But how on earth are you to choose your bridesmaids out of all your fabulous friends, old and new, and your family members? When you have such a difficult decision to make, you need all the help you can get! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of six sanity saving tips for choosing your bridesmaids.
1. Think Twice. Then Think Again.
Don’t rush into asking someone to be in your wedding party. Once you’ve said those words, you can’t take it back! Carefully consider who you would like to be by your side the entire day and for all the important prep points in the run up.
Take your time, give yourself at least a month to mull it over. Here are a few questions to ask yourself in the pondering stage:
- Will I still be as close to this person in five years’ time?
- Am I asking them out of pity, or do I really want them to share in my special day?
- Will they fit in with the rest of the maids?
As with any important decision, always go with your gut. You don’t have to ask someone just because you feel you should. Don’t be pressured into anything! If something is holding you back from asking someone to be your bridesmaid, listen to that voice.
2. Be Considerate and Honest
Remember that bridesmaid duties can be costly, from expensive dresses and shoes to bachelorette parties. If your expectations are way above a particular friend’s financial capacity, be open and upfront about it but in a kind and respectful way. If you really do want them to be by your side, consider chipping in if finances are the deal breaker to their accepting your request.
3. Include Family
Find a way to include family from both sides. It’s a wise gesture and one which will be appreciated. Even if you aren’t so close to your partner’s family just now, you’re entering into their family circle and those bonds will grow and last forever. At the end of the day, friends come and go, people can and do drift apart, but your family will always be family.
4. Pick Responsibly
Your wedding party will be by your side for the majority of the day and there will be times when you need to rely on them for their help and support. If your friend isn’t the most dependable person or a bit scatter-brained, then perhaps they may not be the right choice for such an important role.
Equally, if your closest buddy is likely to embarrass the heck out of you then it’s maybe a wise move to re-assign them to a duty that is not front and centre. There are other roles on the wedding day or in the planning stages that they could help you with, such as Shopping buddy, Custodian of wedding gifts, hotel keys, Sign the Registry etc. They will still feel included and you’ll be sure to have a drama free wedding!
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5. Don’t Ask Someone Just Because They Asked You
Your wedding day is not the time or place to play quid pro quo. There is no set rule saying that you have to ask someone to be apart of your wedding party just because they asked you. You might not be as close as you once were, they may have moved away, or they may not be the right person for the role.
6. Consider The Size Of Your Wedding
Sure you can have as many bridesmaids as you like, but just keep your budget in mind and the planning… the more people you have the more details you have to organize. It can be a logistical nightmare!
The average number of bridesmaids is five, but you can go fewer or more depending on how many guests. If you’re having a small intimate wedding, then perhaps two or three attendants will be best. If you’re having a lavish affair, then you can go up to 12 bridesmaids and not look out of place!
There is so much to consider when planning your perfect wedding, so why not make life easy for yourself and let a professional wedding planner take the pressure off? By handing over the stressful side of things to an expert, you can concentrate on you, your partner, and your friends and family.
If you’d like to find out more about how a wedding planner can help you bring your wedding bliss to wedding reality, contact us today to schedule a FREE 30 min Wedding Consultation!
