Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing and managing your bridal party. These are the people who will stand by your side on one of the most important days of your life, so it’s a big decision! Whether you’re deciding who to ask, setting expectations, or navigating tricky situations, we’re here to help.
With this step-by-step guide—and the tools from the Ready Set Bride Love & Laughter Blueprint—you’ll have everything you need to create a stress-free and joyful experience with your bridal party. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Do You Need a Wedding Party?
The first thing to ask yourself is: do you even want a wedding party? While it’s a tradition, it’s not required. Some couples choose not to have one to keep things simple and avoid the stress of selecting people or managing their roles.
Why skip the bridal party?
- You save money by not needing matching attire or gifts.
- There’s less planning involved (no bachelorette party or group fittings).
- You avoid any awkwardness about who to include.
Why have a bridal party?
- You get extra support during wedding planning.
- It’s a way to honor your closest friends and family.
- They make the ceremony feel extra special.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Not sure which option is right for you? Use our Wedding Vision Worksheet to decide what fits your dream wedding best. It’s part of the Ready Set Bride framework designed to make every choice easier.
Step 2: How Many People Should You Include?
The size of your bridal party depends on your preferences and the size of your wedding. Some couples go big with 10 or more attendants, while others keep it small with just one or two.
Questions to help you decide:
- How many close friends and family members do you want to include?
- Do you prefer a balanced look with an equal number of attendants on each side, or does it not matter to you?
- How much time and energy do you want to dedicate to managing a larger group?
Remember: Quality matters more than quantity. Choose people who truly support you and make you feel loved.
Step 3: Do the Sides Have to Be Equal?
Nope! It’s perfectly fine if your bridal party and your partner’s party have different numbers. It’s your wedding, and there’s no rule that says everything has to be symmetrical.
How to make it work:
- Have attendants walk down the aisle one by one instead of in pairs.
- Pair two attendants with one on the other side.
- Skip the processional altogether and have everyone meet at the altar.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Our Ceremony Planning Guide includes creative ways to handle uneven bridal parties, so everything feels seamless.
Step 4: Can You Have a Mixed-Gender Wedding Party?
Absolutely! If your best friend is a guy or your brother is your closest family member, there’s no reason they can’t be part of your bridal party. Mixed-gender wedding parties are becoming more common and are a great way to honor the people who mean the most to you.
Tips for mixed-gender parties:
- Let them wear something that makes them comfortable while fitting the wedding’s style.
- Create unique titles if “bridesmaid” or “groomsman” doesn’t fit (e.g., “Bride’s Best Buddy” or “Groom’s Crew”).
Step 5: When Should You Ask Your Bridal Party?
It’s a good idea to ask your bridal party early, ideally about 9-12 months before the wedding. This gives them plenty of time to plan for their role and any expenses.
Fun ways to ask:
- Write a heartfelt card explaining why you’d love for them to be part of your special day.
- Send a small gift box with items like a mini champagne bottle or a custom candle.
- Throw a casual get-together where you “pop the question” to your bridal party in person.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our Bridal Party Checklist to keep track of who you’ve asked, their responses, and their responsibilities.
Step 6: How to Set Expectations for Your Bridal Party
Once your bridal party has said yes, it’s time to talk about their role. Open communication is key to making sure everyone is on the same page.
What to discuss:
- Financial responsibilities: Will they need to pay for their outfits, travel, or events like the bachelorette party?
- Time commitments: Are there specific dates they need to keep open for fittings, rehearsals, or parties?
- Day-of duties: Will they be expected to help with setup, organize the timeline, or give a toast?
Being clear upfront helps avoid misunderstandings or stress later on.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our Bridal Party Agreement Template to outline responsibilities in a friendly and clear way. It’s included in the Ready Set Bride framework to make communication easy.
Step 7: What About Kids in the Wedding Party?
If you’re including a flower girl or ring bearer, their age and personality are important to consider. Most flower girls and ring bearers are between 3-8 years old.
Tips for including kids:
- Practice with them before the big day so they know what to do.
- Have a parent or older sibling walk with them if they’re nervous.
- Be flexible—kids are unpredictable, and that’s okay!
For older kids, consider giving them roles like junior bridesmaid or usher.
Step 8: How to Handle Bridal Party Drama
Sometimes, managing a group of people can lead to disagreements or hurt feelings. Here’s how to handle common issues:
- Someone feels left out: If you can’t include everyone, give them another special role like reading during the ceremony or helping with the guestbook.
- Financial concerns: If a bridal party member can’t afford their dress or travel, offer solutions like splitting the cost or simplifying the plans.
- Clashing personalities: Keep everyone focused on the shared goal: celebrating your big day. Avoid putting people who don’t get along in high-pressure situations together.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Our Conflict Resolution Guide gives you scripts and strategies to navigate sticky situations with grace.
Step 9: Show Appreciation for Your Bridal Party
Your bridal party is putting in time, effort, and money to support you, so make sure they feel appreciated! Here are a few ideas:
- Gifts: Personalized items like robes, tumblers, or jewelry make thoughtful thank-yous.
- Time together: Plan a fun outing like a spa day or casual dinner to bond before the big day.
- Thank you notes: A handwritten card goes a long way in showing your gratitude.
Step 10: Make It Fun!
The most important thing to remember is that your bridal party is there to celebrate with you. Keep the experience positive by focusing on the joy of the occasion.
With tools from the Ready Set Bride Love & Laughter Blueprint, you’ll have everything you need to stay organized and stress-free. From tracking bridal party responsibilities to handling tricky situations, the framework is your ultimate wedding planning companion.
Why Join Ready Set Bride?
If managing your bridal party (or the entire wedding) feels overwhelming, Ready Set Bride is here to help. The Love & Laughter Blueprint is a step-by-step guide that takes the stress out of planning and replaces it with confidence and joy. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Checklists and tools to organize your bridal party.
- Scripts and templates for clear communication.
- Tips for staying stress-free throughout the entire process.
- Access to a supportive community of brides who get it.
Ready to make your wedding planning a breeze?
👉 Click here to join Ready Set Bride and start your journey to a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
