The Wedding Party: Selecting the right people

 
Remember, bigger isn’t always better
The larger the wedding party, the more costly your wedding will be. With each additional attendant you must provide a bouquet/boutonniére, gift, accommodations, etc.

Don’t feel obligated to return the favor
Just because you were in your friend’s wedding doesn’t obligate you to give him or her a place in yours.

Consider the individual’s circumstances
Someone who lives across the country, is pregnant, just had a baby, or has an illness in the family may not be able to participate. Don’t be offended if someone turns down your invitation.

Consider personalities
You need people who are responsible, dependable, mature and supportive surrounding you on your wedding day. You will already have enough stress from planning the wedding; you don’t need your wedding party to add to your frustration.

Take your time, but don’t wait until the last minute
Wait to select the wedding party until after you have set the date, reserved the ceremony/reception site and firmed up the guest list.
That being said, don’t wait until the last minute, your attendants will need time to make travel arrangements, get time off of work, save money, etc. Also you will want plenty of time to find and order the attendants’ attire. Plan on asking at least six months before the wedding.

Don’t obsess about the numbers
Your wedding party should be filled with your nearest and dearest. If you have an uneven number of guys and girls it’s not the end of the world. In fact it is quite common. You can always have the girls walk by themselves down the aisle or in pairs, while the groomsmen wait up front with the groom.

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