Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on your wedding planning journey, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing who will be a part of your wedding party. While some brides-to-be find this decision easy, there are many who dread it.
Some women are scared that they might hurt someone’s feelings by not picking them. Others are worried about what might happen if they choose the wrong person, just as Reddit user Glum-Substance-7340 realized she had done when planning for her wedding.
“During the wedding planning, one of my bridesmaids was pretty difficult. I feel like she tried to make everything about her,” she writes. “She dragged her feet while selecting a dress despite me trying to help her. I spent more time trying to help her pick out her dress than I did picking out my own gown. She would ignore messages from me when I tried to ask her about it.”
If that wasn’t bad enough, it gets worse.
“I just got my photos back and there is a candid photo of my husband that I absolutely love… that she photobombed. I am devastated. While I do hear nice things about my wedding, I feel like I hear an equal amount about my ‘wild bridesmaid’.”
Yikes.
Your wedding party is supposed to be made up of the special individuals who will stand by your side and support you throughout your wedding planning process and on your big day. It’s important to choose carefully if you want to avoid a situation like the one above.
But where do you start? According to wedding planning experts, these are some of the most important things to consider when selecting your wedding party.
Consider Your Closest Friends and Family
When deciding who to include in your wedding party, start by considering the people who are closest to you. Think about the friends and family members who have been there for you through thick and thin, and who you can rely on for support. These are the individuals who will bring joy and positivity to your wedding experience.
Assess Their Availability and Commitment
Choosing your wedding party involves considering the availability and commitment of each person. It’s important to select individuals who will be dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities and attending pre-wedding events.
Ensure that the people you choose can make the time commitment required for dress fittings, bridal showers, rehearsals, and other activities leading up to your wedding day.
Keeping It Harmonious
Strive for a balanced and harmonious wedding party. Take into account the dynamics between potential members and how well they get along with each other. While it’s not necessary for everyone to be best friends, it’s important that they can work together as a team to support you.
If any of your bridesmaids have problems between each other, it may be time to take them aside and ask them if they would be willing to place those aside for your sake. If their relationship is too contentious, it may not be the best idea to include them in the wedding party. It takes a cohesive and supportive group to make your wedding planning process go smoothly.
Consider Their Skills and Talents
Think about the skills and talents of your potential bridesmaids and maid of honor. Each role comes with specific duties, and it can be helpful to have individuals who excel in different areas.
For example, a creative friend might be great at organizing bridal showers, while someone with excellent organizational skills could assist with managing appointments and timelines.
Understand Roles & Responsibilities
Ensure that your chosen bridesmaids and maid of honor understand their roles and responsibilities. The maid of honor typically takes on additional duties such as planning the bachelorette party and assisting with various tasks throughout the wedding planning process.
Bridesmaids, on the other hand, provide support and assistance as needed, such as helping with DIY projects or accompanying you on vendor appointments.
Of course, you can’t have bridesmaids without bridesmaids’ dresses. If you haven’t started considering your options yet, we recommend showing your girls Bella Bridesmaids. They have one of the widest selections of sizes and styles available online, and they offer alterations as well.
While it’s ultimately your decision, listening to your bridesmaids and learning their preferences is important when selecting the bridal party attire. They will appreciate you taking the time to understand what they are comfortable with.
Focus On Trust
Above all, remember that your wedding party should comprise individuals who love you, support your relationship, and whom you trust wholeheartedly. These are the people who will be there for you through the highs and lows of your wedding planning journey.
Don’t feel obligated to include someone just because of tradition or pressure from others. Surround yourself with those who truly want the best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting your wedding party is an important decision that should be made with careful consideration. Choose individuals who bring positivity, support, and love into your life. Consider their availability, commitment, skills, and compatibility with your vision.
Remember the duties and responsibilities associated with each role and ensure everyone understands them. Trust your instincts and never give in to pressure to include someone you don’t want to.
Ultimately, your wedding party should be composed of those who genuinely care about your happiness and will make your special day even more memorable.
