Choosing Your Bridesmaids 101

When it comes to picking your guest list, it may come easy to the normal bride. Of course you want all of your family, all of his family, your nearest and dearest girlfriends, his buds, plus a few colleagues. You might top it all off with that girl who invited you to her wedding or perhaps even your hairdresser. However, when it comes to selecting your bridesmaids - the special group of people by your side throughout the whole experience - it may not be so easy.

When choosing your bridesmaids it’s important to consider three things: 1) how long you’ve known them; 2) how close you are to them (whether that means how closely related by blood or marriage, or whether you consider them your BFF or just an acquaintance); and 3) will they help to make your day as special and memorable as possible or will they simply be dead weight?

Here are some simple rules to consider when choosing your bridesmaids:

Bridesmaid Material:

[if !supportLists]• [endif]Is she your sister or your fiancé’s sister? If so, it’s usually a general rule to always offer to include sisters in your bridal party.

[if !supportLists]• [endif]You’ve been best friends since middle school or just a very long time.

[if !supportLists]• [endif]You were a bridesmaid at her wedding (unless over five years have passed, then there’s no obligation!)

[if !supportLists]• [endif]You’re recent best friends. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known her, just that you know she will support and love you throughout your wedding planning experience.

Just Be Our Guest:

[if !supportLists]• [endif]This is real life. It’s okay to acknowledge real life happenings that interfere with being a good bridesmaid. Did your friend just lose her job? Does your sister live in Alaska and you live in Florida? These are all obstacles to consider when choosing your bridesmaids.

[if !supportLists]• [endif]They were a bridezilla at their own wedding. Definitely not.

[if !supportLists]• [endif]They drag you down more than they lift you up. Your bridal party should radiate only positivity.

[if !supportLists]• [endif]They don’t agree with your wedding in the first place! Definitely not a good energy to have hanging around.