Choosing Your Bridal Party

Choosing your bridal party can be one of the most enjoyable wedding tasks-or one of the most stressful. To keep it as enjoyable as possible, follow these tips:

First, don’t choose your bridesmaids more than 9 months or so before your wedding. Relationships tend to change over time and you don’t want to end up with a bridesmaid you no longer feel close to or get along well with. Second, chose only the people you feel truly close to and who fully support you. Groom have a sister you aren’t particularly close with? She can stand up on his side! This is becoming an increasingly popular trend. If you have a close male friend he can stand up on your side as well. Call him your bridesman or man of honor if you like.

Don’t let anyone tell you who you should chose. The decision should be yours and yours alone. Yes, it’s nice to include all your siblings, but if you have a large family or a sibling you’re not close to, it’s fine to ask them to do a reading or participate in different way. When you chose your maids, keep the size of your party in mind. The larger it is, the more expenses you’ll have (bigger limo, more thank you gifts to buy, more plates to pay for at the reception, etc). Smaller parties are just as nice. No bride really needs 20 bridesmaids!

Don’t worry about things being “even”. It’s not necessary. If you have more girls or he has more guys, your photos will still be beautiful. Do make sure the people you chose are responsible so you won’t have to nag them to go get fitted or worry if they’ll be able to afford their dresses/tuxes.

When it comes to the groomsmen, let your guy decide. It’s okay to make a suggestion or two, but let the final decisions be his. If he picks a guy you’re worried won’t follow through on his responsibilities or afraid may cause problems, have a heart to heart with your guy.

If you’ve picked wisely you’ll most likely never have to deal with this, but if you’re wondering about how to “fire” a bridesmaid or groomsman, well you really can’t, except in extreme circumstances. If one of your maids hits on your guy or one of his guys turns out to have an drug problem, by all means show them the door. However, you can’t kick a maid out because she doesn’t look good in the dress you picked or a groomsman out because you think he’s annoying. That’s why it’s so important to chose your wedding party with care!

Stay tuned for future articles on how to deal with bad bridesmaids and groomsmen!