Inside Weddings: Guide on How to Choose Your Wedding Party
It's wonderful to know you have your own support system to get you to navigate the confusion and craziness that comes with planning a wedding: your wedding party!
Why is it important to choose your wedding party carefully? They are your biggest fans, cheerleaders, and first responders on your wedding day. It may seem daunting to choose who will be by your side on one of the most important days of your life, but as your trusted photographer, I'd be delighted to assist you in understanding, realizing, and selecting your perfect wedding party!
Your wedding party will be interested in a lot more than just the bachelorette party and the rehearsal dinner. Since the position entails a great deal of responsibility and dedication, it's critical to take your time when selecting the men and women who will play such an important role in this process.
What Is the Distinction Between a Wedding and a Bridal Party?
The wedding party refers to the whole group of people who participate in the ceremony with the couple. The maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any children, such as the flower girl or ring bearer, are all considered part of the wedding party.
The bridal party, on the other hand, is simply a group of people selected by the bride to assist her on her wedding day. The maid of honor, or matron of honor if she is married, and bridesmaids make up the bridal party.
The people selected to be at a wedding party are in charge of certain responsibilities both before and after the wedding. Among these responsibilities are:
Pre-wedding events such as bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties should be planned.
Assisting the bride and/or groom in getting ready for the wedding day.
By standing nearby as the couple exchanges vow, you will take part in the ceremony.
Members of the wedding party used to be witnesses to marriage and would sign off on any legal paperwork that was needed.
Choosing a Wedding Party
This particular group of people will be crucial to your happiness in the days leading up to the wedding and during the celebrations. From start to finish, your wedding party will be there to help, guide, and celebrate with you. As a result, you must choose the best candidate for the position, as the saying goes!
#1 Remember there are NO RULES!
First and foremost, there is no requirement that you have a wedding party; however, this is for those who want one! Guys can accompany the bride, and women can accompany the groom. It's entirely up to you the key factor is that you include your favorite people.
#2 Don’t Worry about Genders
Mixed bridal parties are becoming increasingly popular, which is fantastic! This is the main reason why, when it comes to combining girls and guys at your wedding party, you can do whatever you want. With your closest friends by your side, you can do whatever you want! Apart from tradition, there's no need for showers and bachelorette parties to be gendered. Simply invite those who are most important to you.
If you and your husband have close mutual friends, a mixed-gender bridal party allows you to include them as bridesmaids and groomsmen, providing a seamless and all-encompassing illustration of friendship. It's fine to detach from the tradition.
#3 Include Family Members
If you have close family members, don't forget to include them! This may include your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Everyone you care for should be at your bridal party!
Consider the special people in your life who have always been there to support you when it comes to filling the roles of your wedding party. This may be a sister, cousin, or someone from your groom's family with whom you have a strong relationship.
The bridal party positions of ring bearer and flower girl are optional for children. I'm sure we've all seen recordings of flower men and flower grandmothers. You don't have to have any!
# 4 Don't Bother for a Long-Lost Buddy
Consider carefully who you invite to your wedding. Do you think this person will still be in your life in five years? If you answered no, they may not be the best option for you. You are under no obligation to invite anyone to your wedding simply because they invited you to theirs. Expect no reciprocity from a college roommate with whom you haven't spoken in five years.
#5 Your Wedding Planner
Even if your bridal party isn't there to serve as your wedding planner, consider if they'd be able to assist you if you needed it. You may expect your wedding planner to work with you and select a responsible member of your wedding party, a family member, or a good friend to look after and transport your gifts.
You may expect the wedding planner to assist bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the overall location, and in double-checking that everyone has their jackets, vests, ties, and other accessories and that nothing has been lost in the craziness of the dance floor.
Roles of the Traditional Wedding Party
The best man is the groom's, key man.
Groomsman refers to the groom's sidekicks.
The bride's maid of honor is the most important woman in her life.
The Matron of Honor is the main lady of the wedding, but she is married.
Bridesmaids are the bride's support.
Junior Bridesmaids or Junior Groomsmen are normally tween-aged relatives or children of the bride and groom's closest friends.
Flower girl or boy typically between the ages of 3 and 12.
Ring Bearer a child between the ages of three and twelve
Takeaway
Your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen will all play key roles on your wedding day. Surrounding yourself with a group of people who are supportive, dependable, and loving will ensure that your wedding planning journey is a meaningful one from start to finish. The challenge of selecting your wedding party is not one to be done lightly. You can't cancel after you've asked it, so make sure you think of the best people for the position.
You already know that planning a wedding is a difficult task, but with the right people on board, you can ensure that the experience is enjoyable and unforgettable. But don't be concerned with rules, customs, or other people's viewpoints, just keep doing what you're doing and have fun in the process!