Q&A: Bridesmaids: How Many Maids Are Too Many?
Q. I am fortunate to have many close girlfriends. However, a friend said she thought that it might be tacky to have more than 5 bridesmaids. I wouldn't want to leave anyone out, but I wouldn't want to have more bridesmaids than groomsmen. Is it appropriate to have as many as 8-10 bridesmaids?
A. It's not necessarily tacky, but things can get out of hand if the wedding party is too big. For one thing, you'll want to be sure there aren't more people standing up at the altar than are sitting in the pews! It's true that you want your wedding party to be somewhat proportionate to the size of your guest list. Also take into consideration the size of your ceremony site -- will everyone fit up front? And last, consider the logistics -- finding a dress (or even a few styles) that ten women will like, making sure everyone gets fitted, and so on. Even the closest of friends sometimes find their relationships strained over this sort of thing. All that said, the truth is, the number of bridesmaids you have is solely up to you. If you have 10 dear friends and you want them all to stand up for you at the wedding, so be it. And it really doesn't matter if you have more women than men in the wedding party; symmetry is not required. Also consider this -- you can have your bridesmaids (and groomsmen too) walk in the procession and then simply sit in a row in the first pew. They don't have to stand up the entire time. (You and your groom will probably want to have your maid of honor and best man standing next to you however.) This way, everyone you want to honor gets honored, but it won't get too crowded.
Q&A: Bridesmaid Dresses: Best Dresses for Different Sizes?
Q. I have bridesmaids of all sizes. What dress style will make them all look and feel good?
A. With a seamless waist and slight flare, A-line dresses look great on everyone. You might opt for a scoop neck and cap sleeves, or let each gal choose her own neck and sleeve style. An alternative: Many brides decide on a certain designer and color, and then let each maid pick something from the line in that color but in a style that flatters her most. If you're not a stickler for an exact match, just let everyone know what color you want them to wear and let them choose their own dresses. We all know that women who feel comfortable and pretty in what they're wearing, look more smashing than women wearing dresses they dread!
Q&A: Maid of Honor: What Are Her Duties?
Q. What exactly are the responsibilities of the maid of honor?
A. Here's what the MOH is primarily responsible for:
- Planning one or more showers for the bride, with the help of the other bridesmaids and/or the bride's mother, sisters, etc.
- Helping the bride choose her dress and shopping for bridesmaid dresses.
- Making sure the bridesmaids all go for their dress fittings and get everything they need for the big day.
- Lending an ear when the bride wants to/needs to vent, whether it be about her mother-in-law to-be or the fact that the napkins don't exactly match the tablecloths.
- Generally keeping the bride sane during wedding planning.
- Making sure the bridesmaids know where they need to be and at what time on the big day.
- At the ceremony, standing next to the bride while she exchanges vows and holding her bouquet during the ring part of things.
- The MOH may also hold onto the groom's wedding band for the bride (although the best man has traditionally taken care of both bands).
- She may stand in the receiving line.
- Bustling the bride's train for the party.
- At the reception, she's often announced along with the best man.
- She may dance with the best man during or after the couple's first dance.
- Generally keeping the bride sane during the wedding itself.
RELATED LINK: See over 500 bridesmaid dresses!