Spinoff: Why did you ask the members of your WP to be in your wedding?

grumbledore

Why did you ask the members of your WP to be in your wedding?  What are you requiring of them on the day of/prior to?

I have 4 on my side - my brother, who is one of my very best friends, my two long-time best female friends, and my daughter.  I asked my brother because he is the only member of my family that I am close to and one of my best friends - it means a lot to me to have him standing there supporting my choice.  He may also end up walking with me.  My two friends have been with me through all the hardest parts of my life and have always been there for me, and me for them.  I couldn't imagine the day without them.  And my daughter (who will be 10 at the time of the wedding) is one of the most important people in my life, just an all-around awesome person, and it's also important to her that she gets to be part of my wedding.  She also adores her stb-stepdad.

I picked these people because they are the most important people in my life (other than my FI) and I love them.

They are choosing their own dresses (pref satin but I am flexible) and they can pick their own shoes, hair, makeup, etc.

larrygaga

I haven't asked yet, but I have 6 sisters, a niece that's like a sister and my very close friend (whose husband is my FI's best man). I wanted to have all of my sisters with me that day, and yes I do know it's going to be a huge pain in the ass. I can't pick and choose who gets to be in it or not, it's an all or nothing deal. My niece has always wanted to be my flower girl, and she will be too old to be a flower girl by the time we get married so I'm thinking junior bridesmaid. Is junior bridesmaid a thing? My mom told me that that's what my niece should be. She will be 12 years old, so I would love some advice on her from you guys. I don't have the heart to tell her she can't be in it, and I am very easy going and figure if I already have 6 BM's why not add one? lol.  My oldest sister will be our officiant. 

BTW: Real birth sisters, not sorority sisters.

Also, I plan on just giving them a general color palate and length and let them pick whatever dress they want. I really don't care.

wandajune6

I have 5 women standing with me:

-My MOH is my twin sister. I was her MOH. It made sense.
-A friend from junior high is a BM. I've known her forever and she has been one of the most consistent friends in my life. She's pregnant with her 2nd set of twins and due around the time of the wedding. So excited for her- but also aware that it means she might not be able to come.
-A friend through an ex (!) that I've known for years. We're super-close though long-distance.
-FSIL- she's FI's only sister and very important to him. I liked her from the start but asked her because I knew it would mean a lot to FI. Since then, we've gotten much closer and I like her even more!
-FI's sister-in-law. We're close and she reallllly wanted to be in the WP.

I told them all to wear black dresses and pick a length. I don't really care about hair, makeup, shoes, etc. but I am planning on getting them matching wraps and jewelry to pull it all together (though not as BM gifts!). Making things so open-ended seems to have caused a lot of confusion so I'm starting to give some guidance on dresses.

netskyblue2

I didn't ask anyone. My sisters, who would be the ones I would have asked, have been in enough weddings (as have I) that I actually decided it would be doing them a kindness to only ask them to be guests. They can wear whatever they want, and only show up just slightly early for some family photos. My decision is probably colored by my NOT enjoying being a bridesmaid...but I would do it anyway, if asked by someone I cared about.

pinkcow13

Love this thread!

I am having 4 bridesmaids. My BFF, my college roomate, my college suitemate, and my cousin.

I asked my BFF to be my MOH because we have been best friends since we were 8. She has been there through it all, through thick and thin, ups and downs, and I cannot imagine not having her stand with me on my wedding day. No one knows me like she does (except maybe FI), and we always knew we would be each others MOH on our wedding day.

I asked my college roomate because I lived with her all 4 years of college. She is one of my closest friends, we have vacationed together, and she is one of the coolest, most sincere, non judgmental girl that I know. She has always been there for me, and even though she lives in California now, we are still close and a part of each others lives.

I asked my college suitemate because we lived together our freshman year, and again junior year. She is also one of my closest friends, and she has been like my rock through hard times. She is awesome, funny, one of the sweetest girls, and we have a lot in common. Added bonus - we share a name (spelled exactly the same) and are both tiny. We were also the only ones from the city when we lived in a 5 person suite in college which was pretty funny considering our similarities.

I asked my cousin because she is like a sister to me, and we practically grew up together as kids. Even though we are in 2 different places in our lives, we speak practically every single day, and she has been there for me through everything. Since she is family, we also have that in common and can spend hours complaining about our mom's and knowing exactly where the other is coming from! Funny side note - our names are different only by the first letter. 

