Inviting friends to be in your bridal party is exciting and sometimes tricky. Which friends do you want? How many? Are some friends expecting to be asked? Who is totally X’d? Should you have your fiancé’s cousin? Question after question after question.

Here are three rules to asking the right people:

Don’t ask someone just because you were in their wedding. Just because you were in theirs doesn’t mean they have to be in yours. If your goal is to have no more than five bridesmaids and the slots are taken up by sisters, cousins or lifelong pals, don’t sweat it. She’ll still be invited. She just won’t be standing up there with you. NO biggie.

Do ask the people who make you feel good. If you have a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy in your group of friends, do you really want them to take part in your special day and all the festivities? Pick people who cheer you up and who you value the most as friends. Come bachelorette party and bridal shower, you’ll be happy you went with the fun and nice ones.

Don’t pay attention to bridal party “norms”. Each side of the bridal party usually consists of between two and six people. By all means, if you’re lucky enough to have more friends than that and want to invite them all to be in your wedding, do so. I was just in a wedding with 11 bridesmaids. Let me tell you, because there were so many of us girls, we pulled off a fantastic (and cheaper) bridal shower and bachelorette party. And the reception was ten times more fun with all of us starting the dance party!

Really, there are no rules for how to pick your bridal party. It’s your wedding and you ask who you want, even if your Aunt May suggests inviting all thirteen of your female cousins to be in your ceremony. It’s your decision – not anyone else’s

- Stephanie

COLORS FOR THE BIG DAY – Pink and Charcoal Grey

Choosing a color scheme is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. Whether you’re designing a fun and vibrant day or a feminine and sophisticated event, the color palette truly sets the tone. From the invitations to the bridesmaids dresses, the colors are carried out in pretty much every aspect of the wedding.

A favorite of mine is pink and charcoal grey. Romantic, elegant and absolutely lovely.

COLORS FOR THE BIG DAY – Black, White and Yellow

Choosing a color scheme is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. Whether you’re designing a fun and vibrant day or a feminine and sophisticated event, the color palette truly sets the tone. From the invitations to the bridesmaids dresses, the colors are carried out in pretty much every aspect of the wedding.

Black, white and yellow are dramatic yet simple when combined. The colors bring an edgy and trendy feel to any event and really pop against each other. Definitely a new favorite of mine, especially when black and white patterns are used against the yellow.

You can google “wedding party duties” and discover the long list of official responsibilities assigned to each member of the wedding party.  Check out www.theknot.com – there are some great articles on Best Man, Groomsmen, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid duties.  I would highly recommend reading these articles if you are a member of a bridal party in an upcoming wedding.

But, before you do that- I have two words and corresponding definitions that I want you to ponder….

Support:

1. to bear or hold up; serve as a foundation for.

2. to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.

3. to undergo or endure, esp. with patience or submission; tolerate.

4. to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction: They supported him throughout his ordeal.

5. to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for: to support a family.

Friend:

1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter.

3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile.

If you did not have the title of Maid of Honor, but rather Supportive Friend… what would you do to help your Bride plan for her wedding?  How would you help her to prepare  emotionally for the big day? What would you offer to cross off her growing “To Do List”  ?

When I was a bride, I had the two most wonderful Matrons of Honor.  They went above and beyond the call of duty. They were supportive best friends, who were by my side before, during and after the last thank you note was written.

Thank you Jennifer and Kari!