Planning 101 | Tips to help you choose your wedding party
Some couples can struggle to pick their wedding party members. Others find it’s a no brainer, and have decided their chosen ones even before a proposal!
If you are struggling, or need a little help finalising your picks, read the tips below :
➰ Surround yourself with people you enjoy being around
You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people in the lead up to your big day. Make sure you choose people whose company you enjoy and want to be around! Then, when you’re hanging out and taking care of all the planning details, it’ll still be a fun time! (Don’t forget the wine!)
➰ Don't feel obligated to choose someone
Ask yourself who you would miss if they weren’t standing up there with you. And no brainer - if you feel obligated to have someone in your wedding party because X, Y or Z, say no. If you want to incorporate people in your day, but not in your wedding party, you can find them another job for on the day. There are plenty of opportunities for this - with a reading, as the MC, or helping with moving guests from place to place.
➰ Numbers matter (or they don’t), but they don’t have to be even
It’s definitely not necessary to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen! You can, you just don’t have to. Wedding photographers are such talented human beings. Your photos will never look uneven if you don’t have the same numbers on each side. Choose those people who mean the most to you, no matter how many each of you choose.
➰ Set your expectations early
You don’t want to ask too much of friends or family. They may not be in a position to take part in your wedding party at that time. It’s important to let them know up front what you expect of them. How much help and time you’re asking for, and also what they will need to budget for themselves. Letting them know this early on helps with their planning as well - after all, they are guests too! Circumstances in their lives may also mean they could turn down the opportunity to stand by your side on your special day. This may be an unexpected outcome for you, but it does pay to be prepared.
So in summary, pick who you want and the number you want. Don’t forget, it’s your day and you can choose whoever you want to stand by your side. Or you can do it alone - the choice is yours!
Did you struggle to pick your wedding party? How many people did you have? Let me know in the comments below!
Photography : Mitch & Tijana