Planning a wedding is no easy feat.
Aside from the dress, one of the most important decisions is choosing who will stand behind you at the altar. How many people should make up the bridal party? How do you choose who to include?
A general rule of thumb is to include your sister(s), your very best friends and women in your husband’s life who are important.
Maybe his only sister or his very best female family friend. The last ones are up to you. After all, it’s your special day. Your Maid of Honor has a big job—planning your bachelorette party as well as acting as your personal therapist in all matters regarding the wedding—so choose wisely. But then again, a best friend should already be these things!But “best friends” is such an ambiguous term. New best friends or old best friends? Or both? Throughout the years, your “best friends” will likely change as people fade in and out of your life. When high school and college ends, we stop being constantly surrounded by people and we can decide who stays present in our lives.
So when it comes time to decide on your own bridal party, think of the women you know will be there in an emergency and who respect you enough to tell you the truth (even if it hurts). The people who won’t judge and who ultimately you want to be involved with every aspect of the “big day.”
Don’t feel obligated to include your best friend from high school if you’ve lost touch over the years. Bridesmaids should be people who have helped shape you into the woman you are today. They should be friends who have been there through the good, the bad and all things foul in between.
Let’s discuss another topic, which is being included in someone else’s wedding. “Wedding fever” is most definitely a thing, and as engagements and ceremonies continue to flood our Facebooks, fight the irrational urge to be upset if you’re not chosen as a bridesmaid or maybe not even invited to the wedding at all. Here’s some to-the-point advice:
If you’re a bridesmaid, you’ll know why and if you’re not a bridesmaid, you’ll know why.
So, let’s say you’re a bridesmaid. Why? Hopefully because you’ve proven to be a dependable, badass friend, sister or woman. You are this bride’s person and she is yours. The girl you’re friends with but haven’t spoken to since 2010… well come on, you know why you weren’t chosen as a bridesmaid. Besides, you can’t be “best friends” with every person you’ve spent some time with.
Most importantly, remember that a wedding is all about great energy and good vibes as two people merge their lives and families in front of their loved ones. This shouldn’t be about her bridesmaids or her guests; it is about two people and their love for one another.
Fill your own bridal party with the women you want to share your magical day with, not the people you feel like you should include. Bridesmaids, buckle your seat belts and make your bride-friend happy she chose such a fabulous friend.
Feature Photo via Daily Mail