Picking Your Bridesmaids

You’re newly engaged and you’re starting to plan for the big day. So exciting! One of the first thoughts that’s crossing your mind is, who’s going to be part of my bridal party? It’s always a little stressful to start narrowing down your friends to be part of your bride squad. Picking one person over another carries a fair amount of social expectation, and sometimes, even consequences. But before you get overwhelmed, we are here to reassure you that choosing your bridesmaids should fill with excitement, happiness and love. So let’s only think on a positive note, shall we?

First, draft a list of your closest friends. Once you’ve a got a list of potential candidates, ask yourself these important questions before you make the final list and start proposing. If your answer is no to any of the below question, you may want to reconsider your choice.

Is this someone I want in my bridal party?

Notice, the emphasis on the ‘I’. When it comes to picking your bridesmaids, much like any other detail of your wedding, there’s a high possibility that your friends and family will share their opinion on who you should choose. Including someone in your bridal party because you feel like you should is not the approach to take. It’s only going to cause issues later on. Make sure you are choosing them because you want them to be included. You know who your cheerleaders are, so stay true to yourself. 

Are they supportive and reliable?

Sure, you might be a social butterfly and have a laundry list of friends. But I bet if you were to consider the below qualities, you can narrow that list down to some must-haves.

• Will your bridesmaids be there when you really need them — prior to the wedding and during?
• Can you trust them?
• Are they accountable?
• Can you delegate some tasks and be sure that they’ll help follow through?
• Are they easy-going and positive?
• Are they supportive of you, your fiancé and your decisions?

 Do they have the time and money to spend on bridal events?

Sometimes you have really close friends that would be perfect bridesmaids but there are external factors that prevent them from being able to fully support you along the bridal journey.

Some things to consider:

• ​Money

Being a bridesmaid is such an honor for friends and nobody wants to say no, but sometimes it can be challenging for some who don’t have the means to spend a lot of money. When you add up the cost of the bridesmaid’s dress, the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, travel, accommodations and gifts, it can be a costly commitment. Just be mindful if the monetary cost is going to be too much for someone.

• Time

Planning a wedding takes time. If your friends have crazy work schedules or family priorities, they might not be the best fit. With activities like bridesmaids dress fittings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and more, it takes some flexibility to engage and commit to these events. If having your squad by your side at these events is important to you, choose bridesmaids who have the time.