Wedding Party Questions Answered

So many questions, so little time!  Here's some help with common questions when planning your wedding party!

1. How many bridesmaids should I have?

The traditional formula is one bridesmaid for every 35 to 50 guests, but this is not set in stone. If you have a lot of sisters, a bunch of close cousins, or a tight group of friends, feel free to include them all.  You can actually have as many or as little as you'd like!  It's entirely up to you!

2. Is a maid of honor necessary? What about two maids of honor?

Since your MOH will basically serve as your chief of staff for the next few months, not having one will add a considerable amount of work to your already crowded plate. But if one is good, having two isn’t necessarily better―it can cause confusion. You can have both a maid of honor and a matron of honor, but that’s usually only if one of the two people you want to pick is married and the other is not.

3. Do I have to buy gifts for my bridesmaids?

Technically, no, but it’s a nice way to thank your friends for giving up a weekend, buying a dress and shoes, organizing your shower and everything else that goes along with your wedding.

4. Can I have a guy as a maid of honor?

Absolutely.  Traditionally, a woman holds that role, but you and your fiance can have whoever you'd like stand up for you at your wedding.

5. What should I do about uneven numbers of attendants on each side?

Some people have to have everything perfectly balanced, but it’s your wedding...and you don’t. For the sake of symmetry, though, give your photographer a heads-up well before the wedding, so that he or she can come up with a few creative ways to shoot the group―perhaps in a semicircle behind you―that won’t end up looking awkward.

6. Can I include my dog in my wedding party?

If the ceremony site is ok with dogs, there’s no reason why your dog can’t be a part of your wedding.  In fact, including dogs has become so popular that doggie bow ties, wreaths, leashes, and even ring pillows that attach to the dog’s back are available.  Don’t forget food, paper towels, a water bowl, and, if necessary, an exit strategy if things get to be too much.