Bridesmaid Blues

The bridesmaid dilemma - a sticky situation for many brides. So many factors to consider. Which friends and family to include? How many groomsmen is the groom considering? Is so-and-so reliable and going to help with the planning process or remain largely MIA? I was in her wedding, does she have to be in mine? I've known her for years but we've grown apart. I have four sisters and two best friends and my hubby-to-be only has one brother and one best friend.

The dilemmas are endless but in the end, you and the future hubs must find a solution that works for y'all (and your budget - don't forget bridal party gifts!)

I hated not having certain members of my family in our wedding party but I was able to honor them in other ways. I enlisted them to speak during our ceremony, act as greeters, etc. They were also included in showers and the bridesmaid luncheon. In the end, I'm glad we didn't have twelve bridesmaids but more than that, I hope I showed all the wonderful women in my life how important they were to me.

Once you have decided on your BM list, why not send a gorgeous note, like the one above, to ask them to be a part of your wedding!? I really adore this idea and think it makes the request personal and meaningful. The "Wedding Chicks" have uploaded this awesome FREE downloadable template for you to use as you please. You simply customize it with your colors, click submit and voila! You've got a template you can upload to vista print or any printer of your choice (even your own!) to send out to your future BMs.

For those on the receiving end of this notecard, let's review a few BM duties (which certainly aren't all required but definitely appreciated):

~assist in planning and other diy activities (scouting sites, dress shopping, gluing invitations or programs together, etc.)

~order your bridesmaid dress in a reasonable time frame, allowing for fittings, finding coordinating shoes, etc.

~help throw a bridal shower as well as a bachelorette party with the Maid of Honor

~attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and take good mental notes (you better not have to be told what to do all over again on the big day!)
~assist the bride in getting dressed on the big day

~be attentive to the bride on her big day, asking if she needs food or water

~walk slow down the aisle

~have a great time at the reception but be present and available for introductions, speeches, etc!