I would consider myself somewhat of a social butterfly. There aren’t many people in my lifetime whom I’ve not gotten on with, and I think I’m a pretty good judge of character. Choosing my bridesmaids was both an easy decision but also a hard one because, in reality, if there was an unlimited budget, I probably would have had three or four more bridesmaids than I had on the day.
In total, I had six bridesmaids, and all six of them are incredibly important to me. Five of them are my university friends, and I believe I truly found myself during this time in my life, and those girls are truly my ride or dies.
Choosing your bridesmaids is a very important decision to make. Why? Well, because it’s not just about the friendships but about who you want there on your wedding day by your side. You need the people around you who are going to keep you calm, who will know what to say and do so that you don’t get too in your head about anything. Here are a few tips that I would recommend when it comes to choosing your bridesmaids.
Reflect on your memories with that person
First and foremost, think about the memories that you have with the person you’re considering. That connection you built and nurtured is something to consider. Is it enough for them to help you walk down the aisle? To be there in the early morning and to give you that look or pep talk before you say I do.
There’s a distinction between those friendships that are friends and those that are best friends. My bridesmaids are my best friends and I love every one of them. I couldn’t have imagined not having them there.
Pick those who are supportive and easy-breezy when it comes to your bridesmaids
When picking your bridesmaids, you want your bridesmaids to be supportive. Not to sound selfish, but this day is about you, and so you need bridesmaids who can put aside any of their own preferences or feelings when it comes to what they’re wearing or how they look with their hairstyle or hair.
Of course, I wanted to make sure all of my bridesmaids are comfortable, and I think by having that attitude as a bride, it immediately puts them at ease knowing they could be honest with me about anything in the lead-up or on the day of the wedding.
Think about the long-term connection
The bridesmaids you have on your wedding day are likely to be in your life for the rest of your time. If they aren’t, then you’re going to have some beautiful wedding photos that you might be uncomfortable with looking at if those relationships were to turn sour.
It’s good to think about those long-term connections with your bridesmaids because I’d definitely say that a lot of our wedding guests we haven’t seen in a while. You soon know who you’re lifers are once you’re married. Having kids and working full-time makes committing to friendships more difficult.
The friends who are there for life require both people to make the effort, and not everyone does! Which is ok because that’s just life. Not every friendship is meant to last a lifetime.
Don’t rush the decision
The decision of picking your bridesmaids is not one that you really want to rush. Whether you’re looking to have just one or two bridesmaids, or you’re looking to get several, it’s a decision to think about carefully before you go ahead and ask those individuals.
Consider your initial decisions, making sure to sit with them for a while before you commit to asking those you want to be your bridesmaids.
It’s normal to feel guilt, but remember it’s your wedding day
Guilt is likely to be felt when it comes to picking out bridesmaids. You may have wanted more, but at the end of the day, a wedding is by no means cheap. Every bridesmaid is going to cost money, from bridesmaid dresses to hair and makeup.
Choosing your bridesmaids is something to think about carefully and to ensure your decision is well thought out. Your bridesmaids are a really important part of your day and your experience of being a bride, so make sure they’re the right pick for you.
For anyone interested, my bridesmaids’ dresses are from Infinity Dress. For bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes, as well as the affordability of buying these dresses, the multi-way dresses are definitely worth the investment.
How did you pick your bridesmaids? Let me know in the comments below.
