In the Media – Too many bridesmaids: How do you choose? (Brides.com)
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May 3, 2017
Many of us might think that the dilemma of having too many friends—or too many bridesmaids—is an enviable one. After all, it’s hard to make and keep close friends. But when you’re choosing a bridal party, making choices among them can turn into a problem.
In her most recent article for Brides.com, Too many friends? Here’s how to decide who makes the bridal party cut, journalist Jillian Kramer notes that it’s usually not desirable (or practical) to have too large a wedding party, and whittling down the list requires good judgment and using diplomacy.
To provide advice, Kramer spoke to Dr. Irene S. Levine and a wedding planner. She writes:
Who should you cut from your bridal party? And who should make the cut? That’s not always a clear cut answer, says Irene S. Levine, Ph.D., psychologist, friendship expert, and creator of The Friendship Blog, who points out you’ll be making these tough decisions during a time when you may already feel frenzied and downright overwhelmed. But it can be done, and we’re here to help you make the best calls you can.
And remember, just because a friend doesn’t make the bridesmaid cut doesn’t mean she can’t still participate in your wedding day. “You can express how important that person has been in her life and how difficult it was to make a short list but she was constrained by cost, numbers, whatever,” Levine says. “Then, you might find some other special role that the person can play at the wedding and go out of your way to seat the person somewhere where she feels special and comfortable.”
To read the Brides.com article in its entirety with all of the suggestions for making the cut, click here.
Category: Bridezillas and other monsters, IN THE MEDIA
Bridal parties are too big, as in “my 12 closest friends,” along with insanely expensive destination bachlorettes. I remember when 3 or 4 bridesmaids was the norm and it meant something to be asked.
Being a bridesmaid is expensive too and in many cases, not all candidates will equally be able to afford participating at the level. If the bride makes everyone feel important and included, lets her bridesmaids know who to include in showers and bachelorette parties etc, and communicates effectively, she can probably avoid potentially hurt feelings.