So we are starting out the wedding tradition discussion with the ever-so-present Bridal Party. If you are a factoid geek, like myself...check out the very fascinating history of the bridal party. If you are a movie geek, perhaps you have recently checked out this humorous representation of Bridesmaids.
Is being asked to be a a part of the Bridal Party is a huge honor and a role you are delighted to accept.. or an obligatory commitment that will just end up costing you a boatload of headaches and cash?
Should the bridesmaids have the primary say in choosing the dress...or should it be the bride's choice?
Should every single important family member and close friend be included in the party, or should it be a smaller, more intimate circle? Is it even necessary to have a bridal party?
What are your thoughts on having a parent as a maid of honor or best man?
Flower girls and Ring Bearers....adorable addition or additional distraction?
Flower girls and Ring Bearers....adorable addition or additional distraction?
**What are some creative approaches you have taken or have seen others taken when it comes to the bridal party?
Please share your thoughts with us below. You can answer one or all of the questions-or anything at all really. It will only take you a second or two and you will be entered to win a daily prize (super-cool Allebach Photography bling), and the GRAND PRIZE of a FREE one-hour session with Mike!
I loved being a bridesmaid and looked at it as an honor. Walking down the isle was always intimidating, but worth it to be such a special part of the ceremony. Of course the pre-wedding obligations did carry some weight--but again, was always worth it.
ReplyDeleteLove that wedding with the bridesmaids with the different hues of purple
ReplyDeleteI feel that it's an honor to be asked even though sometimes it may feel more of a obligation depending on how close you are to the family member/friend. But even still it's an honor that they thought of you to ask you. I don't think you need a really big wedding party, Honestly all you really need is one person standing with the bride and the groom to sign the marriage certificate with them. But it is nice to have a couple people along with a flower girl, and ring bearer. I think ultimately the bride should have the say on the dresses although if she is a good bride she will listen to what her bridesmaides say. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAs for being in a bridal party, it is an honor :-) I think the bridal party should just consist of those that are most important to you. T bridesmaid dresses should be chosen together (with bridesmaid and bride), however the ultimate decision is definitely the brides. I always like when the bridesmaids have slightly different dresses that they chose (so it can be flattering to their figure :-). At my brother's wedding, my brother had my dad has his best man and my sister in law had her best friend (that was a BOY) be her maid of honor... not sure if they have a name for that other than "maid" of honor ;-) I think your best man/maid of honor should be the person that is closest to you, and if that is your parent, then so be it.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I each had a best man and a best lady. My best friend and her husband were on my side - and his best friend and her boyfriend were on his. I think gender neutral bridal parties are a new and important trend that are occurring, and I really like it. It is nice to have the people who you are closest with you up there, but I also see a lot of weddings with NO bridal party. Of course, that doesn't mean that they have no friends! Getting creative, whether it be having a friends only bridal party, and incorporating family in other special places (toasts, readings, etc), or having only siblings stand up with you, or just choosing to do whatever feels right and best for you is so important.
ReplyDeleteOh, and our ring bearer was my husband's uncle, who is in his 40s. But we knew we wanted him to be a part of the bridal party, and it seemed like the perfect solution!
LOVE that about the ring bearer!! That's thinking out of the box at it's finest:)
DeleteMy husband and I tied the knot almost two years ago now. We had a very small ceremony that consisted of less than 20 friends and family. Neither of us had anyone standing up with us. We wanted to keep things as simple and easy as possible. The ceremony was short and sweet and we went to a luncheon afterwards. It really was all we needed. Later that evening, we invited all of our friends and relatives to come out to a local bar owned by friends. We just wanted to celebrate and include everyone. No gifts were required. Just a fun night out to mark the occasion. Honestly, we wouldn't have done it any other way.
ReplyDeleteI think it is an honor to be part of a wedding party. I have a good friend who lives in Canada. She asked me to be in her party, along with her sister. Naturally, I thought her sister was the maid of honor, but I soon learned (contrary to tradition) that was me!
ReplyDeleteI personally consider it an honor when asked to be a bridesmaid. It means the bride trusts you and your opinion. I don't think it's mandatory though if it's not something you want to deal with. I think a bride needs those girls though for emotional, and yes, financial support. Weddings are expensive! I lived helping my two best friends when they got married but I guess it all depends on your personality and attitude. I wouldn't ask anyone that I didn't think could benefit the wedding when it comes to their attitude.
ReplyDeleteI think the bridesmaids should have a say when it cones to the dresses but it ultimately be up to the bride. The bride should consider their opinions and what looks best on everyone.
I never really understood the point of ring bearers cuz I've never seen one that actually bears the rings? As long as the ring bearer and flower girls are at an age where they can feel a sense of responsibility, I think it works because the kids cooperate that way.