Not all wedding parties are created equal and picking your wedding party correctly will greatly determine your level of fun/stress on your wedding day. Here are some tips to help put together the perfect group.

No Divas

If you have a friend that likes to make everything about them, do not pick them for your wedding party. Instead choose helpful, loyal people who have the same goals for your wedding as you do. Don’t be afraid to fire a wedding party member either if they show their true colors later.

Helpfulness is Key

Yes, it is called a “wedding party” but you gotta work to get to the big day. Bridesmaids (especially the maid of honor) are supposed to help the bride with wedding plans, DIY projects, planning a wedding shower and/or bachelorette party, etc according to tradition. Groomsmen should be prepared to help as well. If there is decor or tables that need to be set up this job can fall to members of the wedding party. Once the hard work is over it’s time to let loose and have fun.

Public Speaking

Before you pick the members of your wedding party ask yourself, “will this person be a good public speaker if they are to give a toast?” AND “will this person share stories about how we used to play catch while sitting on the toilet as kids.?” (True Story. I heard this story at a wedding in 2017 and the couple was mortified.) Will your best man do a dramatic reading of the song “Gangsters Paradise” in the style of William Shatner? (Also a true story.)

Knows how to Dance or At Least Will Try After A Few Drinks

If you plan to have dancing at your wedding the wedding party should be the first to hit the floor and the last to leave. Their enthusiasm will be infectious!

Planning for Photos

The members of your wedding party will be in your wedding photos FOREVER. Make sure they are not fair-weather friends. Choose only people who you will want to talk to in 15+ years and who have been there for you in the past. If that means you have a small wedding party, that’s okay. Not everyone you know needs to stand up with you at your wedding.

A Great Example

Rachel and Bryan’s wedding at Rosehill community center had a perfect wedding party. They chose the number of people based not on how it would look in photos, but by simply including those that they cared about. Bryan has several lifelong friends and so there were more groomsmen than bridesmaids. For photos, this worked out great because it made the images more interesting visually when the groups were posed for portraits. Odd numbers of people make for more dynamic photographs so don’t stress over getting the perfect number of attendants. 

Be Inclusive

Additionally, gender is no longer an important factor for who is in your wedding party. Lots of couples have people of all gender identities as a part of their wedding party. That makes “attendant” or “wedding party member” a more inclusive label than “bridesmaid” or “groomsmen”.  Pick the people that matter, not the people that fit an outdated stereotype. If you love them, you’ll love having them with you on your wedding day.

Venue: Rosehill Community Center email: sdavis@mukilteowa.gov IG: @rosehillcommunitycenter

Planner: Sage Event Co. email: megan@sageeventcoordination.com IG: @sageeventco

Caterer: Maggiano’s email: bellevue.banquet@maggianos.com

Bartender: Party on the Rocks IG: @partyontherocksseattle

DJ: Sounds Unlimited email: pennedbyfrank@gmail.com IG: @asoundsunlimited

Florist: Fern Hollow Floral Design email: fernhollowflorals@gmail.com 

MUA: A.T. Beautiful You Artistry email: atbeautifulyouartistry@gmail.com IG:@at_beautiful_you_artistry

Hair: Mary Cartier email: maryjocartier14@gmail.com 

Rentals: Sweet Buffet Lady email: wendy@sweetbuffetlady.com IG:@sweetbuffetlady

Rentals: Love Blooms email: info@lovebloomseventdesign.com IG:@lovebloomsweddings