Choosing your bridal party can be a delicate matter. It is a tough call when you do not want to hurt someone’s feelings. However, your bridal party is an intimate part of your day, and for this one event, your wedding day, it is important to make your wants and needs the priority. To help decide whom to include, here are some questions to ask yourself:
Bridesmaids
1. Will your bridal party help make your day awesome?
You want to choose people that will help make your day awesome, who will step in to help with details when needed and are there to offer you support when you need it. Your bridal party is your support team, so only include people who will fit that need.
2. Will your bridal party members be relaxing to work with?
Are you including low-maintenance people who will not kick up a fuss when you make decisions? You do want their input, but they need to accept that you are the bride. The last thing you want is a bridesmaid who complains every time you turn around. It is your day, not theirs.
3. Are you choosing people who will be in your lives?
Depending on your culture, the maid of honour and the best man may continue to play important roles in your ongoing lives. Sometimes, they are future godparents for your children, or have other roles to play. Even if your bridal party members are just friends or siblings, choosing people who will continue to play meaningful roles in your lives makes sense. Starting with your wedding, they will share many of the most important lifecycle events with you that will cement your relationship with them.
4. Can they afford to pay for the clothing and extras needed for the event?
Not everyone can afford to buy another wedding outfit. They may have been asked to be part of several weddings or their budget is small. Consider your friend’s feelings when you ask them to become part of your bridal party. Not everyone is comfortable with having you pay for their dress and accessories.
5. How many attendants do you want to have and do you have to include specific relatives?
If you don’t want a large wedding, and you need to include your siblings, then in most cases they come first in the priority list before your friends. Every situation is unique, and if you have a special friend that you want to include, you may want to ask your siblings or other close relatives to play another role in your wedding. This role can be music coordinator, usher, escort when shopping, party planner–there are so many details to a wedding that there is an open role for anyone who wants to get involved. Just remember, ultimately it is your choice as to who you select. Keep the day special for you and your fiancé.
Don’t forget to enter the Bride of the Year competition and we encourage you as always to place your vote here for the current month’s special bride.
