Choosing the bridal party...?

I like the idea of 3-4 bridesmaids and the help would be wonderful, but I just don't know if it's worth it...





We've just moved to my fiance's home state. Most of my friends here are just friends of my fiance -- great people, but I don't know them as well as he does. All my close friends and relatives are scattered across the country, so it would be tough for them to fulfill bridesmaidly duties like showers and getting dresses, etc. They won't be able to help out with the other pre-wedding stuff like helping with invitations or picking out flowers or anything either. I've been a bridesmaid in a long-distance wedding and it's a huge hassle that I don't want to put on them. My fiance has female friends who would be very helpful and supportive, but I just haven't known them long enough. He has about 5 people (guys and girls) he wants to stand up with him and I can really only think of 2 that I would actually feel comfortable asking. I don't want to feel friendless at my own wedding!

Choosing the bridal party...?
I know exactly what you mean. my cousin was just in a wedding where she had to fly to and came 2 weeks before the wedding to do the showers and all that stuff. they ordered dresses from a nationwide shop so she could get it where she lived. I think you could make it work.
Reply:i think you should consider asking your friends that are far away. get dresses at shops that are nationwide, and have them fly in 2 or 3 weeks before the wedding to do the showers and such. it's your day, so have the people you want in your wedding!
Reply:My MOH and two bridesmaids out of three were out of the city. I didn't require or ask them to do any "work" before the wedding - I simply asked them to be our attendants because we wanted their support and love. My family helped out with what we needed. So, ask the ones from farther away if you are close to them - because you want them since you are close to them, not just to be workers!
Reply:I hear you. I have the same problem since I am relocating cross country for my HTB since he got a new job.





Since he has girls and guys that he wants can you just have the girls be on your side? I think you should consider asking your close friends, even if they are far away. They can easily choose dresses since the days of the matchy matchy bridesmaids are quickly fading away. Brides today are realizing that just choosing a color and letting the ladies pick their own style is not only more flattering to the bridesmaid but takes a ton of pressure off the bride herself since she doesn't have to worry about it.





As far as showers and things I think the two bridesmaids who are close to you would throw them. Just explain to your out of town ladies that you really want them to stand up with you because of the close relationship. Let them know that you understand from experience how much of a hassle it can be and all you really want is their support on the big day.
Reply:I would ask the two people that you have thought of. You don't need an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen and you shouldn't ask people just for the sake of doing it. As for the duties of your bridesmaids, choose a dress from a brand that can be purchased at a shop in their area. Most brands are available at shops in every state. They can get measured, order it and pick it up near where they live. They don't need to bother with the shower. As for flowers and invitations, that's not something bridesmaids usually are involved in. They are there to support you on your wedding day, not help plan the wedding. That is for you and or a wedding planner. Explain to them ahead of time that you know it will be difficult being out of town but you will be supportive.
Reply:Has your fiance even asked those guys yet? The reason I ask, is because maybe you guys could just do without any. I'm kind of in the same situation, and honestly, they realy don't do that much. My fiance is going to hold the rings in his pocket and we're not having a bridal party at all.


I know most guys don't really care about who or what happens at the ceremony and stuff...they're usually happy with anything. Ask him if he's willing to do without.


If he's totally set on having his guys up there with him, ask gf's to be in the wedding that are actually close friends. Even if they live far away, you could still pull off the dresses...maybe have a mixture of old friends and new friends and have the new friends that live nearby handle most of the tradtional "duties".


Congrats! And good luck!