Weddingbee boards

I feel like with my bridesmaids, my primary job is for them to get their dress and be there on the wedding day. 

However, if they're asking you for stuff to do, maybe ask for their opinions and for their help gathering inspiration.  Put together emails aksing for their input on their bridesmaid dress, or if you have a girl who is a shopper, ask for her help looking for dresses.If you have a girl who is good at planning parties, maybe ask for her help coming up with fun special things you can have at your wedding.  Or if someone is into music, ask for her help coming up with tunes for all the dances and ceremony, cocktail hour, etc . . . stuff like that!

As for actual jobs, when they come to town to visit you, get their help putting together invites, favors, STDs, go dress (wedding and BM dress shopping) and so on.

How about having them research bridal shower games, bachelorette party ideas/locations and that sort of thing for you? Those are things they don't need to really be around to do, but it will still help you out and save you some time :)

I like the idea of having them get music for you too! I spent hours trying to find songs to give to my DJ!

With the long distance aspect, I've got that situation with both my parents & FI's...both live over 500 miles from us & the venue.  But we've managed to get our parents to help out from long distance, maybe some of the following tasks we delegated to them could be ones you give to your BMs:

1. Look for dresses online or in stores & trade pics online: wedding dress, BM dresses, FG dresses
2. Research flowers that are in season in your venue's area (this is research that can also be done online) & compile it for you (flower, colors available, cost)
3. Help you narrow down/give opinions on your inspirations:
   • send them pics of hairstyles, bouquet styles, centerpieces, monograms, etc.
   • Have them give you their opinions
4. Plan your bridal shower (have them coordinate with each other rather do it from LD yourself) &/or bachelorette party

My parents & FI's have been very instrumental in doing the first three (the fourth really SHOULD be done by your bridesmaids, based on all the etiquette/bridal guides I've read), so I figure your fabulous BMs can be too! 

Good Luck!