These 4 girls are the closest friends/family (I consider them all both) that I have, and I could not imagine having anyone else but them stand next to me. If I had to bury a body, they are on speed dial.They are also the most important people in my life besides FI, and no matter the distance, or whatever else may stand in the way, these are the girls that I can always count on.

They can wear whatever dress (I will only choose the color), shoes, makeup, hair they want. The only requirements are that they show up on time. Preferably sober (haha). They are all excited about "bridesmaid duties" but I really have none. I will invite them to my dress appointments, but in no way is that a requirement.

emmaaa

I have an embarassingly huge wedding party. I will have 8 women standingn with me.

-MOH Best Friend and have known each other since we were 3.

-4 of my BM's are some of my best friends from growing up. Whether since kindergarten or high school or even in the past few years.

-3 of my BM's are my SIL/FSIL. My older brother's wife, my younger brother long time girl friend, and m FIs sister. I love them all like sisters and would never want to not include them.

On a side  not: I'm not ur eif I can actually pick a MOH because I love them all dearly. It is a hard decision for me.

They are only required to buy a dress. Given their budgets, I am picking a designer, color, lenght, and fabric (preferably) and they can choose the style that fits them best. They can do their hair and makeup how they wish and wear whatever shoes and jewelry the already own or want to buy.

beachyone15

I am having my BFF of 10+ years as my MOH, another close friend and 4 of my cousins as bridesmaids. I'm very close with all of them! I'm not requiring anything of them, but I may throw a brunch or something the week of the wedding (as a thankyou) in addition to getting them gifts. I chose a specific color/fabric for the dresses but am letting them pick any style and length. They can wear whatever type of gold/nude shoes they want and I'm giving them the option to get their hair done if they'd like to. I was also very close to having my only sibling, my brother, stand on my side. My FI knows how important my brother is to me so he invited him to be a groomsman.

IMathlete

I have 5 women. I was the MOH for four of them, and the only attendant for two of those. The remaining girl is my BFF and her wedding is right after mine.

One is my older sister, and we have always been close. The remaining four are best friends from different times in my life and are still my best friends today.

Day of, all they have to do is get ready. Three have opted to have their hair and makeup done, and one of the others is doing my hair (that's her profession). The venue provides mimosas for us, so we'll be giggling and hanging out. I have a wedding planner/coordinator, so bridal parties' only duties are to show up in the dress. (which isn't to imply they would ever need to do anything else, just that I have taken care of it)

chibiyui

I have 4 ladies and 1 guy standing with me. My MOH is my best friend from high school, the other three are good friends from college. My guy friend is a fromer coworker I'm close with.

I asked the ladies to pick a knee lengthish dress from DB in meadow, no fabric preference. I also bought wedge sandals for them, and jewelry, which they do not have to wear. I am paying for their hair as well. My guy friend I've asked to show up in a navy suit, i bought a green tie for him to wear with it.

I am getting everyone something non wedding related as gifts too.

Inkdancer

I have 4 bridesmaids.
1. MOH is my very best friend. We met just before I started college and talk every day. I genuinely would not be the person I am without her.
2 and 3 are my best friends from high school. I love them both to pieces and they are like sisters to me.
4 is my former college roomie. She is an awesome person and inspires me to be a better person. Out of all my social circle, I spend the most in-person time with her (since the other 3 ladies live at least 6 hours away from me   )

I did not ask my half-sister, my step-sister, or my FSIL,

Fi asked his brother and his 2 best friends to stand up with him. No question there on who would be on his side.

KGold80

My MOH is my best friend in the world. She is always there when I need her, and vice versa. She drove all the way from Louisiana to Oklahoma to run my first marathon with me...every single step of the way despite my bitching and moaning "This is so hard!!!!". I don't know if I could have done it without her. We're running our first ultramarathon together this Saturday. She is wonderful and I love her so much! My one and only bridesmaid is my 12 year old soon to be stepdaughter. She's quirky and funny and I love her dearly.

The guys we have standing up with us are our two boys - his 14 year old is the Best Man. My 7 year old son is a groomsman. The reasons we made those choices should be obvious. We're so lucky to have such great kids!

Also included in the wedding party are my niece (age 6) who will be the flower girl and his nephew  (age 3) who will be the ring bearer.

Not in the wedding party, but whom we would be remiss not to include is my FI's cousin's wife. She is my DOC and she has been soooooooo helpful through this whole planning ordeal. With my MOH being out of town, she has stepped in to go to the tasting, helped me think of timelines and how to set up the ceremony and reception spaces. She's a born planner and organizer, so she is really really helpful.

