Your bridesmaids are going to share the most special day of your life with you, from start to finish.
So, it’s pretty essential that you choose the right people to assist you down the aisle. Here are some things to consider before you start thinking about how to choose your bridesmaids…
How many maids?
One thing many b2bs get wrong is assuming they need a handful of bridesmaids, but there’s no rule that says you can’t just have one maid, and equally, there’s no rule that says you can’t have 10! It’s entirely up to you.
Would they pick you?
It’s horrible to think about it in ‘I will, if you will’ terms, but it is a good idea! Maybe come to an agreement with your girls that you’ll all pick each other or all won’t. There’s nothing worse than picking a bridesmaid expecting to be picked in return, and then when she gets engaged, you’re not on the list!
How long have you known them?
Your new best friend from work may seem like the perfect choice for your bridesmaid, but really, your bridesmaid shouldn’t be someone you’ve only just met. She should be someone that has been in your life for a long time and will continue to be. Imagine the horror when your little ones look back at your wedding photos and you can’t even remember the name of your maid of honour!
You don’t need to have them at all!
Another imaginary rule is that you must have a bridesmaid! If you don’t want to have them, then you don’t have to!
Family or friends
The sad truth is that people can grow apart – your friend may move away, you might meet new people you share more in common with – but one thing’s pretty certain; blood is thicker than water. If you want to choose people you are 100% sure will look out for you both throughout the rest of your lives, then family is often the best option.
Other ways to share the love
If you don’t want to offend a friend or family member by not asking them to be your bridesmaid, there are other ways to get them involved in your wedding. From being a witness to doing a reading, your friends will feel just as important and special with a responsibility like this as they would being a bridesmaid.
What about the boys?
If your one true best friend is a man, there’s no reason why he can’t be in your bridal party. If you chose one man and one woman, they could walk down the aisle together behind you. Cute!
Reliability
You may think your bestie is an absolute must for the chief bridesmaid role, but planning a wedding can cause a lot of strain on relationships, and friendships. You need someone that is reliable, understanding, and will not take offense to your bridezilla moments! Equally, if your friend can be a bit of a diva, ensure that she knows who’s boss well in advance!
The hubby’s sister
Hmm, a tricky one. As much as you want to just have your friends and family, your sister-in-law-to-be is going to become a part your family, too, so it’s a nice gesture to ask her.
Opt for their flowergirl or pageboy
So, you have far too many people you want to ask – if any of them have children, you could ask their little one to be a flowergirl or pageboy instead. This way you’re still having a part of your friend assist you down the aisle, and you have a more balanced entourage!
