Karana Weddings

Tips for choosing your bridal party

Selecting your bridal party is one of the most important decisions a couple will make before the wedding. It can often be a difficult decision, and one which isn’t to be taken lightly. Photos last forever, and it can be a ‘make or break’ for some friendships. We have provided some tips to help make your decision a little easier…

First things first, how big do you want your bridal party to be??

Proper wedding etiquette says you need one bridesmaid/groomsmen per 50 guests. However, couples often opt to include all their closest friends and family, or just their nearest and dearest. Think about your family and best friends. Who do you picture as your bridesmaid? Who does your fiancé picture as his groomsmen? You don’t have to have an equal number on each side, but try not to be too ‘lop-sided’. If you plan to have a large wedding, go with a larger bridal party. If you plan a small intimate gathering, go with a smaller bridal party. You then need to think about the costs and who will be contributing for what, you don’t want to be stuck paying for 10 bridesmaid’s dresses, 10 bouquets and 10 suits!!

More isn’t necessarily merrier

Remember with a greater number of bridesmaid’s comes the potential for even more complications. For example, the more people need to agree on the dress, shoes, hair, makeup….. Stick with a small selection of your nearest and dearest. This will also pay off if you’re footing the bill!

Do you need to return the favour?

No! You don’t need to ask someone to be your bridesmaid just because you were hers. Particularly if you haven’t spoken to them in a long time.

Responsibilities, responsibilities

Do you have a friend who you absolutely love, but you know they are HOPELESS at organisation and responsibilities? We all have one. You don’t need the extra stress on your wedding day, so make sure whoever you choose as your maid of honour/best man will have your back!! Their main responsibilities include arranging the hen’s night, bachelor party and helping you with the guest list, invitations, decorating and the list goes on. Also make sure you choose someone who knows what you like and don’t like and is going to be RELIABLE!!

Only ask those you’ll be thrilled to hear a yes from!!

Do you picture yourself asking someone, only to leave them asking “why me”? Don’t go through with it. You want that person to be screaming with excitement and possibly jumping up and down.

The words no bride wants to hear months before the wedding…

I’m pregnant! Do you have a friend who you know is trying to get pregnant/wants to be pregnant or IS pregnant? Dress fitting and alterations….need I say more?

Don’t forget your family!!

Those of us who are close with our family would never imagine a bridal party without our brothers and sisters or future in-laws. HOWEVER, if you’re not close with your family, and know deep down it will cause problems if you don’t have them by your side, do the right thing. It also avoids that awkward moment when people ask why your sister wasn’t a bridesmaid….blood is thinker than water.

All in all, make sure you choose people you can have fun with, laugh with, cry with and people who will be there for you through the stressful experience of planning a wedding.