We’ve rounded up a playbook of best practices to achieve bridal party #SquadGoals.
Everyone knows that a picture’s worth a thousand words, but what about the story behind that perfect wedding photo where your entire bridal party is smiling on the beach as the surf breaks at their feet. That photo doesn’t reveal that your maid of honour flaked on sending out Bachelorette party invites until less than a week before the date, causing more than half your friends to miss your big night out. It also doesn’t tell the story of your groomsman that led two of the bridesmaids on during the days leading up to your wedding in Mexico, culminating in a major blowout at your rehearsal dinner.
When it comes to choosing your bridal party, you’ll want to surround yourself with supportive, drama-free friends and family—here’s how to do it!
Family First
Not trying to play the ‘mom’ card, but the reality is your siblings are your family for life, and most friends come and go. Unless you’re estranged, do the right thing and extend a bridal party invite to your siblings and partners siblings. This request will go a long way in forging a strong bond.
Consider Meshability
Yes, it’s possible we I made that word up, but you know what it means! You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Consider how your crew will mesh together, if there is an odd man out that no one really gets along with, that tension will end up putting extra stress on you.
Be Strategic When Choosing Your Honour Peeps
The Honour designants are your first mates and they need to be reliable. Choose your seconds wisely, and not based on fun-factor. However, if you have an incredibly responsible choice and an incredible fun choice, there’s no rule that says you can’t have two Maids of Honour to double your success.
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Forget Traditional Rules
If you want a Man of Honour—go for it! Or have the Best Woman stand up beside your fiance. Surround yourself with the people that make you feel great, and don’t worry if they fall into traditional bridal party guidelines. Tip: you can be flexible with dress too; bridesmen can match groomsmen, or wear suits that match the other bridesmaids. Groomswomen can wear a tux, a dress—or even a romper.
Choose a Number Based on Your Wedding Size
For larger, more formal weddings, it’s common to have more bridesmaids and groomsmen, while smaller, more casual weddings typically have less. Just remember that the bigger the party, the more attendants you have to book into fittings, coral for bachelor/bachelorette parties and gift with tokens of appreciation. Sometimes, less is more.
Don’t Ask Someone Just Because They Asked You
Unless this person is one of your favourite people, don’t feel bound by a quid pro quo. Your wedding party dynamic is crucial to your mood. Keep yourself surrounded by positive vibes.
A Word of Caution
Don’t expect everyone you ask to say yes. Weddings are not only expensive, they are a huge time commitment! Your friends may love you dearly, but not be in a position to sign on to meet all of your expectations and commit to costs. Mentally prepare yourself for some potential no’s, but remember to respect that friend’s decision; it’s not a reflection of your bond, or their lack of excitement for your special day.
Maggie Fogg
Maggie Fogg is a style-savvy Toronto-based writer and marketer. After studying fashion, Maggie worked in the lifestyle industry for several years, but left her role as a Toronto-based marketing director for an indie beauty brand to pursue her passion for travel and style abroad. In the past year, she's visited 22 countries across four continents, as she writes about style, design and wellness trends from around the world.
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