HOW TO CHOOSE A BRIDAL PARTY THAT PROTECTS YOUR PEACE
MAY 2026
Choosing your maid of honour and bridesmaids can feel surprisingly stressful, when in reality it should be one of the most special and joyful parts of your wedding planning.
Before you even start, you might feel like you’re stepping into a world of politics, worrying about who you should choose, who might be offended and what everyone will think.
So here’s my first piece of advice…
You don’t have to choose anyone out of obligation
And my second…
Choose the people who make you feel your absolute best.
Think about the morning of your wedding. As you’re getting ready, sipping mimosas, having yourhair andmakeupdone, and soaking up the excitement. Who do you want beside you?
Choose the people who:
-Keep you calm and grounded
-Make you laugh
-Bring positive, supportive energy
-Make you feel confident and loved
You don’t want anyone around who may bring tension, negativity or stress to what should be a relaxed, happy and unforgettable morning.
That said, it’s worth thinking practically:
-Are you planning to pay for hair, makeup, or dresses and does a larger group create afinancial burden?
-Will too many people in the morning feel overwhelming?
-Are you choosing people because you truly want them there?
Be honest with yourself. This is YOUR day.
Consider roles carefully
Maybe you have a friend that you would want to be a maid of honour but you know thatasking them to plan a hen party or organise details would be stressful.
That’s okay.
Not everyone needs to be a maid of honour to be deeply important to you. You can honour friendships in different ways, and it’s perfectly fine to choose a maid of honour who is naturally organised, calm under pressure and happy to take on that role.
A note on dresses
It’s absolutely fair to want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, but it’s also very difficult to find one single dress that everyone will love.
Some great compromise options include:
-Choosing the same fabric and colour, but allowing different styles
-Picking a colour palette and letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses
Final thoughts
Your bridal party should feel like a safe space.
A group of people who love you, support you, and are genuinely excited to stand by your side.
Block out the noise, ignore expectations and trust your instincts.
Choose your people with your heart – and you can’t really go wrong <3
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PHOTO 1 - Mairi Tiffoney
PHOTO 2 - Good Luck Wolf
PHOTO 3 - Harper Scott