Key thoughts on choosing:
- No obligations - Choose those who want to be in your wedding, but also that you want to be apart of your big day. Never feel obligated to have someone in your wedding. If you base it on "oh well I was in their wedding..." you will never shorten your list.
- More is not always better - The more bridesmaids you have, remember the chances for complications. That could mean that many more need to agree on the dresses, shower ideas, bachelorette party and dates that work for everyone. And if budget is an issue... think of the amount of bridesmaid gifts and flowers. Yikes!
- Family or No Family - This tends to be a very sticky situation for all. Do you include the sister-in-law in your wedding party? The brother on the grooms? This all depends on the opinion of the bride and groom. If they aren't a part of the wedding party, think of another way they can be involved. Personal attendant? Usher? Reader? There are so many duties to be filled for the day. They will be honored just to be a part of it.
- Best/Honor- Picking the best man or maid of honor could be the easiest part or the hardest. For me, it was an easy pick. It was the one person who has always been there as a sister and best friend. Have someone who will stand by your side through think and thin.
Do's/Dont's for Choosing Both Parties
- DON'T ask until you have an official date set and you have decided on the number of attendants together.
- DON'T feel like you have to have the same number on each side. Each person is different and you can always have someone walk down with one on each side.
- DON'T just ask someone because you were in their wedding. If you haven't been in contact with them, they don't need to be apart of your day!
- DO make sure that people know their roles. Choose if you want one or two "maids" of honor or none. Either way, make sure people are aware.
- DO make them feel important. I know it is your day, but they are also coughing up time and money to be apart of it, so show your gratitude.
Have some fun with asking groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Here is how I asked mine! I used Etsy to find some fun ways to ask my "maids."
I did labels on wine bottles and one beer bottle for the one who doesn't like wine. :)
Here's where you can find where I got my labels: Etsy - iDoArtsyWeddings
She was very easy to work with and I was able to find a style that I liked. I customized it to match the colors of our wedding as well. Just added another special touch. :)
Here is what they would look like on the bottle:
Here are some more fun ideas!
Etsy - PrestonEventPlanning
Make it fun and exciting! Pop the question yourself.
Fun necklace that could serve as an option for a necklace at the wedding.
GROOMSMEN
Who doesn't love a mustache?
Love this idea! So fun and you can use it the day you ask or the day of the wedding.
Yet another... "I mustache you a question" but with a flask. Two wonderful things in one.
I had a blast with this. Unfortunately, my fiance was not on top of the whole gift giving to ask. He ended up asking in person, which I think was perfect for him. Everyone was so excited and the girls have yet to open up their wine! They aren't sure if they even will. :)
Find something that fits you two together and play around with it.
