WTW: How To Build The Perfect Bridal Party!
how to build THE perfect Bridal Party!
Your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones of your life, and your wedding party plays an integral role in making it unforgettable. From the emotional support they provide throughout the planning process to the joy they bring on the big day, your bridal party will be by your side through it all. Choosing the right people to stand with you, communicating your expectations, and fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere are essential to creating a seamless, stress-free celebration. The relationships you cultivate with your wedding party can transform your wedding into not only a celebration of love, but a shared experience of friendship and connection. In this guide, we’ll dive into how to choose the perfect wedding party, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure that your bridal party is an uplifting and cohesive part of your special day.
1. Group Dynamics & Choosing the Right People
Our bride, Bailey, had the best group of girls to hype her up and make her feel special all day!
Photo: Anna Jones
Choosing your wedding party is one of the most personal decisions in wedding planning. These people are typically your closest friends, family members, and those you want by your side throughout the day. Here's what to consider when selecting this special group:
Support System: Your wedding party should be people who can support you emotionally throughout the planning process and on the big day. Weddings can get stressful, and having individuals who can help calm you down, encourage you, and be positive forces is essential.
Willingness to Commit: Being a part of the wedding party often requires a time commitment—attending pre-wedding events, helping with wedding preparations, and staying organized. Choose people who will genuinely commit to the role and help when needed.
Personal Dynamics: Think about how your chosen bridal party members get along with each other. If you have friends or family members who don't particularly get along, consider how that might impact the day. A wedding is about celebrating unity, so make sure your bridal party can maintain positive energy and collaborate.
2. Desired Size of Bridal Party
Grace and Blake opted for a more intimate ceremony with no formal bridal party!
Photo: Sydney Bliss
While there’s no "right" size for a bridal party, keep in mind that a smaller group might be easier to manage, while a larger group might be more fun and include more of your loved ones. Think about your guest count and how many people would feel right by your side. Some couples opt for a single maid of honor and best man, while others may choose multiple bridesmaids and groomsmen. Here is a list of pros and cons of a bigger and smaller bridal party, which can hopefully give some insight on what’s important to you when it comes to who stands by your side:
Pros of Big Bridal Party:
With a larger group, you'll have more people to lean on for emotional support throughout the planning process and on the big day. This can help you feel more relaxed and reassured.
A larger group means you get a variety of perspectives on wedding planning, which can be helpful when making decisions, from outfit choices to wedding details.
If you like the idea of large group photos, a big bridal party can create stunning visual effects. Your wedding photos may look fuller, more dynamic, and more fun.
A big bridal party can bring together different circles of friends and family, creating a sense of unity and strengthening relationships between different groups.
Cons of a Big Bridal Party:
A larger bridal party can make coordination more complicated. From scheduling dress fittings to arranging transportation, managing a large group can be stressful and time-consuming.
More people means more expenses—think of attire, transportation, gifts, and other logistical costs. A big bridal party can quickly drive up your wedding budget, which might limit your ability to allocate funds to other aspects of the wedding.
The more people involved, the more potential there is for personality clashes or drama. It's harder to manage relationships in a big group, and some people may have differing opinions on the wedding or the role they're playing.
If you want a more intimate, personal vibe to your wedding day, a large bridal party might detract from that feeling. Sometimes, a smaller group of people allows for more meaningful, one-on-one moments.
Pros of a Small Bridal Party:
With fewer people to coordinate, it’s easier to organize dress fittings, hair and makeup schedules, and transportation. The logistics tend to be more straightforward, reducing overall stress.
A smaller group allows you to focus more on each individual member, creating deeper bonds and more personalized experiences. You can give each person in your bridal party more attention and appreciation.
A smaller bridal party can create a more intimate and personal feel for your wedding. The focus is on the couple, and you can share meaningful moments with the people who matter most.
A small bridal party means fewer expenses for attire, gifts, transportation, and other related costs. This can free up your budget for other aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, food, or decor.
Cons of a Small Bridal Party:
A small bridal party means the people you do choose to be part of the party have a lot more responsibility. They may feel pressure to take on multiple roles, which could lead to stress or overwhelm.
A smaller bridal party might not generate as much of the lively, energetic atmosphere that a larger group can provide. If you’re hoping for a lot of enthusiasm and celebration from your bridal party, you may find a smaller group doesn't offer the same vibe.
Choosing a small bridal party can unintentionally hurt the feelings of those who weren't included. If you have close friends or family who expect to be part of the wedding party, it might cause some tension or disappointment.
