Is this the 9th time your friend has been a bridesmaid? Now, it comes time for your wedding and there is a dull aching feeling from your friend mumbling don’t pick me, I can’t go through being another bridesmaid. Sound familiar? Will she just say “YES” to please the bride, and revolt behind the scenes saying another candy pink dress I have to buy. Complain, complain and more complaining to the point of resentment towards the bride.
How to choose a Happy bridesmaid party:
For some it is easy! The bride can ask thier sisters, a few best friends and that is it. But, others tgo through an excruciatingly long list of future sister in laws and friends, fiancee’s friends and end up having twelve bridesmaids. A wedding is stressful enough without herding twelve attendants.
Here’s How To Make It Easy:
1. Make your bridesmaids managable. Don’t pick an army. It will be crazy trying to get everyone together at the same time and make everyone happy.
2. Don’t choose someone that has been in more than 3 weddings. You want your bridesmaids to be happy right? Bridesmaids that have been in more than 3 can attest that it expends alot of time not to mention money.
3. The Keep It Simple Rule Applies: If your wedding is small, you don’t need so many attendants. You don’t want to ask your six best friends to be bridesmaids and then have a small garden affair. So, go with the flow and theme of your wedding.
4. The best rule of thumb is to pick your bridesmaids that you know and have a good bond with. Choose your friends that are flexible and will be happy doing what you want. Remember it is your day, not your bridesmaids!
Set Expectations:
Once you select your maids, tell them what you expect when it comes to the ceremony, their obligations and make them clear, what gown they will be wearing, what roles they will be playing etc. Don’t let the bridesmaids have to much say as they will take over. The more opinions the more confusing the bride will be.
Some guiding traditions on bridesmaid duties are very few. Limit thier role and make it easy. Brides might love taking the bridesmaids out to shop for the wedding gown, but, that can be a mistake. Every bridesmaid will have thier own opinion and will make it harder for the bride to find the dress of HER DREAMS.
The last rule: It REALLY is YOUR WEDDING.
