Teriffic Traditions and Inspired Innovations: Bridesmaids

Bridesmaid: /briedz-,mayd/ n. a woman who is an attendant of a bride.

Even without the definition, we all know who the bridesmaid is. She stands next to the bride at the altar and helps her through the exciting day - hopefully not in an ugly gown! But, do you know why we have these ladies on our side, or how many it is proper to have? Well that's why I'm here!

Traditionally, bridesmaids would dress in very similar gowns as the bride to ward off evil spirits. It was superstition if the women acted as decoys and followed the bride everywhere the she went on her special day, the evil entities would get confused and therefore could do no harm to the bride.

Today we have our bridesmaids to spread word about the wedding shower, throw the bachelorette party, help address invitations and thank yous, assist decorating the reception hall, keep us calm before the ceremony and basically do anything we need them to do to keep the wedding running smoothly! For these reasons, it's important to choose a solid lineup of women to be your support group during your special time. No one wants a cranky bridesmaid who complains about everything, or one who is unwilling to find run and grab your lipstick before picture time!

Though a nice sentiment, and thought to be tradition, it is not necessary to have sisters as your bridesmaids, whether yours or your fiances. If these ladies aren't cut out for the job of making sure you're wedding day what you've been dreaming of, then don't feel obligated to make them part of your wedding party. It can be hard to make this decision, especially if you want to avoid family conflicts, but if your future sister-in-law will only cause you grief on your wedding day, try including her in another way. She can always be a reader during the ceremony or perform a song if she's musically inclined. This goes for your sisters as well. You should be at ease during your wedding, with a troop of maids who would do anything to keep you smiling!

When it comes to how many bridesmaids you should have, the possibilities are endless. A general guideline however is to have one bridesmaid, accompanied by one groomsman, for every 50 guests. Therefore, if you will have 250 guests at your wedding, you should have five bridesmaids. Having five maids at an intimate wedding with 80 guests might look a little unbalanced. It's your day though, so anything goes!

Speaking of, who says the people standing next to you has to be women? If you have a best friend who is a man, or a very close bond with your brother, you can always have him as an attendant. He can also be your maid of honor. In this case, the proper title would be Honor Attendant.

Lastly, you should never feel obligated to have a friend in your wedding party just because you were in his/hers. You should do what feels right to you.

So brides, just remember when you're picking your bridal party, bridesmaids should be the people who you love and who love you, who will be beaming at you while you beam at your groom and who will make your wedding day all the more special by standing by your side!

Until the next Terrific Traditions and Inspired Innovations, I wish you happy planning and wedding bliss!!

xoxo!