooth wedding planning. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to make the many decisions you’ll encounter along the way.
Keep the lines of communication open with your bridesmaids, and you’ll avoid unnecessary conflicts and confusion. That way, your wedding will go off without a hitch, and you’ll have many fond memories to look back on!