How to Choose the Size of Your Wedding’s Bridal Party
July 31, 2014
Once upon a time, the rules for choosing your bridal party were pretty straightforward: your sister or best friend served as the maid of honor; the sisters of your husband-to-be were bridesmaids; and no matter what, the bride and groom always had an equal number of wedding attendants standing next to them at the ceremony venue.
Today, there are no rules, especially for a Long Island wedding. More and more couples are foregoing wedding attendants altogether, or are limiting their wedding party to just a maid of honor and a best man. The old-fashioned tradition of asking future brothers and sisters-in-law to stand with you is no longer an expectation. Wedding attendants of differing numbers for the bridge and groom are now commonplace. But with your options wide open, how will you ever decide whether to have a giant wedding party or a tiny one?
1. Make your number of attendants proportionate to the number of wedding guests. You don't want all of your friends standing with you at the altar, while no one is sitting in the audience at the venue!
2. Just because you were in her wedding doesn't mean you're obligated to ask her to be in yours. Maybe you've drifted apart since her wedding, or perhaps you don't consider her to be as close a friend as she considers you; whatever the reason, don't feel compelled to reciprocate. Ask only those you are truly closest to.
3. Stay mindful of logistics. Wrangling bridesmaids can be tricky, especially if you don't all live in the same area. You'll need to make sure that everyone stays apprised of certain events as they're scheduled, like the bachelorette party and the rehearsal dinner. You'll also need to make sure that everyone orders their dresses on time, not to mention schedules any necessary fittings. Sometimes it's just simpler to keep it small.
Whatever you ultimately decide, remember that it's your day; share the spotlight at your venue only with those who are nearest and dearest to you.
Today, there are no rules, especially for a Long Island wedding. More and more couples are foregoing wedding attendants altogether, or are limiting their wedding party to just a maid of honor and a best man. The old-fashioned tradition of asking future brothers and sisters-in-law to stand with you is no longer an expectation. Wedding attendants of differing numbers for the bridge and groom are now commonplace. But with your options wide open, how will you ever decide whether to have a giant wedding party or a tiny one?
1. Make your number of attendants proportionate to the number of wedding guests. You don't want all of your friends standing with you at the altar, while no one is sitting in the audience at the venue!
2. Just because you were in her wedding doesn't mean you're obligated to ask her to be in yours. Maybe you've drifted apart since her wedding, or perhaps you don't consider her to be as close a friend as she considers you; whatever the reason, don't feel compelled to reciprocate. Ask only those you are truly closest to.
3. Stay mindful of logistics. Wrangling bridesmaids can be tricky, especially if you don't all live in the same area. You'll need to make sure that everyone stays apprised of certain events as they're scheduled, like the bachelorette party and the rehearsal dinner. You'll also need to make sure that everyone orders their dresses on time, not to mention schedules any necessary fittings. Sometimes it's just simpler to keep it small.
Whatever you ultimately decide, remember that it's your day; share the spotlight at your venue only with those who are nearest and dearest to you.
