He popped the question, you’ve set a wedding date, and just booked your dream Raleigh wedding venue at The Sutherland. So, what’s next? Picking your bride tribe and asking them to stand next to you on your big day should happen sooner than later. This task comes very easily to some brides, but others aren’t so sure on who the lucky few will be. That’s why The Sutherland Raleigh wedding venue is here to share a few tips on best practices when it comes to picking your bride tribe. 

Agree On A Realistic Number

Before you begin considering who you will pick to be in your bride tribe, we suggest talking it over with your partner first. Find out how many groomsmen they are considering, and then decide on a number that makes you both happy. You do not have to have the same number of bridesmaids as groomsmen, but you should consider it so that everything looks balanced during the ceremony and in photos. 

Quality Over Quantity

Once you have settled on the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you each will have, now it’s time to narrow down your potential bride tribe list. Start with the must-haves - this includes your sisters and any future sister in-laws. Next comes your ride or die best friends. If you still have a few spots left to fill, consider your most selfless friends. The last thing any bride needs is a spotlight hog who seems to think the wedding is her big day too.

Don’t Feel Obligated To Ask Certain People   

At the end of the day, this is your wedding you are planning and ultimately what you say, goes. With that being said, never ask someone to be in your bride tribe out of obligation. Just because you were a bridesmaid for somebody a few years ago, that doesn’t mean your wedding is time to return the favor, especially if you aren’t as close as you once were. Or if you have a cousin that your mom or aunt is pushing you to include, you can always politely explain that you’ve decided to limit your bridal party to the people that you are closest with.

Other Roles Outside Of Your Bride Tribe

If you are still having trouble narrowing down your list of bridesmaids, consider other alternative wedding roles that they could potentially fill. For example, ask one friend to read scripture, and a few others to greet your guests and hand out programs. If you have one particular friend who sings really well, ask them to sing in your wedding. This way, you can include more of your friends without hurting anyone’s feelings. 

The Sutherland Raleigh Wedding Venue

Once your bride tribe has been determined, you can have a little fun coming up with a cute and memorable way to ask each of them. Together celebrating your engagement leading up to the wedding, going on your bachelorette trip, and picking out dresses for your bride tribe should be an unforgettable experience and time in your life that all brides dream of. Not to mention, getting ready with your bride tribe on the day of your wedding will make it that much more fun and exciting, and saying “I do” with your best friends by your side will be the cherry on top of the best day of your life at The Sutherland Raleigh wedding venue!