The short answer to this is yes. You can absolutely say no to being a bridesmaid, maid of honour, best man or any other wedding party role. It's always your decision as to whether or not you accept the job of bridesmaid, but don't be surprised if the person who asked you is a little upset or taken aback.
No, you don't have to make them a bridesmaid. Ultimately, it will be your decision whether or not to ask them to be a bridesmaid. It depends on how close you two are, and how long ago you served as her bridesmaid. How do you decide to cut a friend from your bridal party?
Although it might be uncomfortable, you can most certainly say "No." While you technically don't need an excuse, this is one of the times where you should provide one to be polite. "Having some kind of an explanation is good just so the other person can understand your perspective," Post says.
There is no age limit
The general opinion seems to be that age doesn't really matter. Some bridesmaids in their late 30s, early 40s and older may jump at the opportunity to be a special part of your wedding. Others may have other reasons for not wanting to be a bridesmaid.
As a bridesmaid or even just a good friend, you don't have to go. Not going is not a sign that you don't care or that you don't support the bride. It's a sign that that particular party is out of your comfort zone, your budget, your idea of a good time. And that's okay.
Brides' wedding etiquette experts are here to answer your wedding party questions in our daily post. Do I have to have my fiancé's close female friend as one of my bridesmaids? That choice, ultimately, is yours. Generally, bridesmaids are family members or close pals.
Yes, absolutely! The idea that a bride needs to be surrounded by unmarried women is ancient history, and unless all your closest friends do happen to be unwed, it might as well stay that way. There's no reason you can't ask a married friend to be a maid.
That's Perfectly Okay. You might not want one, and that's 100 percent fine. We know it seems like every bride has a troop of bridesmaids lead by a maid of honor—but there's no clause in some all-knowing wedding rule book stating you need a maid of honor.
The main role of a bridesmaid is to assist the Maid of Honor with her big wedding-planning duties and offer additional help to the bride as needed. But the list of bridesmaid duties doesn't end there. They are all responsible for so many other pieces that go into planning and executing the bride's dream wedding.
An honorary bridesmaid or bridal party member is an attendant to the bride whose involvement in traditional bridal party duties vary based on the bride's desires. They typically walk down the aisle but will not stand at the altar.
Bridesmaids. They walk down the aisle solo or in pairs. They take their places up front, on the left side, with the first bridesmaid taking her place farthest from the bride. The bridesmaids might form a diagonal line so they all get a good view of the couple.
Busy personal lives, budget anxiety, high expectations and insecurity can creep up on anyone during this hectic time of heightened emotions. From clashing opinions on their wedding day attire to complaints about expenses, here are the most common bridesmaid complaints, and how to handle them with care.
Most women end up being a bridesmaid about five times, said Rebecca Dolgin, executive editor of TheKnot.com, who adds that women in the South tend to do a few more stints since wedding parties there are usually bigger.
If that bestie happens to also be your mom or parent, you've hit the jackpot! Can one of your parents pull double-duty and also serve as the bridal party member of honor? You bet! In fact, feel free to buck tradition and pick the parent who isn't a woman for this role if you desire!
If you have a really big family, it may be best to choose those closest in age to you or to cut the party off at the teenagers. For those wondering how to choose bridesmaids when you have no friends, siblings and other family members are a great option.
The maid of honor, along with the rest of the bridal party, is expected to cover all wedding attire costs. This includes the dress (plus any necessary alterations), shoes, and any jewelry you'll be wearing the day of. Occasionally, the bride will gift her bridesmaids with whatever accessories she wants them to wear.
Usually a sister, very close friend, or confidant, that the Bride can rely on. Basically, the Maid Of Honor is the assistant to the Bride. While Bridesmaids' responsibilities are to be supportive and help as needed, the Maid of Honor will help the Bride out with whatever tasks are needed.
Like most things wedding-related, if you're not excited about the idea of having your wedding party stand throughout the ceremony, they really don't have to. Although having the bridal party stand is viewed as a traditional part of most weddings, it's not always so.
A bridesmaid is typically a young woman and often a close friend or relative. She attends to the bride on the day of a wedding or marriage ceremony. Traditionally, bridesmaids were chosen from unwed young women of marriageable age.