The perfect posse
The perfect posse
The perfect posse
The perfect posse

The perfect posse

Sometimes you just know.

True love. True friendship. True need to consume all of that donut…

For some, it is a choice that doesn’t need a moments consideration – “Duh, we are like besties for life, sisters from another mister – we don’t do anything without each other….this is my #girlboss pack – sorry babe, I NEED every one of these 19 girls as my bridesmaids.”

For others, it can mean countless sleepless nights, guilt-ridden apologies and stage ten anxiety levels (that have nothing to do with your ‘shredding for the wedding’/ lack of food intake/crazy fad diet you have started two years in advance).

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Choosing your bridesmaids can be considered one of the most important choices (after having chosen your husband-to-be, of course). For wedding stylist and planner, Laura Wills of Wanderlust Creative, the best advice she received from a friend when it came to creating her wedding day clique was this: “You want to look down that aisle on your big day and not regret a single moment. You want to stand there and know that these girls are there for you.”

Here are Laura’s top tips for choosing a bridal party that will blow your socks off, and leave you with no regrets.

Think of yourself.

Does she complain about her dress, your flower choice, the ‘ugly’ groomsman she may be partnered with? Chances are, if you can foresee a friend doing this – she does not deserve to be up there with you on your special day.  Deep down you will know straight away your wedding day must-haves. Start with them. Put their names down on paper, and discuss them with your fiancé.  Try not to let the emotion of the situation, or family obligations come into it just yet.

Kick anxiety to the curb.

If you are the kind of gal to be ‘all inclusive’ because you don’t want to hurt feelings, are simply returning the favour, or because you know ‘she’ll crack it’, take the path of least resistance. If you look back and go – DAMN, I wish I didn’t have her….you can deal with that (that’s why we have unreal digital masters and photographers out there who know how to photoshop), what you may not be able to deal with later on, down the track is that awful feeling of not having included a special friend because it threw out numbers, or because ‘having her, means I better include the our other good friend, too – just in case”.

Who cares! Sometimes, if it feels right – the more the merrier!

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Family obligations.

You may not want your brother’s girlfriend or your third cousin up there next to you….chances are, she doesn’t want to be up there either! It is a hard conversation to have, but one that has to happen early on. Be mindful of their feelings, but be ruthless. Blame numbers, blame friends – but do not blame yourself for not choosing them. Try to keep in mind that by the time the big day gets there, she will probably be more interested in the free booze and selfie station than fixing your train and reapplying your lipgloss.

Will you be my… 

Once you have settled on the ‘who’ – the next step is the ‘how’. How will you ask them? How will you let the other down gently?
These days, big productions are all the rage for revealing to your bridesmaids that they are your chosen ones. Online proposals, secret mail deliveries, long lunches to show how much you love them. Choose whichever best fits your friends and feels right – the hard part is over, it’s time for the fun to begin!
Just remember that if there those who didn’t make the cut and you are afraid of hurting some feelings – make sure you talk to them. The more honest you are, the better it will be received. Much like your family members who didn’t get a call up – once the festivities are here, the hurt will be long forgotten.

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Finally?

It’s your day. Your wedding. Your husband and ultimately, your experience. Be true to yourself and make sure you are looking down that line at the ladies that make you feel like a #girlboss each and every day. Consider who lifts you the highest and who brings out the best in you. Choose your ladies like that, and hopefully, you won’t regret a single moment.

 

So there you have it – thanks to Laura, you should have no trouble picking your perfect wedding posse!

Photos: Amy Oliver Photography




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