Bridal Party Etiquette
- Question:
- I'm having a problem choosing attendants. On one hand, there are my old friends whom I've known for ten years, but don't really keep in touch with. Then there are my fiancé's groomsmen's wives. We're friends, but we don't have a special relationship. My fiancé and I agreed to have four attendants each, and I've already asked my two sisters. Where should my other two come from?
- Answer:
Nowhere. Enjoy a wedding party that is made up of just your sisters. Bridesmaid positions are meant for only your closest family members and pals, and the others don't fit the bill. You'll have an uneven wedding party, but so what? It'll be more special because the bridesmaids are special to you. Now, about the two male attendants who don't have an arm to walk in on: they can proceed down the aisle alone, or as a pair. Or double up the male attendants with your bridesmaids (what woman doesn't love to have two guys on her arm?). At the reception, either skip the coupled-off wedding-party dance (unless the guys don't mind dancing together) or go for a quick change-up: after you and your groom share your first dance, ask the DJ or band to switch over to an upbeat tune and the whole group can boogie en masse.
- This content originally appeared in Modern Bride magazine.
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Submit Your Own Etiquette Question
Have an etiquette question you'd like our editors to answer?
- Can my wedding party be lopsided?
- Can I nix an overweight bridesmaid?
- Is seven bridesmaids too many?
- How can I convince my bridesmaids to budget for their expenses?
- Can I ask a bridesmaid to quit the party?
- Are there age limitations for ring bearers and flower girls?
- How can we ensure that the ring bearer behaves during the ceremony?
- How should my fiancé select a best man?
- Can I ask a groomsman to remove his facial piercings during the ceremony?
- Do we have to buy gifts for the groomsmen?
- Should the best man hold a boys' outing on the day of the wedding?
- Must I include my old friend in the bridal party?
- Does the best man have to give a toast?
- Is alcohol a good gift for the groomsmen?
- How do I handle a critical bridesmaid?
- Can my mom be my maid of honor?
- How can I convince my niece to be a junior bridesmaid?
- Can my son be the ring bearer?
- Can I ask my bridesmaids to cover their tattoos?
- How can I include my 12-year-old brother in the wedding party?
- Should I tell my fiancé about my past relationship with his groomsman?
- Who's supposed to keep the groomsmen informed about appointments?
- Is the maid-of-honor expected to give a toast?
- Can a bride ask her bridesmaids to alter their appearance?
