Ah, a new question on wedding etiquette: when to ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding. Let’s tackle it! Make sure to subscribe now for the latest.
When do you ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding? That’s what bride-to-be, Abbey, wants to know. She writes,
“Hi Emmaline! I’m getting married in one year. When do you ask someone to be your bridesmaid? What is considered too early to ask? Do you have any tips?”
Hi Abbey! Great question. As a rule of thumb, you should ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding 1 year to 8 months ahead of the date. If you are getting married in one year, you’re perfectly on time to ask your bridal party either now or just a few months from now. You can wait a bit if you wish, but honestly, the earlier you ask… the better!
Here’s why.
When To Ask Bridesmaids
You should ask family and friends to be in your wedding party approximately 1 year to 8 months ahead of the wedding date.
You noted when is too early to ask bridesmaids… too early would be anytime greater than 1 year. If you ask too early, plans can change or items can come up before then. When you choose bridesmaids on time, you’re giving them the ability to:
Prepare Financially
As soon as you invite bridesmaids, they’ll be able to start planning ahead of the wedding with finances. Bridesmaids are expected to pay for certain things, so more time allows them to save or allocate money to those items ahead of time.
Have Sufficient Time to Commit
Agreeing to be a bridesmaid is a commitment. You should always give bridesmaids plenty of time to agree to be in the wedding.
Plan Ahead for Travel
If you’re planning a destination wedding, or your bridesmaid lives far away, you should definitely ask closer to the 1-year timeline. Travel costs vary at different times of the year, so by giving bridesmaids early notice you can allow them to plan ahead and buy tickets when it works best for them.
Make Her Schedule Available
Being a part of the wedding is just a slice of the fun! There are other events including the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner, and the wedding. Whew! It is all plenty of fun but absolutely requires notice ahead of time. :)
And there’s your answer!
I was worried I was going to bridesmaids too early when I got engaged, but it was one year ahead of time and, in hindsight, I’m glad I followed that timeline. Sometimes, it takes a little time to choose bridesmaids and that’s OK. As long as you inquire within that timeframe, it should be sufficient time for bridesmaids to plan ahead. Thanks for writing!
Now, on to: how to propose to your bridesmaids! When you’re ready, read: 24 Most Unique Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
