They’re your people. Your tribe. The people you can freak out on or cry happy tears with. They’re your besties, perhaps your siblings, and definitely the peeps who have your back. Is it any wonder it’s so important to pick the right team to be your wedding party? It can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these tips to guide you through the bridal party waters.
While you’re mentally interviewing your friends, let’s get acquainted with the roles of the wedding party:
- The Maid (or Matron) of Honor - Usually a sister, but can be anybody close to the bride. The MOH is the "head bridesmaid" and acts as the liaison between the bride and the bridesmaids. She can host showers or bridal parties (either alone or with the rest of the bridal party), and on the wedding day, helps the bride with her gown, holds her bouquet during ceremony, and gives a toast at the reception. Relax – you can have more than one Maid of Honor. You can even create a special Maid Of Honor Tote Bag for the lucky lady. Include cute favors like this Maid of Honor Tumblr.
- The Best Man - Traditionally a brother but can be anyone close to the groom. He will act as the liaison between the groom and groomsmen, and will play party planner for the bachelor party. The Best Man stands next to groom during the ceremony and gives a toast at the reception.
- Bridesmaids – Typically consists of family and friends of the bride, and often includes the groom's sisters. They can help plan any pre-wedding festivities. It is very popular for brides to give a "proposal" to their maid of honor and bridesmaids to ask them to be in the wedding. A cute idea would be to throw together a goodie bag or box of things they could use at the wedding such as this bridesmaid earing set or a personalized robe they can wear on the big day.
- Groomsmen – Generally family and friends of groom, and often includes bride's brothers. Along with the Bridesmaids, they will help plan pre-wedding festivities. These groomsmen socks would be a perfect gift that they can all wear on the big day. Personalized Beer Mugs would also be a great favor for the groomsmen.
Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo So how do you choose? Take your time and give it some careful thought because once you’ve asked, it’s a done deal. Seriously – step back and ask yourself these questions before you pop the wedding party question: Is this person a big part of your life? Will they be supportive? Will they still be a big part of your life years from now? Can this person be depended on to help you and fulfill your expectations for their role? As you’re jotting down names, also consider:
- Siblings – both yours and his.
- How big is your wedding? How many bridesmaids/groomsmen will you need? If you’re having a small wedding, a dozen bridesmaids and groomsmen is probably a little much. But even if you’re having a large wedding, more isn’t always better.
- Will you have a flower girl and ring bearer? (It’s not required, but it IS awfully cute!)
- What does the groom want? Remember to get his input because, you know – you're partners!
Just because someone isn’t in the wedding party, it doesn’t mean they can’t play a part in your wedding. Depending on the size and type of wedding, you may need:
- Ushers
- Flower Girls (check out these adorable DIY flower girl wreaths)
- Ring Bearers (check out these fun DIY ring bearer ideas)
- Readings at ceremony
- Marriage certificate witnesses
And just in case that wasn't enough to think about, here are a few more little nuggets to ponder:
- You don't need an equal number of men and women in your wedding party. Heck you don't even have to have a wedding party!
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen can be mixed gender groups. If your bestie just happens to be male, it’s perfectly acceptable to have a Man of Honor.
- There’s no wedding fashion rule that says they have to wear identical dresses or suits. Keep an open mind and consider body types. Trust me, they will thank you.
- Yes, it’s your wedding, but don’t be a Bridezilla. Just don’t. Your wedding party does not need to be bossed around. They know what an honor (and responsibility) it is to be asked to be in your wedding party, and they will deliver. They are people you adore, so treat them accordingly.
Are you ready to ask your Maid of Honor and bridesmaids? Ask them with a handmade card or a gorgeous bracelet. And don't forget the groomsmen, they need a cool way to be asked too, check out this awesome and easy DIY Beer Caddy Gift (It will make them feel so special!)
Eleven months to go! Have you reserved your venue and completed your guest list? If not, better get to work! And of course you should be creating your color palette and wedding theme now, too. Exciting times!
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too!
Don't forget to download these Free Printable Wedding Planning Worksheets to help prepare you for the big day!
Article written by: Heather Clark
Photography by: Christie Conyer Photography
