You’ve said yes, FaceTimed your mom, but now comes the real fun: picking your wedding party! Before you dive into dress shopping or venue tours, we’d guess you’ve already started thinking about who’s going to be by your side on the big day. And if you’ve been searching “how to choose your wedding party” while picturing your besties in matching dresses (or not), you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down everything you need to know—who to ask, how to ask, and ways to avoid awkward group chat energy. Let’s get into it.

What Is the Wedding Party?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify what we mean by wedding party. This group traditionally includes:

• Maid or Matron of Honor (or both)
• Best Man
• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen
• Flower Girl and Ring Bearer (optional)

But in today’s weddings, couples are redefining these roles to reflect their closest relationships. You might have a “man of honor,” a mixed-gender bridal party, or even skip traditional roles altogether. Your wedding and your wedding party should always reflect your values, not outdated rules.

Step 1: Start with Your Inner Circle

Go back to your call history—who were the very first people you dialed after they popped the question? It’s probably the friends and family who’ve supported you through thick and thin. This might include siblings, childhood friends, college roommates, or coworkers-turned-besties.

Ask yourself:

• Who has been there for me consistently?
• Who will make this experience more joyful and less stressful?
• Who do I want standing beside me when I say “I do”?

Step 2: Keep the Wedding Size in Mind

The amount of people in your wedding party will more often than not correlate with the number of people invited to your wedding. Your intimate 30-person ceremony won’t typically require 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen each—and while there are no hard rules, balance is key. If you’re opting into a larger celebration, that bigger wedding party might make sense! But for micro and intentional weddings, fewer attendants often feel more natural.

Step 3: Consider Their Commitment

If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, we don’t have to tell you that being a part of a bridal party involves time, money, and effort. Before asking someone, think about whether they can realistically say yes. Consider:

• Are they financially able to afford the costs (attire, travel, bachelorette party)?
• Do they have time for pre-wedding events and responsibilities?
• Will they be excited—or overwhelmed—by the commitment?

And always give people the grace to decline, no questions asked. Remember: saying no doesn’t mean they don’t love you!

Step 4: Don’t Feel Pressured to Reciprocate

Just because you were in their wedding absolutely does not mean you’re obligated to include them in yours! Whatever the reason may be, relationships evolve. Focus on who matters the most to you right now. Choosing your wedding party should be based on emotional closeness…not social obligation.

Step 5: Mix and Match Your Way

Say goodbye to perfectly symmetrical wedding parties. Do you have six girls you absolutely have to have standing by your side, but your partner only wants four groomsmen? Do it. Want two Maids of Honor or your little brother as a “bridesman”? Absolutely. It’s your day and your rules. Your wedding should reflect who you are, not some traditional template.

A few of our favorite inclusive wedding party ideas:

• Gender-neutral roles
• No titles, just “honor attendants”
• Pet of honor (yes, your dog counts!)

Step 6: How to Ask Your Wedding Party

Once you’ve decided who’s in, it’s time to pop your question! Whether you go big with a personalized proposal box or keep it simple with a heartfelt note, the key is sincerity.

Popular ways to ask:

• Custom bridesmaid proposal gifts
• Handwritten letters
• “Will you be my…” cards
• Surprise video calls or in-person asks

Pro Tip: Try to ask everyone around the same time to avoid accidental hurt feelings.

Step 7: Manage Expectations with Clear (and Early) Communication

Once they’ve said yes, set expectations early—this includes giving them rough dates for all wedding events so they can request any PTO, your hopes for the bachelorette party (one night out or a full weekend?) so they can budget accordingly, and more. This’ll help prevent misunderstandings and stress later on.

Let them know:

• What events you’d love for them to attend (and what’s optional)
• What financial contributions (if any) might be expected
• Any group chats, timelines, or dress codes they should know about

Being upfront is a kindness, not a buzzkill.

Choosing Your Wedding Party FAQs

Q: Can I have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen?
A: Yes! It’s totally fine to have mismatched numbers. Your photographer and planner can work with you to create a visually balanced look.

Q: Do I need to have a maid of honor or best man?
A: Not at all. Some couples opt for a small group without assigning one person special duties.

Q: What if someone says no?
A: Respect their decision. They might be going through something privately, and it doesn’t reflect on your relationship.

Make It Personal

Your wedding party should be made up of the people who bring love, laughter, and support to your life—not the ones you feel obligated to include. When thinking about how to choose your wedding party, trust your gut, communicate clearly, and remember: it’s your day, your way.

Looking for more tips? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.