My girls have chosen their own dresses. I chose the color and fabric (chiffon). They chose the style they found most flattering. I've asked them to wear silver strappy sandals. I offered to pay for my MOH's shoes and she wouldn't accept. Obviously we paid for my stepdaugher's. I'm paying for my MOH and BM to have their hair done (their choice of style) and I think I'm doing their makeup while my hair is being done. We are renting suits for our boys. My mom bought my niece's dress and his nephew's parents will rent or buy some grey pants, a white shirt, and a lavender bowtie. Depending on the cost and whether or not they choose to rent or buy, we may just add his rental attire in with the stuff we're renting for our boys. They will both be seated with their parents after they make their way down the aisle.

melbelleup

I have three, asked four.

My first one is my MOH who is my sister in law, but I have known her for 10 years come our wedding. She is my best gal friend and I go to her to talk about everything. She helped me transition into high school as she was a senior when I was in 9th.
Next is my soon to be sister in law. She is my brother's fiance and will be getting married 3 weeks after me. Although I have known her for about 3 years, she is really easy to talk to and we get along great.
Then I'm having my best friend in my wedding. Ironically, we met through my ex bf who was her friend at the time. Since then we became really close and talked all the time while in college and since I moved away.
My fourth was my 2nd cousin/friend who I have known since 8th grade. She ended up moving to Texas at the beginning of March and was unable to get my wedding day off sadly or she'd still be a part of my wedding party.

climbingsingle

I'm only having a MOH. It's my very best friend who has been my best friend since the first day of 9th grade in 1994. I'm blessed to have many close friends, but I really wanted a small bridal party. 

I've told my MOH she can wear whatever dress in whatever color she likes. Same with shoes, hair, makeup and accessories - all her choice. I've asked if she can be present for the rehearsal on Friday and the be up early on Saturday (ceremony starts at 12pm). That's it. 

KGold80

larrygaga said:

I haven't asked yet, but I have 6 sisters, a niece that's like a sister and my very close friend (whose husband is my FI's best man). I wanted to have all of my sisters with me that day, and yes I do know it's going to be a huge pain in the ass. I can't pick and choose who gets to be in it or not, it's an all or nothing deal. My niece has always wanted to be my flower girl, and she will be too old to be a flower girl by the time we get married so I'm thinking junior bridesmaid. Is junior bridesmaid a thing? My mom told me that that's what my niece should be. She will be 12 years old, so I would love some advice on her from you guys. I don't have the heart to tell her she can't be in it, and I am very easy going and figure if I already have 6 BM's why not add one? lol.  My oldest sister will be our officiant. 

BTW: Real birth sisters, not sorority sisters.

Also, I plan on just giving them a general color palate and length and let them pick whatever dress they want. I really don't care.

Yes, junior bridesmaid is a thing...but I'd drop the "junior" and just call her a bridesmaid. The only difference between an adult bridesmaid and a junior bridesmaid is that the younger girl may not be able to attend a bachelorette party if it's at an adults only venue. Otherwise, she just gets to wear a pretty dress like the others.

ETA: If she really wants to be a Flower Girl why not let her? I saw a photo of two grandmothers who really wanted to be flower girls and it was kind of awesome!

KPBM89

This thread is very sweet.  

I have 6 bridesmaids.  FI has 6 groomsmen.  No, it wasn't to match sides, it just worked out that way.

My side:

MOH: She is one of my two very best friends of 14 years.  We went to middle and high school together and have been there for each other's best and worst life moments.  I can't even describe how much this girl and her sister and their mom mean to me.

BM: She is my other very best friend of 14 years, and my MOH's younger sister.  She and I are pretty much the same person, except she is a few years younger than me.  She is the wilder of the two sisters and she and I can literally decide one morning that we want new tattoos and by that afternoon, we're both treating our new ink (yes, this has happened).  

BM: My next BM is my sister in law.  I love her and the life that she and my brother have together (and my little nephew that she is currently carrying around, due in June!).  She is an extremely kind person and is always willing to help anyone with anything and anytime.  

Next two BM: I worked with these girls at my old job.  They are both hilarious and I really enjoy spending time with them.  We love to make fun of each other, but always support each other in anything we want to do.

BM: My last BM is FI's younger sister.  She's a wonderful girl and helped me out when FI had heart surgery in college and I was worried non-stop.

FI's side:

Best Man: His best friend for his entire life.

GM: Another one of his best friends, who is now off doing crazy cool science things in CA.

GM: My brother!

Other 3 GM: His brothers (one older, other two younger)

He would do a better job at describing them obviously.

sarawifenow

Thanks for starting this thread!

