How to Pick Your Bridesmaids and Maid of Honor
Your partner has popped the big question, and you are overjoyed! Your friends and family have gathered around, and everyone has joy in their eyes.
You turn to your best friend, and there is a question in her eyes. You look to your sister, and she has the same curiosity.
Choosing your bridesmaids and maid of honor will be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning! These people will be your support system, holding your hand when things get tough – helping you with everything from dress shopping to helping plan the bridal shower.
Here are the questions you need to ask before you narrow down your bridal party!
Who are your closest friends?
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Start the process by thinking about who has been there for you through thick and thin. Your bridesmaids should be individuals who you trust and feel comfortable around, especially when times get tough. This can be anyone, from childhood best friends, close siblings, or distant cousins.
These will be the people who will stand by your side on one of the most important days of your life, so make sure you choose people who have played a big part in your life.
Will they be supportive?
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Having the bridesmaid title is one thing, but being a good one is a big emotional and financial commitment.
Make sure you think about who can handle the role’s responsibilities, such as attending dress fittings, helping with planning, and, most importantly, being there for you on the day.
This is particularly important for the maid of honor, who will be responsible for planning the bachelorette party and the bridal shower. This will be even harder!
Is the bridal party balanced?
The size of your bridal party should be appropriate for your wedding and reflect the number of people in attendance.
The number of bridesmaids should be balanced depending on whether you want a large group or a small, intimate party.
So, while it is important to include the people closest to your heart, keeping your bridal party small is also okay if that’s what feels right for you. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity!
Are they close enough?
Think about where your potential bridesmaids live. If they are too far away, they might not be able to fully dedicate themselves to their role in your wedding.
Even though a long-distance bestie can still be a big part of the day, it’s important to be mindful of the extra challenges this might pose for you and them.
Do you feel pressure?
One of the biggest challenges of picking who will be in your bridal party is ensuring you don’t feel obligated to include someone. Just because someone has asked, or just because they’re a family member, does not mean they are obligated to have a role in your bridal party.
This is your day, and you should feel comfortable with the people you surround yourself with. It’s okay to explain to those you don’t select that your decision was based on who you felt would best support you through this process.
Are you being honest with yourself?
When asking someone to be your bridesmaid or maid of honor, be honest about what you ask them.
This includes being honest and transparent about the time commitment, financial implications, and emotional support you’ll need. Having an open conversation when you ask reduces the chance of miscommunication.
Happy planning!
Photo by Mihail Tregubov on Unsplash
Choosing your bridesmaids and maid of honor is about surrounding yourself with those who will support and celebrate you on your big day! When you analyze the nuances of your relationships, their commitment, and how they can contribute to your wedding journey, you can build a bridal party that will help make your wedding day as special as possible.
It’s important to remember that the right people will stand by you during the ceremony and will also help make the entire experience joyful and memorable!
Congratulations on the wedding, and best of luck!