“A bridesmaid’s super powers include loyalty, humor, and punctuality.”
Your wedding party. They are your entourage, your squad, your tribe; and you can’t say, “I do,” without them. So today RiverStone is giving you the rundown on how to select the right people for the job!
Before you ask… take time to consider your options.
We recommend that you don’t skip this step! Once you ask someone to be your in your wedding, there is no going back! So give this decision some adequate thought. What expectations do you have of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and what will their responsibilities be? Answering these questions, will give you clarity about who is most qualified to fill your wedding roster.
What makes a good Bridesmaid or Groomsman?
In our experience, 4 key ingredients make a good wedding attendant:
Loyalty, Responsibility, Fun & Timeliness!
You are welcome to add or subtract from this list; but we think that if you surround yourself by people who show up on time- dressed and ready to stand by your side- and know how to make you laugh, you will be set, not just for your wedding day, but also for life!
What are the responsibilities of the wedding party?
Your best girls and guys will be investing in your wedding vision and supporting your forever union. Demonstrate your appreciation by outlining your expectations on the front end. Clearly communicate which pre-wedding and wedding week activities you would like your wedding party to attend and what expenses you are asking them to cover. Doing so will prevent surprises and allow everyone to plan accordingly.
Attire
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are traditionally asked to pay for their own wedding attire (dresses, shoes, tuxes). The wedding couple provides the wedding flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages).
Transportation & Accommodation
Accommodations, transportation, accessories, hair, and makeup services are negotiable expenses. However, the wedding host typically covers event day transportation for the wedding party.
Attendance
AttendanceBridesmaids and Groomsmen should be present (whenever possible) for established pre-wedding and wedding day events. This includes, but is not limited to: Showers, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception.
Other
There will inevitably be requests on the day of the wedding (bustle your dress, deliver a message, hold a bouquet) that you did not anticipate having to ask. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen should be willing to help wherever they are needed!
A few more things to think about:
Family… Consider including your siblings and future sib-in-laws in your wedding! It’s likely that they will be around for the long haul and you will get closer to one another over time.
Number of Attendants… For smaller weddings (50-60 guests), 4 bridesmaids and groomsmen is considered sufficient.While larger weddings (150+), typically have larger wedding parties (5-12 on each side). But ultimately, the choice is yours, and you don’t have to follow these “rules.”
Relationship Longevity… Above all, we urge you to enjoy this season with your BFFs! These are the people that will be your Bridesmaids & Groomsmen for a day and your best friends for life!
