Common attendant questions:
- How many bridesmaids should I have?
- How do I choose dresses for my bridal party?
- Is a chief bridesmaid necessary? What about two?
- I'm terrified that my flower girl will have a tantrum mid-wedding, is there a way to avoid this?
- Can I have a guy as my maid of honour?
- Do I have to buy presents for my bridesmaids?
- What if my bridesmaids keep letting me down for fittings etc?
- How do I deal with bridesmaid abroad?
- What should I do with an uneven number of attendants on each side?
- How can I include my kids in my wedding?
This is completely up to you, at the moment most brides are choosing 2/3 but if you have five sisters feel free to have them as your bridesmaids. Once you choose your girls have a sit down with them & tell them exactly what your expectations are for your wedding day. It may also be important to let them know any important dates for dress fittings etc.
The number one thing we always say to brides is ‘ask your bridesmaids’ they will know which colours suit them & which styles of dress will work well for their body type, hopefully you can meet some common ground & decide on a style. Alternatively you can choose different dresses in a similar colour for your bridesmaids.
Your chief bridesmaid is basically going to be your chief of staff until your wedding day so not choosing one will create more work, and possibly stress for you. We would definitely recommend having a chief bridesmaid for your wedding planning.
4. I’m terrified that my flower girl will have a temper tantrum mid-wedding, is there a way to avoid this?
Be prepared! If she’s a young flower girl leave a present for her at the altar & then have her whisked away by a minder for your ceremony. Your wedding reception is a more relaxed environment where your flower girl can have a bit more freedom to roam, keep some crayons & colouring books or jigsaws for the kiddies to play with or ask your venue of there is a room where you can set up a DVD player to keep them occupied.
If the people who mean the most to you happen to be of the opposite sex don’t hesitate to include them in your wedding. We must all forget the ‘have to’s’ & ‘can’ts’ of wedding planning.
Technically no but it’s always nice to thank your closest friends for being a special part of your special day. Some couples give items that will be used on the day eg. Cufflinks on jewellery as gifts.
Before you ask anybody to be your bridesmaid you have to let them know what their duties will be & if possible ask them to make a number of dates available for dress shopping & fittings well in advance. Ask your chief bridesmaid to take the reins if you have a lazy bridesmaid.
Ensure that they are kept in the loop regarding wedding proceedings & ask them if there is any area which they would like to take charge of for you. This will take the pressure off you aswell as making her feel useful. Some things an out-of –towner can help with are choosing sheet music or songs for your DJ to play after the band are finished.
Some couples like things perfectly symmetrical & others don’t again it’s your wedding & your choice don’t get caught up in the ‘have to’s’ & ‘cannots’ of wedding planning, this will leave you very stressed.
Its nice to have your children included in your ceremony. Whether they are just part of the procession or as far involved as making a speech it’s crucial to have them partake in your wedding festivities.
