Bridesmaids FAQ: Meet My Bridal Babes

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It’s bridal babes time! So happy to share more about the women who helped me throughout my entire wedding planning process. My bridesmaids are my best friends and we’ve been through a lot with each other. I really couldn’t have had my special day without them! I’ve rounded up the best questions from my DMs to help you through your own wedding journey. If you’re recently engaged, you might want to read this post here first!

How to Choose Your Bridal Squad:

There was no doubt in my mind when it came to picking the 8 ladies below to be my bridesmaids. We’ve all been friends for so long it would’ve been weird to not have them there! When it comes to choosing the right group, I have a few things you should keep in mind. Would they be offended if you didn’t pick them? Do you think you’ll still have a friendship with them in the next 5 years? Does your future husband have siblings you should include? Are they easy-going and get along with new people? Will this be difficult for them financially? Can they be involved in some other way? Will your fiance have enough groomsmen to couple up with?

It may seem like easy questions, but I can’t tell you how much it hurts to see brides crying about the stress their bridesmaids are causing them! If your wedding is more than 2 years away, I’d suggest waiting to ask. You never know how relationships can change over time and a friend that is closer now might not be the best choice down the line.

What do Bridesmaids really do?

The good news is that as the bride it’s up to you to have a conversation about what you expect from your bridal babes. Generally, they have a hand in planning your bridal showers and bachelorette party, with a majority of the responsibility landing on your maid or matron of honor. The main idea is just to be surrounded by your best friends on your special day!

What do they pay for?

This is why it’s important to have a conversation with your bridal party right when you first ask them. Brides, it’s also necessary to keep this in mind when you’re planning your budget. Between shower gifts, bachelor party weekends, hotels, wedding day hair and makeup, and the dresses, it becomes a lot! I had two wedding ceremonies, so my girls had to pay for an additional outfit, too. I’ve been to weddings where I’ve paid for everything and others where everything is paid for me. It’s typical that you’ll be somewhere in the middle.

How many are too many?

Insert Cady Heron voice here because “The limit doesn’t exist!” At the end of the day, it’s YOUR dream wedding. Who can you not imagine having up there with you? Try envisioning how you want your bridal party photos to look. Does it make sense to have 12 bridesmaids when your total guest count is 50? Take into account how long the processional for the wedding ceremony will take and the number of gifts you’ll need to buy. Your 12 friends will probably shrink to 6, but it’s all up to you!

Best bridesmaid gifts?

In my opinion, I think the best bridesmaid gifts are ones that you know they’ll use again. That’s why I opted for matching robes, coffee cups, etc. No use spending money on something that will ultimately be forgotten a year after your wedding. I also shared what I got my friends for my bachelorette party in this post here.

Meet My Bridesmaids:

8 girls. Of course, my sister was my Maid of Honor, but I really had no trouble picking my bridesmaids! One friend from preschool, another from 1st grade, a cousin that’s like a sister, college roommates and friends, and my new sister-in-law. Each woman helped me stay sane and stress-free during the entire planning process and I’m so thankful for them!