Articles

Great Advice for Wedding Planning

Bridal Attendants Choices & Expectations

by Angela Ash

Life Art Photographers

When it comes to your special day, you need as much support as you can get. Your bridal attendants are a lot more than just pretty faces in your wedding photos. These friends and family members will not just stand beside you, but they will offer everything from their opinions on finding the wedding gown of your dreams to their help in ensuring that the reception goes off without a hitch.

Choosing these very vital members of your bridal party will be extremely important, because they can take some of the stress away from your memorable day, allowing you the time and the peace of mind to focus on enjoying every minute. So, let's take a look at how to pick your bridal attendants and what to expect from them when you walk down the aisle!

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Selecting your bridal attendants can be exhilarating. It's like picking your A-Team, with plenty of options to set yourself up with all of the support that you will need to keep a smile on your face throughout the entire ceremony. However, you may be wondering how to decide amongst your family, friends and even a few close co-workers. Don't worry, because we have a few tips to point you in the right direction!

1.Try To Include Your Siblings In Some Way

These are the people that share a bond with you quite unlike anyone else in the world, whether your relationship has grown over the years or remains rooted in your childhood memories. Let's say you chose your best friend instead of your sister to be your {maid of honor, or bridesmaid), but you still want your sister to be a part of your wedding. Just remember this decision doesn't have to hamper their involvement in your special day. Ask her to be in charge of keeping the reception in full swing, or request that she walk your grandmother or other family member down the aisle.

2. Think About People Who Are Ready And Willing To Jump Right In

While there may be plenty of people in your life that you truly care about and would love to be rewarded with the honor of standing with you on your wedding day, you may be able to pare this list down by considering those who never hesitate to offer a shoulder to lean on or can easily provide the solution to a situation that you may need to overcome. We all have those good-time friends that can make a Friday night full of thrills, but really think about who you can count on in a pinch. These are the type of individuals that you will want to entrust major responsibilities to in the blink of an eye, knowing that they always have your best interest at heart.

3. There's A Role For Everyone (Be Creative)

Just because you don't include someone as an actual attendant in your bridal party doesn't mean that you can't find other ways to make them a part of your ceremony. Ask a friend who is a good  communicator to assist attendees with signing the guest book, or ask two of your especially energetic co -workers to help seat your guests as they enter. This can help take a few thing s off of your plate, while ensuring that no one feels left out. If you use a little bit of ingenuity, you can find a role for everyone that really utilizes their individual skills!

4. Trust Your Instincts

If your gut is telling you that is important to include a particular person in your group of bridal attendants, make sure that you listen. While you may have heard that it is better to follow your head than your heart, try to incorporate a mix of both in making this important decision. If you can't imagine seeing your wedding album without images of a particular person standing next to you, include them, without hesitation, as a bridal attendant.

5. Don't Be Afraid To Be A Bit Unconventional

If your best friend is a male, don't give a second thought to worrying about offering him the role of "man of honor". Time s are changing, and we shouldn't let gender play a factor in who holds that bouquet for you while you say your "I Do's". Next to the happy couple, the “honor" roles take center stage, so don't let traditional views stand in the way!

WHAT'S IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION?

Now that you've decided who will fill the ever-important roles of bridal attendants on your big day, you may be wondering just how to ensure that you make the most of the assistance from this special group that you have gathered. Making certain that you don't ask too much or even too little can really help things run smoothly, alleviating a lot of the guesswork. Let's get started!

1. Don't Be Afraid To Delegate

Your bridal attendants are here to help YOU! This day is all about you and the person of your dreams beginning your life together. So, don't balk at the idea of coming up with a list of responsibilities for each attendant to help out with. Remember that the traditional rules don't always have to apply. Consider each individual's personal strengths and devise a few things that can be taken off of your own "To Do List" that they will excel at and even enjoy.

2. Let The MOH Lead

You put a lot of thought into choosing your maid/matron/man of honor, so let them take the reins when you need the additional guidance. Allow them to not only throw you one grand bachelorette party, but step back as they help schedule bridesmaid dress fittings, find shoes and accessories for the bridal attendants, make hair and nail appointments and spread the word about planning get-togethers and pre-wedding parties or dinners.

3. Encourage Your Attendants To Play Hostess

During your reception, your mind will more than likely be on other things, so being the perfect hostess to so many guests may not be your number one priority. Let your attendants know that you will greatly appreciate it if they can greet guests as they make their way into the facility, make laps around the room to ensure that everyone is having a good time, and even keep your great aunt company for a few minutes if she looks a little lonely. In doing so, you will have more time to set about creating plenty of memories at the most important party of your life. Plus, guests like to feel as if their attendance is appreciated, so make them feel wanted!

4. Expect Your Attendants To Help With The Details

While you may think that you're so prepared that no detail could ever slip through the cracks, a little back-up assistance never hurts. Make a list of all of the responsibilities that you'd like your attendants to help out with, and you may be surprised at how willing they are to jump right in to help. This should include things like hand-writing addresses on the wedding invitations for a personal touch, helping you pack for the honeymoon, attending catering and cake tastings with you for a second opinion, keeping a record of gifts received and coordinating transportation on your wedding day.

5. It's Not Over 'Til It's Over

Once the wedding has occurred, it doesn't mean that all of the responsibilities end. Bridal attendants can still offer a lot of much-needed help for the days ahead. Talk about getting together to send out "thank you" notes, or even plan a special lunch to show your appreciation for their hard work. Always keep in mind that these are moments that you will remember forever. Surrounding yourself with those people who are of the most importance to you will provide yet another reason to cherish this day for the rest of your life.

