OK, I know what you’re thinking. Nine is a LOT of bridesmaids. But I think you’ll understand.
When we discussed who we would choose to be our bridesmaids and groomsmen, I knew this would be one of the most stressful decisions I would have to make. I went to two high schools (thanks to the “school by choice” rule) and three different colleges (thanks to my parents for allowing me to transfer), not to mention I was involved in several extracurricular activities where I had the amazing opportunity to meet many people that I befriended.
Jordan already knew who his groomsmen would be — he chose his twin brothers as his “co-best men” and four of his friends that he met throughout the course of his middle school to college years.
I, on the other hand, get anxiety at the thought of hurting anyone’s feelings. I don’t like choosing anyone over the other. This wasn’t like picking teams for a game of dodgeball. I wanted everyone to be on one team and I wanted everyone to be involved.
My mom offered some great advice. She told me that those who were truly my friends would understand no matter what decision I made, and as much as she knew I wanted to, I couldn’t pick everyone. I finally realized that I had to choose the women that I felt would be there for me throughout this whole process, as well as those that I wanted to be beside me on my wedding day. I knew these women would help grant the only wish I have through my journey down the aisle: to have fun!
I thought of honorary bridesmaids and “house parties,” etc. but wasn’t satisfied with any of those ideas. The night before we visited St. John’s Chapel by the Creek, it came to me.
I chose my cousin and my friend Jenny to be my “co-maids of honor,” and they will stand beside me, as Jordan’s brothers will stand beside him. I couldn’t imagine not having any of my other closest friends there with me on the day we wed, so I decided to have all of them. All seven of them. There were even a few more that I wanted to include, but I had to stop somewhere before our wedding looked like the final scene of 27 Dresses.
My bridesmaids and Jordan’s groomsmen will get front row seats in special chairs set up in front of the altar for them. Since several of our friends have already gotten married, my friends have shelled out so much money and spent so much time doing tasks for everyone’s weddings. I wanted my girls to be able to relax for once and be able to enjoy my wedding, while still being a part of it. I’m not asking them to buy a dress that will collect dust in their closet, but rather to wear a “little black dress” that makes them feel amazing. I LOVE how excited they are about finding their LBD.
My maids of honor will be wearing a different color, but I used the same system with them. I wanted them to have a dress they would love and wear again, and after many conversations and texting pictures back and forth, a decision on the dress they will wear was reached within a few days.
I am so excited about having each of my bridesmaids there for love and support, and everything in between on my wedding day!
Now it’s your turn to tell me. How did you choose your wedding party? Was it a tough decision? Are you having several bridesmaids, a few or none at all?
– Jordan
Bride-to-be and Benton native Jordan Westbrook graduated from UALR in 2011 with a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in mass media. The former Arkansas Bride intern will be blogging about her adventures in wedding planning right here each week.
