The bridal party is an integral part of your big day and the choice seems obvious of who to choose. Of course you should go with your closest family and/or friends. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are many duties that accompany being a bridesmaid or a groomsman. Aside from the hen’s, bridal shower, bucks party and being available for choosing the outfits, the most important job, in my mind, is being there for you on your wedding day. Keep in mind that you may be stressed and you will most certainly need supportive and helpful people around you.
Consider these things when choosing your wedding party:
1. Will you be friends with the chosen person for many years to come? When you picture having kids and growing old, can you imagine still being in contact and having them a part of your life?
2. Can they provide the time commitment required as a bridesmaid/groomsman? Think about the kinds of things you would like as part of your wedding celebrations. Consider things like, hen’s, bridal shower, buck’s party, bridesmaid dress shopping, dress fittings, shoe shopping, ceremony practice, pre or post wedding celebrations, bonbonniere development, invitation making etc.
3. Think about your budget. Every wedding is different and each bride has a different idea of who will pay for what. With this in mind can this person afford to financially be a part of your wedding? Don’t be afraid to speak to your wedding party about this from the beginning.
4. Make sure that you have at least one person in your party who is organised and responsible. It is amazing how many things pop up on your big day and you will be otherwise preoccupied with hair, makeup and getting into your outfit. It is ideal to have someone who won’t be afraid to take charge when you need and be there at that opportune moment when you need a glass of water, champagne or a bite to eat.
5. Try to choose people who are always supportive to you. The last thing you need is someone putting you down or making you feel bad on your special day. You should feel like a princess. Don’t you forget it!
6. It is nice to have someone who is calm and helpful, especially during this kind of high energy event. A calming force may be just what you need if you find yourself in a flat panic about one thing or another.
After you have considered all of these things and you have a fairly good idea about what you would like, it is a good idea to discuss your hopes and wishes with your prospective bridesmaids and groomsmen. Be honest from the beginning and then they can give you an honest answer about whether they think they can meet your expectations.
If a prospective bridesmaid or groomsman is worried about making a time commitment or a financial commitment, before you completely close them out of your wedding party, you may want to have a think about your decision or speak to your fiance about it. You may decide to make some changes to your original plan. For example, by offering to pay for more for that person. Take into account that no one is the same and many people are in different stages in their lives.
Very insightful representation of what I should consider when chosing my bridal party. I have felt torn between asking some friends and family but this list has made the decision much easier. Look foward to more posts that will help with my wedding plans.
Thanks, that’s so nice to hear. I’m glad you enjoyed reading my blog and I hope you like future posts!