It can be tough deciding whom to include in your bridal party. How many bridesmaids to have, how to choose dress colors and styles, and what should they hold? I have some answers to these tough questions. as well. On your wedding day, you should be surrounded by your closest friends and family, not people you included for some other reason.
Many people ask me how many bridesmaids are good, or if they all need to wear the same dress. The cool thing about this is that it is completely up to you. I have done weddings with 12 bridesmaids, and some with no bridal party. And both were amazing. I have even had a wedding with 8 groomsmen and only two bridesmaids. Only include the people in your bridal party that you really want to include. This day is about you, and there is a certain commitment you make when you bring someone into the bridal party. If someone is high maintenance or causes you a lot of stress, they will do so on your wedding day as well. On your wedding day, you should be surrounded by your closest friends and family, not people you included for some other reason.
Dress Style:
It’s tough to choose a bridesmaid dress out of all the options. Think about how formal your wedding is. Is it during the day? At night? Nighttime tends to be more formal so take that into consideration when choosing a style. Also, what is the time of the year? Is it cold? A long dress will be more appropriate for cold weather and winter weddings. It will also keep your bridesmaids warmer. In this instance, you can also add shawls or shrugs to their attire as well.
I absolutely love when brides allow their bridesmaids to choose their dresses based on their body type. As a short curvy girl, I hate trying to find a dress meant for someone with a different body. If you let your bridesmaids choose they will not only be happier with the dress but they will also be more confident. My rule, if you are going to do different bridesmaid dresses, is to either keep them all long or all short. This way there is consistency in your bridal party.
Color:
Don’t feel like you only have to pick one color. Lots of brides choose a color scheme for their bridesmaids and tie in their colors. For example: If you are doing pastels, you can have your bridesmaids in all different varieties.
Bouquet:
There are also a lot of different things you can do instead of a traditional fresh flower bouquet for your bridesmaids. Here are a few fun examples:
- Hair flowers
- Lanterns
- Fans
- Paper Flowers
- Dried Flowers
- Hand Muffs
- Parasols
- Flower hoops
- Cute Clutch Bags
- Macramé Feathers
- Pinecones and other Natural Elements
- Broach Bouquet