I am having six girls with me.

I am having two MOHs (hopefully). They are my very best friends in the world. Since I have no siblings, they have become sisters to me. I truly can't wait to see their beautiful selves standing next to me.

A life-long and very dear friend who I have known since the first grade will be a bridesmaid. She is amazing and no matter how long we go without seeing each other, we just fall right back into step.

FI's BM's girfriend has become a really close friend of mine. It is nice to have someone so awesome there when FI and BM are sports-obsessing. She is just a really good person.

I am also having FI's two sisters who have already accepted me as a sister. I am so excited to have them in my life and it is really cool to get a peak into the world of siblings.

My girls will all be wearing a really pretty plum dress with a lace back. They are picking their own shoes, hair, make-up, and jewelry. I am excited to see what they come up with!

thesummersky

I love threads like this! I have 4 BMs, one being MOH.

- MOH is my best friend. We have been friends since elementary school.

- BM 1 is my sister. I have 10 siblings but most of them are younger than me. I'm oldest and she's second oldest, so we are very close, even though we grew up in different places.

- BM 2 is my cousin. When I was in high school, she had already graduated and began a family, so she's been a friend and mentor since then.

- BM 3 is a cousin through the marriage of my grandmother and her grandfather, which happened when we were both in high school. We've been close ever since!

Cookie Pusher

Two of my sisters are my bridesmaids. I asked them because, well, they're my sisters. I want them there with me. Plus, fewer hurt feelings asking them than asking friends (I swear, some girls think it's a competition of who can be in more weddings).

The only requirement I have is... show up. I bought their dresses. I didn't ask them to do any readings or speeches since neither feels comfortable doing so. No showers, no bachelorette parties, nothing. I'm doing all the DIY myself. The only thing I asked them about was their opinion on the bouquets I was making for them. Heck, I told them they didn't have to come to the rehearsal or dinner if they didn't want to (even though it would be good to practice walking through the grass ceremony space with their shoes just to make sure they're okay). And honestly, if they don't show up, no skin off my back. As long as I end up married at the end of the ceremony, I couldn't care who is there or isn't.

larrygaga

KGold80 said:

larrygaga said:

I haven't asked yet, but I have 6 sisters, a niece that's like a sister and my very close friend (whose husband is my FI's best man). I wanted to have all of my sisters with me that day, and yes I do know it's going to be a huge pain in the ass. I can't pick and choose who gets to be in it or not, it's an all or nothing deal. My niece has always wanted to be my flower girl, and she will be too old to be a flower girl by the time we get married so I'm thinking junior bridesmaid. Is junior bridesmaid a thing? My mom told me that that's what my niece should be. She will be 12 years old, so I would love some advice on her from you guys. I don't have the heart to tell her she can't be in it, and I am very easy going and figure if I already have 6 BM's why not add one? lol.  My oldest sister will be our officiant. 

BTW: Real birth sisters, not sorority sisters.

Also, I plan on just giving them a general color palate and length and let them pick whatever dress they want. I really don't care.

Yes, junior bridesmaid is a thing...but I'd drop the "junior" and just call her a bridesmaid. The only difference between an adult bridesmaid and a junior bridesmaid is that the younger girl may not be able to attend a bachelorette party if it's at an adults only venue. Otherwise, she just gets to wear a pretty dress like the others.

ETA: If she really wants to be a Flower Girl why not let her? I saw a photo of two grandmothers who really wanted to be flower girls and it was kind of awesome!

I am starting to learn that I don't have to follow the rules, so maybe I will still have her be a flowergirl. We don't have one and probably won't by then anyway. I suppose I could ask her which one she would rather do?

KGold80 said:

larrygaga said:

I haven't asked yet, but I have 6 sisters, a niece that's like a sister and my very close friend (whose husband is my FI's best man). I wanted to have all of my sisters with me that day, and yes I do know it's going to be a huge pain in the ass. I can't pick and choose who gets to be in it or not, it's an all or nothing deal. My niece has always wanted to be my flower girl, and she will be too old to be a flower girl by the time we get married so I'm thinking junior bridesmaid. Is junior bridesmaid a thing? My mom told me that that's what my niece should be. She will be 12 years old, so I would love some advice on her from you guys. I don't have the heart to tell her she can't be in it, and I am very easy going and figure if I already have 6 BM's why not add one? lol.  My oldest sister will be our officiant. 

BTW: Real birth sisters, not sorority sisters.

Also, I plan on just giving them a general color palate and length and let them pick whatever dress they want. I really don't care.

