Deciding on the right people to stand by your side on your special day can be a daunting task. But fear not, because with these key considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong and supportive ‘bride tribe’ that will make your celebration truly unforgettable. Let’s dive into the top factors to think about when selecting the women who will help make your big day truly special.
It’s About Quality, Not Quantity…
When considering which friends to invite to your special day, remember that this decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not just about choosing between old acquaintances, but rather about selecting the individuals with whom you feel a genuine connection. Take time to reflect on your relationships and think about who will still be by your side long after the wedding bells have stopped ringing.
Consider the size of your wedding…
When deciding on the size of your bridal party, it’s crucial to consider the scale of your wedding. A common starting point is an average-sized party with 5 bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side. However, this number can fluctuate depending on the overall guest list. For instance, a smaller wedding with approximately 50-60 attendees might be well-suited for 4 or fewer members in the bridal party.
On the other hand, a larger celebration with around 160 guests could accommodate 10 to 12 attendants if desired by you and your partner. It’s also essential to take into account the budget, as an increased number of bridesmaids and groomsmen can significantly impact costs.
Don’t feel obligated to ask someone who asked you…
When it’s time to have those tough conversations with your friends who didn’t make the cut as bridesmaids, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and tact. You may need to confront feelings of hurt or disappointment, especially if you were their bridesmaid in a previous wedding.
To minimize the emotional impact, prepare yourself for these talks by having an explanation ready, expressing your appreciation for the friendship, and focusing on the positive aspects of your relationship. Avoid making comparisons or highlighting differences that might exacerbate the situation. Instead, emphasize how much you value their presence at other key moments during the wedding celebration.
For instance, you could ask them to take charge of a specific aspect of the reception, leveraging their strengths in a way that makes them feel valued and included.
Be Honest With Your Expectations…
When planning a wedding, it’s crucial to establish clear expectations with your bridal party. This involves defining their role and level of involvement in the lead-up to the big day. Will they be heavily involved in preparations or simply attend on the wedding day? To avoid misunderstandings and disappointment, take time to map out the tasks you’ll need from them and communicate these clearly. By doing so, you’ll ensure a harmonious and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Reliability Is Important…
When it comes to assembling the ultimate bridal party, we emphasize that reliability and responsibility are essential qualities in your chosen companions. This is because you’ll be counting on them for crucial wedding planning responsibilities, such as organizing unforgettable bachelor and bachelorette parties, crafting heartfelt speeches, safeguarding your treasured engagement rings, and offering emotional support throughout the preparation process.
Follow This Rule…There are no rules!
When planning your wedding, the most crucial aspect is making sure your loved ones are involved. It’s your special day, so you should have the freedom to make it personal. Don’t be limited by traditional gender roles – feel free to include your favourite people in the celebration, regardless of their relationship to the bride or groom. When it comes to dressing them, the key is to ensure they’re comfortable with what they’re wearing.
As long as everyone’s happy and relaxed, you can focus on enjoying your big day.