You chose the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with YAY! :) So now it’s time to choose the people that are going to be there to support you and your other half on your wedding day and throughout the many years after!
Photography: Embr Photo | Venue: La Pietra
Your wedding party AKA your Bride Tribe, Friends of Honor, I Do Crew, etc, are going to be your main support group for your wedding and for your new life with your partner! They are the people that will be there for you through the stressful moments of wedding planning as well as be there to “chee-hooo” the loudest during your big celebration!
Though this decision may be easy for some, we also know that it can be a very difficult and sensitive one for others. That’s why we are sharing 5 things we think that all couples should consider when selecting their wedding party!
The Number
As there’s no “rule” of how many bridesmaids or groomsmen one should have, we recommend you selecting people based on the quality of their relationship to you rather than by the number of people you think would look best in photos.
If having “balanced” photos is something that is a priority to you, but the ratio of bridesmaids to groomsmen (or vice versa) that you’re thinking to have are not equal, we recommend chatting with your photographer on various poses, and photo arrangements that can be done to best capture your wedding party.
Photography: VIVIDfotos | Venue: Four Seasons Resort in Ko’Olina
The Cost
Photography: Embr Photo | Venue: Kahala Hotel & Resort
As the greater number of guests you have = the greater the budget, similarly the greater number of members in your wedding party = the greater amount of coordination & spending you may have to do! Especially if you plan to purchase the attire for your wedding party, pay for hair & makeup services, buy gifts to present to them on your big day, as well as any costs that come with having a bachelor/bachelorette party, and/or destination wedding.
Your Expectations
It’s important that you and your significant other determine the expectations and responsibilities that you have for your wedding party so that after the members are chosen you don’t realize that the things you want from your wedding party are not the things they are able to provide.
For instance, if you want a wedding party that’s very involved in the planning/DIYing of your wedding and would be able to stop by to help at a moment’s notice you may have to consider selecting people that live close to you rather than long distance friends. By having honest expectations of your wedding party you will be able to select the people that can take on those responsibilities and will be there for you in the way that you want and need your wedding party to.
Your Family
Though they will typically be sitting in the front row of your wedding, including your family members into your wedding party can be a nice way to make the event a bit more intimate! As your bridal party doesn’t necessarily need to be limited to just bridesmaids and groomsmen, this can be an opportunity to be unique! Such as the Bride’s brother being a bridesman, the groom’s sister a groomswoman, and even the family pup can be the flower girl or ring bearer!
Photography: Mike Pham Photography | Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings
However, if you choose not to include your family in your wedding party that’s completely fine as well! If they expect to be included it may be good to have a conversation with them on your decision and to have them assist you in a different way so they still feel involved with your big day!
Other Wedding Roles
Besides having a wedding party you can also assign specific roles or tasks to folks that you want to have included but not necessarily in the party. This could be a great way to include family members as well! Some areas we often see family members or close friends assisting with are as the emcee of the reception, giving the banzai toast, and helping at the registration table!
Whether you choose to have a wedding party of 2 members or 10 we hope that these tips will help you in selecting the wonderful people that will make up your wedding party and be the smiling faces you’ll see standing next to you at the altar as you say your I DOs!
XOXOXO
Happy Planning!
(A Perfect Day)