Are you having a hard time deciding who should be and who should not be in your bridal party? Read this post for tips on how to select your bridal party!
Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, a day that celebrates your love and commitment to your partner. When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is selecting your bridal party.
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These are the individuals who will stand by your side, support you throughout the process, and share in the joy of your special day.
But how do you choose the right people to be a part of your bridal party?
In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to pick your dream bridal party for your wedding.
Here are my 7 tips on how to choose your bridal party:
Tip #1: Start Early
Choosing your bridal party is a decision that should not be rushed. It’s essential to start the selection process early to give yourself ample time to consider your choices.
Begin by creating a list of potential candidates and then take your time to evaluate your options. This way, you can be sure that you’re making the right choices for your big day.
Start with close family. Do you have any sisters? Female cousins that you are close to? They should take priority.
What about your partner’s sisters? They should be next on your list.
You may have so many sisters and soon to be sisters-in law that your bridal party is already full!
Tip #2: Consider Your Closest Relationships
Your bridal party should consist of the people who mean the most to you.
Consider the relationships that have played a significant role in your life and the friends and family members who have always been there for you. Your bridal party is not just about who you are close to now but also those who have been a consistent source of support and love.
Next, think about your very best friends. Have you been in a lifelong friendship with someone? They take priority (as long as you are still very close!).
Do you have very special friends that you’ve become close to as a couple? These types of friends might be more meaningful than your coworker friends, so take that into consideration.
Tip #3: Balance is Key
While it might be tempting to include all of your closest friends and family members, it’s essential to maintain a balance.
A balanced bridal party ensures that the wedding planning process runs smoothly and that everyone can contribute positively to your big day.
Strive for a mix of personalities and skill sets that can help you navigate different aspects of the wedding preparations.
Keep in mind the total number you want in your bridal party.
Sometimes having too small of a bridal party can make the costs of everything much more expensive for your bridesmaids, while having too large of a bridal party can create unwanted drama and tension.
Another thing to consider is how your total number of bridal party members will look in photos. Let’s say you have 10 bridesmaids. 10 bridesmaids, plus you, would be eleven people to fit into a picture. Then you’ll need pictures that include flower girls, junior bridesmaids, etc.
Having too many people in your bridal party will cause the photographer to have to zoom out to fit everyone in. You won’t even be able to see everyone’s faces!
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Tip #4: Be Mindful of Expectations
Consider the expectations that come with being a member of the wedding party. It’s important to ensure that those you select are willing and able to commit to the responsibilities that come with the role of a bridesmaid.
Communication is key here; be open and honest about what you expect from your bridal party and listen to their thoughts and concerns as well.
Take it from me, I did not communicate my expectations prior to selecting my bridal party.
For my bachelorette weekend, I had always dreamed about going to Nashville with the girls.
Well, one of my bridesmaids couldn’t afford it.
Instead of leaving her out, we had to change plans and go to a more local city that everyone could afford.
Was it still a fun weekend? Of course. Do I regret not being able to be in Nashville for my bachelorette? Of course. This is why it’s important to communicate your expectations prior to selecting your bridal party.
Tip #5: Keep the Peace
Sometimes, including certain individuals to be your bridesmaids may create tension or drama. It’s crucial to think about the dynamics between your potential members. While it might be difficult to leave out a close friend or relative, it’s important to prioritize harmony and a stress-free wedding planning process.
Especially for the bridesmaids, if you plan on having a traditional bachelorette party, you’ll need to think about the chemistry of the bridal party.
It has become very popular in the last few years to do a “bachelorette weekend getaway”, where the bridal party books a hotel or house to rent for the weekend of the bachelorette party.
So much drama can happen during a weekend with a group! Especially a group of girls.
You do not want to remember your bachelorette party as the weekend that so-and-so got in a fight.
Tip #6: Remember, It’s Your Day
Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your partner. Don’t feel pressured to include someone in your bridal party just because you think it’s expected or you want to please others.
Another tidbit about me: I felt obligated to ask someone to be in my wedding simply because they asked me to be in theirs. Don’t make my mistakes!
Select individuals who genuinely reflect your vision and who will support you wholeheartedly.
Tip #7: Choose Wisely, But Be Gracious
Once you’ve made your selections, extend the invitation to your chosen bridal party members gracefully.
Now comes the fun part, thinking about how you’ll ask them! Be sure to read my post on How to Create A Bridesmaid Proposal Box for ideas!
Be understanding if someone declines or isn’t able to fulfill the role, and avoid any hard feelings. After all, it’s an honor to be invited to be a part of someone’s special day.
Selecting your bridal party is a significant decision that involves careful consideration and a touch of intuition. These are the individuals who will stand by your side and make your wedding day even more memorable.
Take your time, choose thoughtfully, and focus on the people who truly matter in your life.
When you pick the right team, your wedding day will be all the more special, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime!
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Try any of these tips? Have any special stories on selecting your bridal party? Leave a comment!
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