Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Party

When selecting your wedding party you want to be careful who you have standing there on your big day. The Knot has great suggestions for selecting your bridal party. Here are some of the great ideas.
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​1. Think twice before you ask.

Once you've asked someone to be in your wedding party, you can't go back. So while it may be tempting to ask all of your favorite friends to be in your wedding party the minute you get engaged, don't. Take your time. Give yourself at least a month, if you can, to mull over the options. And pose this question to yourself: Do you imagine you'll be just as close to this person in five years as you are now?

Tip for the taking: If you're on the fence about asking someone to be in your wedding party, consider how they'd fit in with the rest of your attendants. If you don't think they'd mesh with your crew, leave them off the list.

2. Set honest expectations.

What sort of a role do you want your wedding party to play? Is it important to you that they help to address wedding invites, dress shop with you and attend all of the prewedding parties? Or will it be enough for them to wear what you choose and show up the day of? If it's the former, think twice about asking friends or family who live far away or have extremely hectic schedules. The worst thing you could do is set yourself up for disappointment. 

Tip for the taking: For friends who can't commit for whatever reason (they live out of town or are busy at work), let them in on just a few wedding prep activities, like an invitation stuffing party complete with wine and pizza.

3. Include your brothers and sisters.

Not to sound like Mom, but think about it: Even if you're not particularly close to his sister or her brother, siblings are going to be around well past your 10-year anniversary, and chances are, you'll become closer over the years. If you come from a big family and you can't possibly include everyone, draw the line at teenagers. Instead, make them a part of the ceremony by asking them to pass out programs or seat guests. 

Tip for the taking: Traditionally, it's ladies on one side and guys on the other, but feel free to break that rule and have them stand on either side of the aisle.

4. Consider the size of your wedding.

You can have as many (or few) bridesmaids and groomsmen as you like. The average wedding party size is eight—four bridesmaids and four groomsmen. Use that as a guide when you decide. Depending on formality, go larger or smaller. For a smaller wedding with around 50 to 60 guests, have no more than four, but for a larger wedding of, say, 150, you could go up to 12 if you really wanted to. Just keep this in mind: More isn't always merrier. The more bridesmaids or groomsmen you have, the more people to coordinate with, find a flattering tux or dress for, and work around schedules with (can you imagine trying to find a free weekend for a bachelorette party with 12 bridesmaids?).

Tip for the taking: If there are a lot of people you want to include in your wedding party but just can't, give them other roles, like usher, ceremony reader or candlelighter.

​You can view the rest of the tips on The Knot. Happy Planning!!

Top Photo by Mint Photography