How to choose your Wedding Party

 
Your big day is all about the two of you but the good news is you can include your nearest and dearest too...
 
Choose the right team for your big (or intimate) day and it can make your wedding day a million times better!
 
It’s all about picking the right people for the right job in your Bridal Party….
 
 
Traditionally, these roles are split into support for the Bride or Groom
 
Girls Team
Maid of honour
Bridesmaids
Flower Girls
 
Boys Team
Best Man
Ushers
Page Boys
 
First of all consider how important this question will be!! Aside from the ‘Will you be my bridesmaid’ question turning into a whole bridesmaid proposal in America, (and there are signs of it catching on over here folks) once you’ve asked someone to take a role in your wedding, it is nearly impossible to take that request back!!
 
So how do you make sure you are asking the right person for the job?

Each role will need a specific set of skills
 
Maid of Honour - A maid of honour is you’re main goto in the run up to your wedding and on the big day! You’ll probably go to her for help planning, deciding and for emotional support too. She’ll also be responsible for planning your hen night. This will probably be a close friend or family member. Choose someone who is well organised, supportive and calm in a crisis and you’ll be on to a winner!
 
Bridesmaids - These are your support on the wedding day but can also help in the run up to the wedding with tasks & jobs. The number of bridesmaids you choose is up to you (up to 5 seems to be about the average with our bookings at the moment) but remember if you are paying for their dresses it will all add up! You also need to make sure that they all get on and that there aren’t any divas in there! Try to find someone who is happy to support you and your choices. Plus points for those that really don’t mind what colour / style dress you choose for them to wear!!
 
Flower Girls - Not a necessity but a flower girl is a great way to involve a younger member of the family. Just make sure they are confident enough to do what you want (e.g. walk down the aisle) without running off to mum!
 
Best Man - The best man is pretty much the main support role, standing up there with you in the ceremony, in charge of the ring and delivering one of the speeches! (Oh and the stag night too!!) Make sure your choice is reliable, confident enough to take a starring role (including delivering a speech in front of a room of potential strangers) A sense of humour also helps but one that isn’t too risque. Choices are often between a brother or close friend.
 
Ushers - Tradition is you have as many ushers as bridesmaids, but really anything goes! Ushers are your ‘on the day helpers’ showing guests to their seats, handing out order of service. Pick helpful friends and family that won’t offend older guests
 
Page Boys - Another cute addition to the wedding party, they make great ring bearers, and although I’m not keen on the ‘Last chance to run’ board wearing ones I do smile at the ‘don’t worry ladies, I’m still single’ ones!
 
Should you always ask a family member?
 
Short answer no, not always. But do consider them first! Siblings and family members will be by your side for the long run whereas even the best friendships may fade over time. Don’t pick them if they are really not suitable though, however hard your mum insists. Just be ready to explain to mum why you aren’t picking your sister., although secretly she’ll know their timekeeping is atrocious and ultimately she’ll agree your college room mate is much more organised and perfect for maid of honour.
 
If you do go with other (non family) choices for say best man / maid of honour, do try and make sure your family is included elsewhere.
 
 
Alternative Roles
 
Other ways to include special guests in our wedding include asking them to
 

• do a reading as part of your ceremony
• play a meaningful piece of music
• be a witness
• Give a speech

 
 
Don’t stick to Traditional roles
 
If your groom wants a best woman go ahead, likewise men of honour and bridesmen are also not unsual now.
 
And if your pets are like family why leave them out of your big day? We love cute little bridesmaid dogs and will even let you bring well behaved ones in Lily our Bay Panel Camper!

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