If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD) and are planning a wedding, you may be wondering how to choose a wedding party. Traditionally, the wedding party is composed of brothers and sisters of the bride and groom, as well as close relatives and friends. If you have few close friends or relatives -- what do you do? Below are some tips on how to deal with this potential problem.
- Mix 'n mingle. Fill the wedding party with siblings and relatives from both the bride and the groom. Your fiance's sisters could make wonderful bridesmaids, and your brother would probably be delighted to be an usher. Even a female best man and a male maid of honor are not out of the question.
- Have an uneven wedding party. Chances are the guests won't even notice. Just make sure to make arrangements for situations where coupling up usually occurs - such walking down the aisle, introductions, photographs and first dances. Have one groomsmen walk two bridesmaids together, or have all bridesmaids walk on their own. Introduce the wedding party one-by-one instead of in pairs.
- Go without. If neither you nor your fiance have close family or friends, forego having a wedding party altogether. This makes particular sense if you choose to have a low-key wedding or elope. By changing the style of the wedding from traditional to contemporary, or by having a smaller gathering, guests aren't likely to find it odd that there is no wedding party.
- Work on friendships. If your wedding is still some time away, consider the acquaintances that you already have and whether any of these could be developed into friendships.
In the end, it is your decision how to plan this part of your wedding. It is not important that you have seven bridesmaids, but rather that the day is meaningful to you. Remember also, not to take it personally if someone declines. Being in a wedding party generally requires an investment of both time and money, and not everyone is willing or able to make the commitment.
Source: Nina Calloway, Weddings at About.com. How Many Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Should You Have? Accessed September 3, 2008.
