WHO TO HAVE IN YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

Photo: Ell Simons of Shot from the Heart

This might be as clear as day for you or it may be the bain of your life...

Do you have 3 bridesmaids and 3 groomsmen?

Do you have no one?

Do you have the 3 cousins that you see only every blue moon?

There's no right or wrong answer - there is no rule book...

But here a few things to consider when deciding.

1. Bridal Prep

This is the time when you get to hang out with your peeps and just chill out. It's a bit like having those 'Friday night feels' when you're getting ready to go out on the town. So think about who you want there with you. This is pretty special time actually - don't under estimate it. And even if you decide to not have a bridal party, it might be nice just to have a handful of your nearest and dearest there with you.

2. The Expense

It's pretty obvious I guess and this is a bit like talking about how long is a piece of string... in terms of how much you spend. But when you have an 'official' bridal party and you want them all dressed the same, this should really be at your expense. Then there's the bridal party bouquets & buttonholes, the bridal party 'thank-you' gifts etc etc. Again - none of these things are must haves, but just something worth considering. One alternative is to let your bridal party wear what they want - to depict their own personalties - assuming that's why you've chosen them to be in your bridal party in the first place.

3. The FUN/drama

If you do decide to have a bridal party and assuming you want them around you when you're getting ready - it might be an idea to choose people who a) are going to get along.... b) are pretty chilled out and just fun to be around... and c) are good in a crisis situation.... just on the off chance there are last minute changes to the plan. The last thing you want on the morning/day/night of YOUR big day - is someone else's drama. And with the best will in the world, and the promise that 'sure we can set our differences aside for the day....' after a long, alcohol infused day... there's little doubt that there may be some fireworks at the end of it... but no body panic, it might never happen - just something else to consider.

4. The Photos

It can end up being a case of either 'more the merrier' or 'too many cooks...'. Again this is going to depend mostly on what people you choose and whether you have a sheep dog there to herd everyone up (this is a totally different blog post though - watch this space!!). But man it can be fun. And if you're feeling a bit nervous about having your photo taken, sometimes having your bridal party nearby can be reassuring. Again, you don't have to have an official bridal party to get some kick arse group shots either. AND if your thing is to have a bridal party with 30 (and yes, this is a thing and happens) then just make sure you have somewhere in mind that has the space for this kind of group shot - preferably outside somewhere - natural light is always going to be the winner in a group shot situation.

In short - just decide what you want out of your day - and what it might mean depending on the people or animals you choose to be with you and when....