corrimony.com

One of the first & most enjoyable parts of wedding planning is when the bride & groom decide who will be their wedding attendants. Fewer bridesmaids & groomsmen will be needed at a smaller, more intimate wedding, & a large wedding party (6 or more bridesmaids & groomsmen) is better suited to a grand affair with over 100 guests.

Some of the advantages of choosing a smaller bridal party include: less people to worry about regarding the cost & fittings of their wedding attire, fewer people to pick up, provide lodgings, & return to the airport, & less gifts to purchase for the bridal party. One big disadvantage may be that some important friends or family will feel left out. There will be less help in shopping, planning & hosting bridal showers, decorating, & making favors.

If the bride has six beloved sisters & the groom has only two close friends, a compromise may have to be made. It’s possible for the groom to use the bride’s brother, cousin, uncle or other relative as an attendant. If some of her sisters are already married, the groom can ask their husbands to be attendants & escort their wives. These selections will certainly please the bride’s family.

The flower girl & ring bearer should also be recognized as part of the bridal party. It has become more common to have many flower girls & even more then one ring bearer. (The number doesn’t have to match.) Strangely enough, pets have become attendants, with on line stores offering miniature tuxedos, flower girl dresses, top hats & tiaras! However many attendants they choose, the bride & groom will have the loving support of cherished family & friends on their special day.

Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils & bridal jewelry.