3. Roles & Responsibilities
Shelby & Carter had the best people by their side helping the day run smoothly!
Photo: Nicole Laing
Each member of your wedding party has a role to play, and understanding their responsibilities helps manage expectations. Here’s a breakdown:
Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor:
Primary helper and emotional support throughout the planning process.
Assists with dress shopping, planning bridal showers, and sometimes organizing bachelorette parties.
Helps with the ceremony (holding the bouquet, fixing your veil, or adjusting your dress).
Usually gives a speech or toast at the reception.
Stays with you throughout the wedding day, ensuring you’re calm and organized.
Bridesmaids:
They support the maid of honor and assist with various wedding planning tasks.
They’re involved in pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or bachelorette party.
On the wedding day, they help with getting ready, ensure the bride has everything she needs, and are there to help with any last-minute details.
Best Man:
Similar to the maid of honor, the best man’s main responsibility is supporting the groom. He’s typically in charge of organizing the bachelor party, ensuring the groom gets ready, and holding the wedding rings prior to the exchange of rings.
He often gives a toast or speech during the reception.
He’ll also ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day and help with any logistical issues.
Groomsmen:
Groomsmen have a similar role to bridesmaids: assisting with wedding events, helping the groom prepare, and offering emotional support.
They may also help with planning the bachelor party and are expected to participate in the ceremony and reception.
Flower Girls and Ring Bearers:
While not technically part of the bridal party in the traditional sense, young flower girls and ring bearers add charm and sweetness to the ceremony. They may walk down the aisle with the wedding rings (if they're old enough) or scatter petals along the aisle.
4. Communicating Your Expectations
Erika had a seamless day thanks to the help of her wonderful bridesmaids!
Photo: Anna Jones
Clear communication is crucial to avoid misunderstandings later on. Make sure your bridal party knows what’s expected of them, especially when it comes to the following:
Costs: Being a part of the wedding party can come with financial obligations—purchasing attire, paying for travel, gifts, etc. Be transparent about what you’re asking them to contribute. Some couples might help with the cost of dresses or suits, while others expect their bridal party to cover it. Discuss any expenses upfront.
Timeline: Weddings involve lots of events leading up to the big day—bridal showers, bachelorette parties, dress fittings, rehearsals, etc. Make sure your bridal party is clear on the timeline and their involvement. A shared calendar or group chat can help everyone stay on track.
Rehearsal and Wedding Day Details: Let them know what they’re expected to do during the ceremony. This includes knowing where to be, when to arrive, and any key responsibilities (like walking down the aisle, standing at certain spots, or giving toasts). It helps to run through the ceremony with your bridal party during the rehearsal to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Building a Strong Relationship with Everyone Prior to Wedding Day
Megan had a bridal party full of friends from different parts of her life. When it came to the wedding day, everyone got along and helped Megan have a perfect day!
Photo: Rachel Jean
Your bridal party may include friends and family from various stages of your life—childhood friends, college buddies, and even colleagues or distant relatives. While each person brings their own special connection to you, it's important to foster a sense of unity before the big day. Taking the time to bring everyone together in advance—whether through a casual gathering, a brunch, or a pre-wedding activity—will help them bond and feel comfortable with one another. This not only creates a positive, supportive atmosphere but also ensures that everyone can enjoy the day to the fullest, knowing they’re part of a close-knit team.
6. Don’t Feel Obligated
Rianna & Bailey’s wedding vision was brought to life with the beautiful bridal party attire & stunning venue.
Photo: Anna Jones
When selecting your bridal party, it’s easy to feel pressured to ask certain family members or friends simply because it’s "expected." Whether it's an aunt who’s been expecting to be maid of honor, or a childhood friend who thinks they should be in your bridal party, make sure your choices are based on who truly supports you and who you want to be by your side.
If there are family members or friends you’re close to but don’t want in your wedding party, there’s no need to include them out of obligation. Instead, find other ways to include them in your celebration, whether through special roles during the ceremony or thoughtful gestures, like giving them a special thank-you note.
Still obsessing over Jacqueline & Nate’s stunning bridal party!
Photo: Laura Wills
Your bridal party should enhance the experience of your wedding, not add stress. By carefully selecting people who support you, communicating expectations clearly, and building strong connections between everyone, you can make the entire process more enjoyable for everyone involved. Your wedding day will be filled with beautiful memories, and your wedding party will play a key role in helping you create them!