Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, & People of Honor.

Ah yes, one of the most exciting aspects of weddings. One of the things those of us who grew up daydreaming about our wedding tend to already have decided on. One of the most honorable positions to hold. The Bridal Party. How do you pick who stands with you? Do I have to pick someone? What if my fiance and I have a different number of people? Do they buy their clothes or do I?

I hear each of these questions at least 5 times a season. At the end of the day, my answer to most things is going to be: "It's YOUR wedding. Do what brings you & your partner joy." But as someone who has a close-knit relationship with her anxiety - I also understand wanting to feel that you've made a well rounded decision. Let's dig into it, shall we?

Do I have to have a bridal party?

In short, no, you do not have to have one. The only rule that says you should is tradition & tradition also says that the bride walks down to the Bridal March & ceremonies must happen in a church, you can't live together before you get married, and you especially cannot share the same bed. We have already modernized weddings & marriages to be more personalized & unique & to better reflect how our values have evolved. If you don't want a bridal party - you don't have to have one! I have seen couples ask their siblings, and I have seen folks have 8 people on each side, and I have seen others go without entirely. Each of their weddings was uniquely beautiful. Remember, it's YOUR day.

How do I pick my bridal party?

Someone very wise once told me that the best way to make this decision is to consider who would/will drop everything to support you & your fiance on your wedding day. Maybe your best friend of 10 years is truly the closest & longest friendship you've ever had - but they are never on time & they're a notorious "ball dropper." You ma