Things to consider when selecting your Bridal Party...
Choosing your bridal party is a major responsibility, and it is important to pick people who will make your special day even more special.
FAMILY
Ask yourself who has been there for you and been a support in your life, and who you have a strong bond with. MarthaStewart.com said it right and broke down the responsibility of each role. When selecting a bridesmaid, it does’t have to be a direct sibling. Maybe you shared a special relationship with an aunt or cousin. Then there are the few close friends who you’ve known since childhood, and consider them as extended family. I think it's important to recognize all the special people in your life, no matter if they are related or not. There isn’t a limitation to how many individuals you would like to stand beside you.
REsponsible & REliable
It's understandable to want your bridesmaids or groomsmen to be reliable and supportive when it comes to planning your wedding. After all, your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event! Think about what qualities you want in your bridal party. When choosing your bridal party, choose someone who you know you can count on. Make sure they are the type of individual who will answer your emails, keep to deadlines, and be prepared. It's important to have people in your bridal party who will be there for you throughout the wedding planning process and wedding day.
It is also important to define the roles between each person. We all want to have fun, but there is a responsibility other than standing beside you on the wedding day.
Do not feel obligated just because you were in their wedding party
Weddings are a beautiful celebration, and it is important to have the people you love and trust in your bridal party to share in the joy. You will feel guilty about not wanting to choose someone who had you as their bridesmaid (which is completely understandable). The Knot has simplified the elimination process to ease our conscience. Ask yourself: What is the reason that you are feeling this way and questioning it? Have you grown apart? Where do you see this person in your life 5 years from now? Relationships are constantly changing and your wedding is a celebration of what is present and what you see in the future.
There is nothing wrong with a Brides-man
Traditionally Bridesmaids were the ladies and Groomsmen were the men, but there is absolutely no reason why you cannot mix it up. It is quite common now and really do make for some fun and refreshing photos. Ultimately, it's up to you to choose the people who mean the most to you, regardless of their gender.
As for dress code, they can either look the same as the groomsmen or dress similarly to the bridesmaids (color, fabric, etc.)
Will everyone get along?
It's so important to consider how your wedding party will get along when you choose who to ask to be your bridesmaids. It is understandable that some of them will be from different facets of your life and do not know each other. It's okay if not everyone is best friends, but it’s best that everyone is friendly and cordial to one another and can move between different groups easily. This will help make sure that there are no fights and your wedding day is as stress-free as possible!
Bridal party size
When deciding a bridal party, it is important to take into account all of the factors involved. Having a large bridal party can be a great way to show gratitude to your closest friends and family, but it can also have a big effect on your budget and the overall dynamics of the wedding. If you do decide to decrease the number of bridesmaids, there are plenty of ways to still include the others and make them feel special. Consider creating special roles such as bridesmaid coordinator, flower girl coordinator, wedding planner, or even more creative roles such as guest greeter or candle lighter. This is a great way to show your appreciation while still keeping the bridal party size manageable.
In the end..
It is your wedding day and ultimately, you need to think about you and how you want your wedding planning and day to go. A fun wedding party is not necessarily an enjoyable wedding day. It is important to set the rules and roles of every player and express your expectations, so they know their responsibility. They are meant to be there for you.
