Is the value of your bridal party greater than the sum of its parts?
We know, we know – for a wedding, most brides want to make sure that everyone nearest and dearest to them are included.
One of the old mainstay conventions is to have the number of bridesmaids in accordance to how large your wedding is; one bridesmaid per 50 guests is one practical ratio. Another rule of thumb is to match the number of groomsmen that the groom will be having, but as always, these rules are flexible.
Photo: cheap bridesmaid dresses online
The US model sees more than three bridesmaids as the norm. In Birmingham, Alabama, there’s a 26 percent chance that there will be seven bridesmaids, and in Charleston, South Carolina, there’s an average of five bridesmaids. While such figures haven’t been crunched in Australia (yet), from anecdotal evidence numbers do fluctuate. We all have been to a wedding where there have been four, five or more bridesmaids (or for some of us, been part of the bridal party) but just gauging responses within the Vogue offices about how many bridesmaids are too many, it seems clear that the general consensus that there is a fine line between an appropriate number and what is considered just too much. As well as the practical arrangements of having to co-ordinate the schedules of multiple people, there are also more simple issues such as there being too many attendants to fit during the ceremony or in photos.
While you might want to include more than the standard, remember, the more bridesmaids there are, the more complications arise (if so, then readthis). Have a look at who you’ve chosen to see if they will actually get on with each other. There may be one person who doesn’t sit well in the mix, or may be better value as a guest – completely fine, and chances are she would appreciate not being asked either so you’re in the clear. Or, other close friends can work just as well in other aspects of the wedding, such as the master of ceremonies. And factor in their lifestyles as well; the friend who lives overseas or who has just given birth is probably not the most practical of choices for a bridesmaid.
With selection, now is the time to tread carefully. You can take the route of choosing someone to represent each part of your life – a member of your family like a sister or a cousin, someone from your childhood, and etc. Most reasonable people are understanding of the conundrum of this selection process. If they’re not, find new friends. (We’re kidding! Not really.) Don’t pick someone because you’re guilted into it. Easier said than done we know, but stay strong! If it’s a family situation where someone is insisting to include a sister/cousin/future sister-in-law, it may be better to include them so as not to make a bigger statement of rejection than initially intended. The final rule to keep in mind? Ask yourself if the addition or absence of this person in your wedding party will add to your day or take away from it.
Read more: http://www.sheindressau.com/beach-bridesmaid-dresses
