Bridal Parties

The list most dreaded by the bride-to-be would have to be the entourage. Apparently, it takes a lot of pondering and consideration to finalize the list of those who would play key roles during the day. Here are some tips and points to consider when thinking about which of your girl pals get the honor.

Think, think and think. No one could ever make that fateful decision for you since these are the very women who grew up with you. Include not only those who are around you at the moment but also those who were with years before. Put also into consideration that those chosen would have to fill in duties to help you with the wedding.

Blood is thicker than water. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, it still stands firm up until today. Your sister, your closest cousin or your mom’s youngest sister who’s still single – they should have a part in your entourage be it big or small. Surely, your grandmother wouldn’t be too happy when she finds out that your sister’s name isn’t on your bridal party list.

How many is too much? Link the number of your party into the number of guests who are actually attending your wedding. Consider the number of the groomsmen your hubby is also planning to include and try pairing them up proportionally. Another manner is through the ratio commonly followed by planners which is one bridesmaid to fifty wedding guests.

Returning a favor. Just because your office mate got you as her bridesmaid doesn’t mean you should get her too. The whole celebration is still about you; choose from your closest buds from college or your best gals from high school. Don’t be forced into picking out a random person just because your parents told you so or because you’d like to return a favor. Remember, this will be your first and last wedding- try to make everything personal and meaningful.

Wishful Thinking. It is inevitable for some relatives or close friends to expect getting picked for the bridal party. Invite them over for coffee and gently break the news to them privately. Explain the reason rationally and try to offer her a different role on your wedding day. Be it as an usherette, a scripture reader, or she can even get up to sing a song for the newlyweds during the reception if she’s up to it.

Pledge of Duty. When you finally tell your maid of honor and bridesmaid their roles, immediately break down their duties and responsibilities attached to the title given to them. Have them understand that they would have to spend a lot of time during the planning period and that they would also be busy during the day itself. Doing this ahead of time would save you a lot of time and stress from having them back out in the middle of planning due to their busy work schedules.

Choosing your bridal party is ideally done before delving into the major decisions about the big day. You could use a hand in meeting different vendors and you can have someone to turn to just before a major stress meltdown.