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When it comes to your special day, you need as much support as you can get. Your bridal attendants are a lot more than just pretty faces in your wedding photos. These friends and family members will not just stand beside you, but they will offer everything from their opinions on finding the wedding gown of your dreams to their help in ensuring that the reception goes off without a hitch.

Choosing these very vital members of your bridal party will be extremely important, because they can take some of the stress away from your memorable day, allowing you the time and the peace of mind to focus on enjoying every minute. So, let's take a look at how to pick your bridal attendants and what to expect from them when you walk down the aisle!

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Selecting your bridal attendants can be exhilarating. It's like picking your A-Team, with plenty of options to set yourself up with all of the support that you will need to keep a smile on your face throughout the entire ceremony. However, you may be wondering how to decide amongst your family, friends and even a few close co-workers. Don't worry, because we have a few tips to point you in the right direction!

1.Try To Include Your Siblings In Some Way

These are the people that share a bond with you quite unlike anyone else in the world, whether your relationship has grown over the years or remains rooted in your childhood memories. Let's say you chose your best friend instead of your sister to be your {maid of honor, or bridesmaid), but you still want your sister to be a part of your wedding. Just remember this decision doesn't have to hamper their involvement in your special day. Ask her to be in charge of keeping the reception in full swing, or request that she walk your grandmother or other older family member down the aisle.

2. Think About People Who Are Ready And Willing To Jump Right In

While there may be plenty of people in your life that you truly care about and would love to be rewarded with the honor of standing with you on your wedding day, you may be able to pare this list down by considering those who never hesitate to offer a shoulder to lean on or can easily provide the solution to a situation that you may need to overcome. We all have those good-time friends that can make a Friday night full of thrills, but really think about who you can count on in a pinch. These are the type of individuals that you will want to entrust major responsibilities to in the blink of an eye, knowing that they always have your best interest at heart.

3. There's A Role For Everyone (Be Creative)

Just because you don't include someone as an actual attendant in your bridal party doesn't mean that you can't find other ways to make them a part of your ceremony. Ask a friend who is a good  communicator to assist attendees with signing the guest book, or ask two of your especially energetic co -workers to help seat your guests as they enter. This can help take a few thing s off of your plate, while ensuring that no one feels left out. If you use a little bit of ingenuity, you can find a role for everyone that really utilizes their individual skills!

4. Trust Your Instincts

If your gut is telling you that is important to include a particular person in your group of bridal attendants, make sure that you listen. While you may have heard that it is better to follow your head than your heart, try to incorporate a mix of both in making this important decision. If you can't imagine seeing your wedding album without images of a particular person standing next to you, include them, without hesitation, as a bridal attendant.

5. Don't Be Afraid To Be A Bit Unconventional

If your best friend is a male, don't give a second thought to worrying about offering him the role of "man of honor". Time s are changing, and we shouldn't let gender play a factor in who holds that bouquet for you while you say your "I Do's". Next to the happy couple, the “honor" roles take center stage, so don't let traditional views stand in the way!

WHAT'S IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION?

Now that you've decided who will fill the ever-important roles of bridal attendants on your big day, you may be wondering just how to ensure that you make the most of the assistance from this special group that you have gathered. Making certain that you don't ask too much or even too little can really help things run smoothly, alleviating a lot of the guesswork. Let's get started!

1. Don't Be Afraid To Delegate

Your bridal attendants are here to help YOU! This day is all about you and the person of your dreams beginning your life together. So, don't balk at the idea of coming up with a list of responsibilities for each attendant to help out with. Remember that the traditional rules don't always have to apply. Consider each individual's personal strengths and devise a few things that can be taken off of your own "To Do List" that they will excel at and even enjoy.

2. Let The MOH Lead

You put a lot of thought into choosing your maid/matron/man of honor, so let them take the reins when you need the additional guidance. Allow them to not only throw you one grand bachelorette party, but step back as they help schedule bridesmaid dress fittings, find shoes and accessories for the bridal attendants, make hair and nail appointments and spread the word about planning get-togethers and pre-wedding parties or dinners.

3. Encourage Your Attendants To Play Hostess

During your reception, your mind will more than likely be on other things, so being the perfect hostess to so many guests may not be your number one priority. Let your attendants know that you will greatly appreciate it if they can greet guests as they make their way into the facility, make laps around the room to ensure that everyone is having a good time, and even keep your great aunt company for a few minutes if she looks a little lonely. In doing so, you will have more time to set about creating plenty of memories at the most important party of your life. Plus, guests like to feel as if their attendance is appreciated, so make them feel wanted!

4. Expect Your Attendants To Help With The Details

While you may think that you're so prepared that no detail could ever slip through the cracks, a little back-up assistance never hurts. Make a list of all of the responsibilities that you'd like your attendants to help out with, and you may be surprised at how willing they are to jump right in to help. This should include things like hand-writing addresses on the wedding invitations for a personal touch, helping you pack for the honeymoon, attending catering and cake tastings with you for a second opinion, keeping a record of gifts received and coordinating transportation on your wedding day.

5. It's Not Over 'Til It's Over

Once the wedding has occurred, it doesn't mean that all of the responsibilities end. Bridal attendants can still offer a lot of much-needed help for the days ahead. Talk about getting together to send out "thank you" notes, or even plan a special lunch to show your appreciation for their hard work. Always keep in mind that these are moments that you will remember forever. Surrounding yourself with those people who are of the most importance to you will provide yet another reason to cherish this day for the rest of your life.

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