Asking Your Friends To Be In Your Wedding

Asking someone to be in your wedding party is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. It's important to choose your wedding party wisely, as these are the people who will provide emotional and tactical support in the lead-up to the wedding and on the big day itself. While there is no strict timeline for when to pop the question to your chosen bridal party members, it's generally recommended to do so between one year and eight months before the wedding. This gives them enough time to plan the bachelorette party and buy their outfits.

Choosing your wedding party

Firstly, consider who you really want standing next to you during this monumental occasion. Your wedding party should be made up of your closest friends and family members, those who you truly want to share this special moment with. It's also important to think about whether they will be able to perform the duties required of their position throughout the planning process and on the day. For example, will they be able to help with any DIY projects or be on hand to support you if any last-minute issues arise?

Next, consult with your partner to decide what size wedding party works best for the two of you. Keep in mind the expenses that come with this special responsibility, such as attire and gifts. You may also want to wait to see how many groomsmen your fiancé wants to have and come up with a joint number together.

Once you've decided on the size of your wedding party and who you'd like to include, it's time to pop the question! Asking your friends and family to be a part of your wedding party is an exciting step in the planning process. However, it's important not to do it too soon. Give yourself enough time to plan your wedding and consider your guest list and budget before asking anyone to be in your wedding party. A good rule of thumb is to ask your friends and family members anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. This will give them enough time to plan any pre-wedding events, such as the bachelorette party, and sort out their attire.

Remember, your wedding party is there to support you, so don't be afraid to ask for help and delegate tasks when needed. They will be happy to assist in any way they can, whether it's with planning, DIY projects, or simply providing a listening ear when you need to vent about the stresses of wedding planning!

Asking them to be in your wedding

Asking your friends and family to be a part of your wedding party is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. Here are some things to keep in mind when asking them to be in your wedding:

Timing is Key

It is important to give yourself enough time to plan and prepare for your big day. It is recommended to ask your wedding party anywhere between 8 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives your bridal party enough time to plan and commit to being there for all the events leading up to the wedding. However, if you have a shorter engagement, 5 to 8 months' notice is also acceptable.

Be Mindful of Others' Feelings

While it is your special day, it is important to be mindful of others' feelings. Avoid proposing to your wedding party in front of other friends you don't plan on including, as this can make them feel hurt and excluded. It is also not advisable to propose at your engagement party, as this may cause tension with those celebrating you who are not part of the wedding party.

Decide on the Size of Your Wedding Party

Discuss with your partner and decide on the size of your wedding party. While it is not necessary to have the exact same number of attendants, try to keep the numbers relatively similar. It is also important to consider the size of your wedding. For example, if you are hosting a small wedding, a large bridal party may not be appropriate.

Choose the Right People

Select people who are trustworthy and have been a part of your life for a long time. Usually, brides pick their siblings, siblings-in-law, closest relatives, and friends. It is also important to give this decision some thought and not rush into it, even if you have known who you wanted in your wedding party for a long time.

Ask Them in a Special Way

You can ask your wedding party in a variety of ways, from a simple in-person conversation to a creative proposal with gifts or treats. Some ideas include sending them a special gift box, baking cookies with the question written on them, or giving them customized champagne glasses.

Follow-up Conversation

After the initial excitement, it is a good idea to have a follow-up conversation with each member of your wedding party. This allows them to ask any questions or voice any concerns they may have about the wedding. It also ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities.

Wedding attire

When it comes to wedding attire, there are no longer any hard and fast rules. While it was once traditional for bridesmaids to wear matching dresses and for groomsmen to wear black tuxedos, nowadays, wedding party attire is often chosen to reflect the couple's style and personality. Some couples even allow their closest friends to select their own looks.

Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses are a popular trend, as are groomsmen in light-coloured, summer-appropriate suits. If you're looking for unique and trendy wedding party styles, consider the following:

• Designated colour palettes: Think ombré or jewel tones.
• Variations on a central theme: For example, a 1920s-themed wedding.
• Monochromatic looks: Groomsmen in sharp, classy suits, complementing the bridesmaids' jewel-toned dresses.
• Complementary shades: Let your closest friends wear looks of varying complementary shades.
• Nautical themes: Groomsmen can wear contemporary preppy ensembles that play off the wedding's ocean backdrop.
• Colour schemes: Ask your bridesmaids to wear an ensemble that complements the wedding day scene, such as lush green hues.
• Pastel colour palettes: From light sages and pinks to nude suits.
• Terracotta hues: Bridesmaids can wear similar colours that adhere to this theme, as seen in a California wedding.
• Outdoor venues: Groomsmen can wear suits in shades of charcoal that appear almost olive green, perfect for a moody celebration.
• Printed dresses: A mix of printed dresses can be sweet and refreshing, reminding guests of the popular prairie trend.

For those who want to let their wedding party express their own personal style, consider giving them free rein to wear whatever their hearts desire. This approach can bring out the individual light that each bridesmaid brings to the table and add a unique touch to your special day.

Gifts and registries

Asking your favourite people to be in your bridal party is one of the most exciting parts of getting engaged and planning your wedding. But what about gifts and registries?

It is customary for wedding guests to bring a gift for the happy couple, and there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to gifts and registries. Firstly, it is important to create a wish list of potential gifts that you and your partner would like to receive. This can be done by creating a wedding registry, which is a list of specific items, gift cards, or experiences that you would like to receive as gifts. Wedding registries are often created through a wedding website or with the help of a wedding planner. It is important to display your registry information on your wedding website or on an invitation insert, but not on the wedding invitation itself.

When creating your registry, consider what types of items, gift cards, or experiences you would like to include. Traditional gifts such as homewares and kitchen appliances are always popular choices, but you can also opt for more creative registry ideas such as funding for your honeymoon or a down payment on a new house. If you don't want physical gifts, you can also suggest charitable donations instead.

Another thing to keep in mind is the timing of gift-giving. While traditional wedding etiquette suggests that guests have up to one year from the wedding date to send a gift, it is encouraged to purchase gifts from the registry before the wedding day. This is because the couple may be able to put fulfilled gifts to use during the wedding planning process or on their honeymoon.

Monetary gifts are also common, and these should always be neatly tucked into a congratulatory wedding card. If you are giving a monetary gift, consider including a personalised message with the amount inside the card.

Finally, don't forget to send a gift even if you are unable to attend the wedding. It is considered rude to not give a gift, even if you are not able to be present on the day.

The rehearsal dinner

The guest list typically includes close family members and anyone participating in the wedding ceremony, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers and readers. It is also customary to invite the officiant and their plus-one, as well as any out-of-town guests.

The dinner is a more casual event than the wedding, and usually includes toasts and the presentation of small gifts to the wedding party. It is also an opportunity for the couple to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations. The dinner usually lasts about two to three hours, and may be followed by an after-party or welcome party for the rest of the guests.

Frequently asked questions