So my first wedding crisis is upon me...the bridal party. FH and I each have more than 6 people we want to ask. We're thinking of inviting about 150 people total and I think a bridal party of more than 12 is a bit too big - its just not my personality. Any ideas for involving our friends in the wedding aside from asking them to be in the bridal party (other than as readers)?
lilmrs
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
hand out programs, be greeters, be by the guest book...ummm that is all I can think of now, but I am sure other ladies will have some great ideas.
OctBride03
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
There's a hostess...
What about having some of the guys be Ushers and the others Groomsmen... you can utilize the ushers as just that... ushering people to their seats, etc, rather than the Groomsmen doing two jobs.
um... let's see...
I'm stuck...
Lizlen, has a pretty large BP, I'm sure she has titles you can use! Good luck!
jennbaby
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
if i were you i'd give this alot of thought before choosing. don't rush, i know you just got engaged and are anxious but proceed with caution
Good Luck
Irishbride
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
I am now up to 8 BM & 8 GM. Its FH fault he has to many friends and had been in a lot of wedding parties. My Mom is having a fit!
JoRo
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
i hate to do this to you, but i just went through this, so i am biased! we are having a bridal party of 12 (i have 7 and he has 5). I really did NOT want a big party (totally not me - plus we are having a small wedding - only 100 people), BUT it was an ask them all or nothing type of thing.
anyway, what ended up happening is that the friend and the cousin who i would have asked but did not because it was already huge, both got upset. Now, last week, 3 weeks before the wedding, my cousin threw a fit and started an all out family battle. Honestly, it would have been easier if i had asked her from the beginning. I just want to suggest that if you have someone who you feel you should ask but are afraid to because you have too many, maybe you should ask them anyway!
BTW - i love the hostess idea. i made my cousin a hostess in the end (matching dress). BUT, she wasn't too keen on it, since she really had her feelings hurt by not being a BM.
desyre
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
I have 25 people in my wedding party (thanks to my mother). I am also having a small wedding maybe about 120. I have 2 greeters, 2 junior ushers (i hated the word 'program handler' but they will only pass out programs and escort a small amount of guest), 2 wedding coordinators, a guestbook attendant, 1 'head' usher (only cause she's older), a bell ringer, a flower girl, a ring bearer, 2 MOH, 1 best man, 5 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen. Hope I didn't forget anyone (lol)
You thought you were you bad.
Good Luck Planning
Sassy
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
OK, I'll tell you what I have. I have 2 Godmothers, 1 Sister of HOnor, 1 Maid of Honor, 1 Matron of Honor, 4 BMs, 1 Jr. BM, 3 Best Men, 4 Groomsmen,1 Jr. Groomsman, 4 Flower Girls, 1 Mini Bride and RingBearer. All of them ARE walking down the isle.
THe ones that are NOT walking down (which may be what you're looking for are:
1 Usher, 1Hostess, 3 Jr. Hostesses
You can also have a Jr. Usher for a teenage boy.
All together, I have just about 30 people. It's whatever you're comfortable with. I wanted everyone I love involved.
PS. I still had more people, so I am having 3 readings, 2 Scripture Readings and a love poem
Olgaki
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
I'm planning a wedding with about 100-110 people and so far I have six bridesmaids and six groomsguys, HOPEFULLY a flowergirl and a ring boy. I love having everyone involved!!! They are all becoming family now and what better a place to start to learn each other than all the wedding related stuff we do together!
NYCMeghan
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
This is all so frustrating...FH and I have talked about and have been planning this wedding far before he 'officially' asked - there were issues with my parents -long story- but that being said this is the one area that I want to have some semblance of order to as soon as possible - even if I don't ask people right away. We were totally set with 5 on either side - still a bit large, but manageable. Now my mom says I have to ask my 4 cousins, and my initial plan was to buy the dresses for the party - 5 I can do, 9 I can't swing, even if I choose a lower priced dress. I totally don't want to offend anyone, but I can't see any way around having a party larger than I imagined...sorry for the vent - it's been a really long day....
BTW: what is a hostess?
sept20yay!
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
Meg, as someone who will be (better be) in that wedding party, I don't want you to buy my dress. Your wedding is a pleasure I have been waiting for and for all you have done for my wedding and for all the frivolous things I spend my money on, I will get great pleasure out of purchasing my dress. I speak for myself but I am sure your gals all feel the same way!!!! We love you and are just happy to be there for you and Greg! Who's party tonight, btw? Amanda's?
sept20yay!
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
No stress... save that for me... I am SOOO much better at it.... Stress is my department!
saccotobe
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
just an idea since me and FH are having the same trouble.... m at my cousin's wedding there was more guys then girls. they had an outdoor wedding the 6 or so guys lined the aisle, the girls walked down and then handed the bride each a calla lily to make up her bouquet (sp?)
we had about 150 guests and 4BM, 5 GM, 3 jrs, 1FG and one of DH's was the officiant...so all together 14...I love the pictures of all of them together!! :)
pschica
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Re: ridiculously large bridal party - HELP
one thing to remember is that you need to get the b party gifts and if you are having limos, they need to fit ocmfortably - we didn't really consider that before having a party of 12 adults and 6 kids....luckily 5 kids pulled out now (before we bought the dresses but still a disappointement to us!) but that still leaves us with spednign a pretty penny (but they are worth it!)
you could have them help pass out bubbles/birdseed, etc if you are having it, welcome guests, etc...most of the time people will understand anyway - you can explain to tthem you want a small wedding party and that they are so special to you that you want them to be a part of the day and see if they come up with something they can do to help out too!
