Choosing a bridal party can be difficult, but as one of my friends so wisely told me when I began planning our wedding: You’re not going to be able to please everyone, so just do whatever is going to make you happiest. Great advice.
Being a bit older, it was easier for me to choose my bridal party. When you’re younger, you have many different groups of friends. However, as time passes, friendships change and you find there are those with whom you’ve remained friends despite job changes, moving, marriage, kids, etc.
On my wedding day, I want to be surrounded by the people who know me best. These are the girls who have supported me through the best and worst of times. They know the good and the bad (and they’ve still stuck around). Additionally, I don’t have a sister, so I’m thrilled to have my future sister-in-law be a part of it as well.
My two matrons of honor are Lauren and Michelle, while my bridesmaids are Shawn, Julie, and Tina.
Lauren and I met in high school. We clicked instantly and have been friends ever since. She’s the best -- the nicest person you could ever meet. She’s also funny, warm, and so easy to be friends with. I can call her with any problem and know she’ll be able to make me feel better. Plus, she has the two cutest kids on earth!
Michelle and I have been friends since college and have been inseparable since moving to Chicago together after graduation. We’ve been through so much, and I can’t imagine going through the last 10 years without her by my side.
Shawn is also a friend from college, and she’s one of the most quirky, unique people I know -- and I mean that in the best possible way. She definitely makes all our lives more interesting! She’s also a fantastic friend to me and is someone who would drop everything to help you out.
Julie is also part of the college group. She’s hysterical, the life of the party, and always able to make me laugh. Julie and I can go months without talking due to busy schedules, and when we finally connect, it’s like no time has passed.
Tina is my fiance’s sister. Joe and Tina are very close, so I was worried she wouldn’t like me (sisters can be intimidating!). Thankfully, she’s been nothing but kind and welcoming. I’m so lucky to have her as my sister-in-law.
I’ve mentioned that I don’t want to become a bridezilla, but if I happen to have a minor meltdown on my wedding day due to some unforeseeable issue (it happens to the best of us!), these are the girls who won’t judge me; they’ll calm me down and be able to help fix the problem in a heartbeat. They’re my best girls and I can’t imagine the day without them.
Jen Schefft is the author of Better Single Than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling.
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-- Jen Schefft
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