Drawing up a shortlist of bridesmaids was a tricky task – until now.
You’d think that choosing bridesmaids would be easy, right? Not always… Some brides find it to be an incredibly difficult decision to make. After all, bridesmaids play a massive role in the day, and their energy is often what fuels the vibe of the wedding party. Therefore, it’s important to select individuals who’ll create the kind of big day feeling you desire.
Right off the bat, our advice, don’t rush the decision-making process. Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, one that deserves careful thought in every area. Especially when it comes to the loved ones who’ll take a front-row seat during proceedings.
How to Choose Your Bridesmaids
What is the best way to choose bridesmaids? And how do you get past the tricky, icky, messy parts? Here are our tips to help you make the right decision, without too much drama!
How many bridesmaids do you want?
The best way to start is to give yourself a target number. Choose how many bridesmaids you want to have with you on the day. The total may change over time, and that’s ok, but it’s good to begin with a figure in mind.
Whether it’s two bridesmaids, or ten, the total should be reflective of your personal preference. Are you someone who enjoys being surrounded by a large group of friends? Or do you usually prefer things to be more intimate, 1 on 1 even? Consider how you typically feel in social situations, and that should help you dictate group-size.
Take Your Time
This is your decision. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into choosing bridesmaids, or let anyone pressure your selection.
If you’re constantly asked about it, just tell people you haven’t made up your mind yet. But be firm. And don’t ask someone to be your bridesmaid just because they’ve put you on the spot! It may feel awkward, in the moment, to tell someone no, but in the long run you’ll be glad you stood strong. Not asking someone to be a bridesmaid when they were expecting you to can hurt relationships. But at the end of the day, it’s your wedding, and if they don’t understand that, maybe your decision not to choose them is even more justified.
Make the right decision now, and you’ll save a lot of trouble further down the line. So, please, no sudden proposals without careful thought!
Friends Vs Family
If you’ve got sisters you’re close to, you’ve got a ready-made bridal party. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring in friends to the group. Or your future sister-in-law or a friend on your partner’s side of the family, that can be a great choice too. Just don’t do it out of obligation!
When it comes to friends, consider picking ones you’ve had a long-term friendship with, rather than someone new on the scene. A lot of us don’t see our childhood friends as often as we’d like, but when we do, it’s like nothing has ever changed! Keep that in mind before you discount them over your exciting new mate from padel!
On the flip side, don’t feel obliged to pick childhood friends as bridesmaids just because you have history. It may well that your more recent friends now know you better than those you grew up with. And are less likely to share any gruesome stories from your younger years!
Ignore Politics
Stay true to what you believe in.
It’s impossible to please everyone, and you’ll undoubtably hurt some feelings during the decision process. But if you have a good reason for not asking someone to be your bridesmaid, all you need to do is communicate that.
Brides-men/Female Groomsmen
These days, it’s extremely common to have male friends as brides-men, and vice versa as groomsmen. If a mixed group of genders is reflective of your social group, and you find having male, or non-binary energy around you comforting. Then you should surround yourself with those who make you happy on your big day!
Choose Your Maid of Honour
Once you’ve settled on your squad, decide who will take the lead role as maid of honour. This can feel like an obvious, easy decision to make. But before simply selecting your best friend, or sister for the role. Consider the responsibilities that come along with the position. Jobs like directing the bridesmaids, hosting the hen party, organising friends and family, giving a speech. Can you imagine your best mate doing, and succeeding at all of those things?
Your maid of honour should be sensible, practical, and organised… While also knowing how to throw the best hen party ever!