Choosing Your Bridesmaids: A Guide To Selecting Your Squad

Deciding the order of bridesmaids for a wedding can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to managing the feelings of friends and family. While there is no right answer, there are several popular options to consider. One way is to arrange bridesmaids by height, which is not only objective but also aesthetically pleasing. Another option is to group them by their relationship to the bride, starting with sisters, then cousins, and so on. A third method is to order them by the length of their relationship with the bride, from longest to shortest. For a more objective approach, arranging bridesmaids alphabetically is a good choice. Finally, the bride may choose to have her bridal party walk in by age, with the oldest or youngest going first. Ultimately, the key is to ensure that everyone feels included and valued, regardless of their place in the procession.

Height

Ordering your bridesmaids by height is a simple and effective way to decide the order of your bridal party. It is an objective way to organise the group, and it also looks great in photos. Ordering your bridesmaids by height can also be a way to avoid any hurt feelings, as height is entirely arbitrary.

The maid of honour or best man should stand next to the bride and groom, regardless of their height. From there, you can order the rest of the bridal party from the shortest to the tallest, or vice versa. Ordering the bridal party by height also works well if you have a flower girl or ring bearer, as they will often be the shortest in the group.

If you are concerned about how your height will look in photos, there are other options to consider. You could have your bridal party stand on steps, with the shortest people on higher steps, or have some people sitting down. You could also ask your photographer for ideas on how to pose for photos to ensure everyone looks their best.

If you have a large or uneven bridal party, you could pair people by height. For example, the tallest bridesmaid could be paired with the tallest groomsman. This can also work well for the processional, with the shortest pair walking down the aisle first and the tallest pair going last.

Relationship to the couple

Deciding the order of bridesmaids can be a tricky task, especially when you want to avoid hurt feelings. One way to approach this is to consider the bridesmaids' relationship to the couple. Here are some suggestions on how to do this:

Start with Family

The first VIP spot could go to a sibling or a sibling-in-law, followed by cousins and other close family members. This is a good way to ensure that family members are acknowledged and given a place of honour. It also provides a natural starting point for the order, as you can then move on to friends and other non-family members.

Rank by Closeness

You could consider ranking your bridesmaids based on how close you feel to them. This can be a sensitive issue, so it's important to handle it delicately. One approach is to group people into categories, such as "best friends", "close friends", and so on. You could also consider how often you spend time with or talk to each person. Those you spend the most time with could be ranked higher.

Consider Length of Friendship

Another option is to line up your bridesmaids based on how long you've known them, with the shortest friendships at the end. This is a more objective way to determine the order, as it's based on facts rather than feelings. It also recognises the importance of long-standing relationships.

Don't Forget the Groomsmen

Remember that the groomsmen will also be part of the processional. You can pair the bridesmaids with the groomsmen based on their relationships with the couple. For example, if a bridesmaid and groomsman are married or dating, it's customary to match them up. You can also pair them based on their personalities, height, or other factors to create a balanced look and ensure everyone feels comfortable.

Be Mindful of Feelings

While ranking by relationship can be a good approach, it's important to tread lightly. You don't want anyone to feel hurt or slighted by their placement in the order. Be mindful of the feelings of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and consider explaining your reasoning to them to avoid any misunderstandings.

Ultimately, the order of your bridesmaids is a personal choice and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Choose the approach that feels most comfortable for you and your partner, and don't be afraid to get creative.

Length of relationship

Deciding on the order of bridesmaids can be a tricky part of wedding planning. One option is to arrange them by the length of the relationship, which is a good plan if each bridesmaid is from a different stage of your life. This method can help to avoid hurt feelings as it is based on facts and not your feelings.

Start with the bridesmaid you have known the longest, and end with the newest friendship. This is a good way to honour each person and their unique place in your life, and it can be a fun way to reflect on how long you have known each person. It is also a good option if you have a large bridal party, as it is easy to understand and avoids any potential confusion.

If you met all of your bridesmaids in the same year, or at the same time, this option may not be as effective. In this case, you could consider pairing them with groomsmen based on the length of friendship, or arranging them by height, dress colour, or alphabetically.

Remember, there is no right answer for how to order your bridesmaids, and it is up to you to decide what works best for your bridal party and personal preferences.

Age

Deciding on the order of bridesmaids can be a tricky part of wedding planning, as the couple will want to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. One option for determining the order is to arrange the bridesmaids by age, with the oldest closest to the bride and the youngest on the outer edge. This is a good way to organise the bridal party based on a completely objective factor, as age is something that cannot be negotiated.

Another option is to arrange bridesmaids by their relationship with the bride. This can be a more complicated method, as it may cause hurt feelings if someone feels their place in the lineup doesn't match how close they feel to the bride. However, it often feels right to have family members and the maid of honour closest to the bride, with other friends extending outwards. This option may be safer for smaller wedding parties, as it can be easier for a friend or cousin to understand that sisters or brothers are closer to the bride than other friends.

A third option is to arrange bridesmaids by height, which is aesthetically pleasing and also completely objective. The bridal party can be arranged from shortest to tallest, or vice versa, with the maid of honour standing next to the bride regardless of her height.

The order of the bridesmaids is ultimately up to the couple, and there are several ways to arrange the bridal party to avoid hurt feelings.

Dress colour

Deciding on a colour for your bridesmaids' dresses is a very important decision in the wedding planning process. The colour should reflect the personality of the bridesmaids and their role in the wedding. Here are some tips to help you decide on the dress colour:

Season

The season of your wedding can help narrow down your colour choices. Summer colours tend to be brighter, like yellow, pink and orange. Winter colours tend to be darker and more muted, like burgundy, navy blue and forest green. Spring colours are bright but softer, like pastel pink and baby blue. Fall colours are similar to winter colours, with hints of red and orange, like gold or rust.

Venue

The venue of your wedding can also help determine the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. If your wedding is at an outdoor venue like a park or garden, lighter colours are preferable so that the dresses don't clash with the surroundings. For an indoor wedding at an upscale country club or historic mansion, darker colours might be better as they are more formal and don't show dirt as quickly.

Skin Tone

The skin tone of your bridesmaids is another important consideration. You need a colour that will complement their skin tone and flatter them. For example, if your bridesmaids have dark skin, avoid dark colours as they may wash them out. Instead, choose bright colours such as red or black. If your bridesmaids have fair skin, avoid bright colours as they may be overwhelming. Instead, opt for light colours such as pink or cream.

Wedding Style

Consider your wedding style when choosing a colour palette. If you want to keep it simple, go for a bolder dress shade. If you have a detailed theme, opt for something more muted. Also, think about how the bridesmaids' dresses will look against other colours within your wedding decor. You want to choose colours that complement the flowers, linens and other decorations to give your wedding a balanced look.

Wedding Gown

It is important to maintain consistency in your wedding party by balancing the colour of the bridal gown and the bridesmaids' dresses. Both should not wear similar shades as they may ruin each other's appearances instead of complementing each other.

Frequently asked questions