5 Things to Consider When Selecting your Bridal Party

One of the best parts of getting married is celebrating your love with your closest family and friends. However, it can be a little stressful when deciding which of those special people will be part of your bridal party. Here are 5 questions to keep in mind before asking your BFFs to “stand by your side” on your special day.

What is this person’s influence on your temperament?

For the months leading up to your wedding, you will inevitably encounter stressful moments. For this reason, it is SO important to be sure that you are surrounded by people who can keep you calm and focused on what is really important. Your bridesmaids shouldn’t just be your favorite drinking partners (totally awesome if they are though!), they should also be a rationale sounding-board, and available to help problem-solve.

Are you asking them because they asked you?

If you are like most brides-to-be, by the time you are planning your own nuptials, you’ve likely been a part of several weddings. And just because you were a bridesmaid in your sorority sister’s wedding 9 years prior doesn’t mean you need to repay the favor. People and circumstances change, and you may need to consider siblings over friends, for example. Don’t forget- it’s awesome to simply be a guest at a wedding. You are buying them dinner and drinks, after all!

Is this person a “forever friend”?

No one can predict the future, and unfortunately sometimes people do fall out of friendship. But you will cherish your wedding memories, pictures, and videos for your lifetime. Therefore, it’s also important to see a long-term future with those people you chose to be standing next to on your special day. If you are having reservations about including a particular person in your bridal party, consider listening to your gut.

Can they afford it?

This is a tough topic, but worth thinking about right away. By the time our late-20’s and early-30’s rolls around, we’ve likely been a bridesmaid a time or two ourselves. And let’s be honest- it ain’t cheap! From the dress the bride promises “you will wear again”, to the hair and makeup appointments, the wedding costs can reach well into the $500-$800 range- and that’s just the “day of” cost. This doesn’t include shower gifts, the bachelorette party, and the cost of travel for your special ladies. Let’s face it- agreeing to be a bridesmaid is more than just an emotional commitment, it’s also a financial one. Be honest with yourself and be a conscientious friend- if one of your ladies is struggling financially, maybe they can be included in another way in your ceremony, or they can simply be a guest and have a kick-ass time without going into debt.

Do they have time for it?

Just like the previous point, being part of a wedding can be a serious commitment with your time as well. The people you select to be part of your bridal party are obviously important to you, and you want them to understand the importance of their role throughout the process. Therefore, have an honest conversation with them about which events you are hoping they will attend and participate in. If that person is super noncommittal about most things, that may be a sign that they are better off as a guest.

At the end of the day, follow your heart and your intuition, and you can’t go wrong. Oh- and also be sure to buy matching “get ready” outfits and plenty of champagne to drink out of those pretty, long-stemmed flutes. You will be guaranteed to have the CUTEST pics.

Xoxo,
Morgan