A bride’s guide to honouring her girlfriends before the big day

Weddings have a way of pulling you into a whirlwind with guest lists, budgets, outfit trials, dermat visits, vendor calls, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. But tucked between all this chaos are the friendships that have held you steady long before the proposal, long before the Pinterest boards, and long before the countdown began. These are the women who have seen you through heartbreaks, career jumps, quarter-life crises, and Sunday hangovers. As your life shifts into a new chapter, taking time to celebrate these relationships becomes more than just a pre-wedding ritual; it becomes a grounding reminder of who you were, who you are, and who you are becoming.

Celebrating your friendships isn’t about curating aesthetic moments for social media or planning activities that feel overwhelming. It’s about making space for connection in a season when everything feels rushed. This in-between phase—the one after “yes” and before “I do”—is precious, and it’s shared not just with your partner but with the friends who have shaped your world and who help you shape your big day as well. Whether you are a bride who loves intimate moments or someone who thrives in group energy, there are meaningful, heartfelt ways to honour these bonds. Here are some thoughtful ways to cherish your friendships before your big day, each one designed to feel personal, warm, and deeply memorable.

Plan a pre-wedding girls’ retreat

A retreat doesn’t have to mean an elaborate international trip or a perfectly coordinated itinerary. Even a simple two-day getaway to a nearby hillside cottage, wellness resort, or boutique homestay can work magic. Being away from the wedding bustle allows you to breathe, take a step back, and reconnect with your girlfriends without the pings of vendor messages interrupting. Spend your days lounging in pyjamas, indulging in spa sessions, exploring local cafes, or catching up on stories you have missed in the chaos. The goal isn’t activity, it’s presence.

Host a heartfelt brunch at home

If travel feels too hectic, consider hosting a brunch in your own space. There is something beautiful about inviting friends into your home during a life transition. Keep it soft and easy: think comfort food, fresh flowers, candid conversations, and a playlist that feels like a warm hug. You can even add sentimental touches like polaroids, handwritten notes, or a memory jar for everyone to drop notes into. When the world outside feels loud and demanding, a quiet gathering at home becomes a sanctuary.

Create a friendship ritual or keepsake

Keepsakes carry a unique emotional weight because they freeze a moment in time. You could create a scrapbook filled with photos and inside jokes, put together a box of tiny mementoes from your journey, or even DIY matching charm bracelets or anklets. For something more personal, write each friend a letter reflecting on your favourite memories and your gratitude for their presence. These gestures become treasures, not because they are perfect, but because they are honest. 

Dedicate a special evening to stories and nostalgia

A nostalgia night is a beautiful way to relive the journey that brought you all here. You can host it at home or at a quiet rooftop cafe, any place where you won’t feel rushed. Pull out old albums, revisit college photos, share the funniest or most emotional moments, and swap stories of who you all were when you first met. This ritual of remembering strengthens your bond in a way nothing else can.

Express gratitude in your own love language

Not every bride expresses love in the same way, and that’s the beauty of it. If you are someone who loves meaningful gestures, plan individual coffee dates with each friend to have uninterrupted conversations. If gifts speak louder to you, curate thoughtful little hampers filled with things they love. If your love language is words, record a voice note, send a long message, or tell them, out loud, how much their presence means to you. Let your friends know that their support isn’t just part of your wedding, it’s part of your whole life.

Lead image: Katrina Kaif/Instagram

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