Written by Julianne Cuomo, Director of Celebrations.

You are engaged! It’s now time to start planning everything and you will need help. This is where your wedding party comes in to play. Your wedding party will be there to help you along your entire wedding journey. Choosing a wedding party can be stressful and difficult. Here are some tips on choosing your wedding party for your big day.

Don’t start making wedding decision before you are ready. Enjoy your engagement.

Have a Plan

When you get engaged there will be so much excitement and time will seem like it is moving very fast. Emotions will be at a high and it will be very easy to get caught up in the moment. Before you start handing out bridal party titles to everyone, you should sit down with your fiance and create a plan. Consider who you want to give some of your wedding day responsibilities to. Think of those who will be there for you years into the future. You will be more comfortable with your decisions if you plan your wedding party instead of picking people at the spur of the moment.

Deciding the Bridesmaid and Groomsmen

When you are in your planning process, you might run into the problem of having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. You don’t have to add someone to your wedding party or kick someone out because you think there needs to be an equal number. It is okay if the numbers aren’t the same. Also, it is okay to have a man in a bridal party or a woman on the grooms side. They are your friends and family and they should be included. This is your wedding and you should have exactly who you want in your wedding party!

Numbers don’t matter, choose who you want to be in your wedding party.

Kids or No Kids

Next you will be thinking you have to choose a ring bearer and flower girl! This is not exactly the case. If you don’t have any young children in your family, do not feel obligated to put children in your wedding party. You don’t have to have a flower girl or ring bearer. On the other hand, if you have lots of children in your family and want to include them, you can have multiple flower girls and ring bearers. Whether or not you have children in your wedding party is your choice.

Sometimes, Less is More

There are going to be a few individuals that you may not be able to include in your wedding party. Don’t try to include them by giving them a title they may not want. Sometimes just giving them a designated seat at the ceremony and a flower, corsage or boutonniere is enough to make them a special part of your big day.

You don’t have to put someone in your wedding party to show them they are special.

Traditions are Changing

From different themed weddings to destination weddings, the traditions we once knew aren’t really traditions anymore. Some people want a large wedding party and some do not want one at all. If you don’t want to have a wedding party, you don’t have to. You can still assign duties to your designated individuals and still include them in your special day.

No matter who your wedding party consists of, the main goal should be to make sure everyone is clear on what their responsibilities are. Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club is known as the premier indoor and outdoor event facility in Ocala, Florida. My wedding staff and I will create wedding memories that will last a lifetime. From flowers and custom linens to dining and photography, we can direct you to the best in Ocala. Contact me at (352) 402-4376 to plan your big day! For more wedding advice or trends visit our wedding blog!