Yes, junior bridesmaid is a thing...but I'd drop the "junior" and just call her a bridesmaid. The only difference between an adult bridesmaid and a junior bridesmaid is that the younger girl may not be able to attend a bachelorette party if it's at an adults only venue. Otherwise, she just gets to wear a pretty dress like the others.

ETA: If she really wants to be a Flower Girl why not let her? I saw a photo of two grandmothers who really wanted to be flower girls and it was kind of awesome!

KGold80

@larrygaga

buddysmom80

I have one MOH (my best friend since childhood) and two BMs: one I've been friends with since I was 19 and the other BM is FI's old roommate.

FI has a BM and a GM. His BM is his best friend and his old roommate as well (Best Man and BM are a couple), his GM is our neighbor who he plays Xbox with, they've bonded a lot the last few months.

I'm not having a flower girl or ring bearer.

flyingfoxes

I have 4, 3 are my sisters, and one is my future stepdaughter.  My oldest sister is the MOH.  I'm not sure about hair and makeup yet, since it's a year away.  I picked 2 colors, and told them they could choose the dress length/style they wanted, but they picked the same dress anyway, lol.  My BFF was a little hurt that I didn't ask her to be a bridesmaid, but I've asked her to do a couple of readings which is something a little more sentimental to me. 

lyndausvi

I had 9 women/girls.

- - MOH was m sister.  We are fairly close considering we haven't lived within 700 miles of each other since the mid-90's

--  Best girlfriend

- 2 SIL  - simply because they were my FSIL, DH wanted them in the wedding, I could not come up with a good reason not to have them on my side.  They are sweet, drama free ladies.  

- 5 nieces.   Ages 13-6.   I thought they would enjoy being in the wedding.  Plus they were the only kids we invite, figured it was easier if they were in the wedding.

Not one of my BM lived near me.  Not only that the closes was over 1500 miles away. 

Simky906

I have 3 ladies standing up for me. They are my two closest girlfriends and my stepsister. My two girlfriends I just couldn't imagine getting married without them by my side. That's especially true for my MOH; she was actually good friends with FI before I started dating him. I always joke that I got a 2 for 1 deal with them. 

My stepsister I asked mainly because she asked me to be her bm last year. We've never been super close so I was suprised, but the wedding planning gave us a common ground and actually brought us closer together. 

I picked a color for the dress and then they picked the dress; they decided to wear the same one. Shoes, hair, accessories- they can do whatever they want.

Day of they are invited to get ready with me (also invited to stay at the hotel with me the night before) but that's completely optional. I will also have lunch for them if they'd like to have lunch with me. My guess is that my two girlfriends will take me up on it but that SS will spend time with her husband. We'll start pictures at 4, so I expect them to be ready by then- that's all.

thisismynickname2

I asked:

A) my best friend from childhood, prior to even getting engaged but around when now-FI and I were going ring shopping,

b) my sister to be MOH, a few days after engagement, to which she promptly said, "Oh cool! I thought you might make A the MOH!"

c) my best friend from college, a few days after engagement, but it's been assumed for a long time that we'd be maids in each other's weddings. She's been talking about planning my bachelorette party for... years.  LOL.

My 'maids are throwing me a bachelorette party, buying black dresses, and showing up sober on my wedding day (maybe? hah!). I'm not sure yet if we're able to have a rehearsal, but if we do, they'd go to the rehearsal.  That's it! 

cupcait927

We're not having anyone in our bridal party. We're having a smaller wedding and only inviting family and close friends. All of the girls that I would have in my wedding party are all of the close friends I'm inviting. I couldn't imagine picking between them and if they were all standing up with me it would look like a 1/3 of the guest list was in the WP and only family seated. Plus it eliminated me having to make any decisions regarding dresses, flowers, etc for the girls and they can come dressed however they want and enjoy the day as guests. I also hated being a MOH so that may have affected my decision as well. My girlfriends are already planning a bachlorette party for me and a bunch of them want to be there to help me get ready so I'm still getting the experience without actually have a WP.

loves2shop4shoes

Our WP consisted of:

My BFF of 19 years, two of my cousins, SIL, my brother, and three of DH's friends

1)  My MOH was my BFF.  We've been friends since we were 7.  It wasn't a surprise to anyone.  She's getting married soon.  I'm her MOH.  Again, no surprise.

2)  Cousin #1:  She and I are very close.  Like sisters.  We talk several times a week, and even though I don't see her much, she knows more about what goes on in my day to day life than any other member of my extended family.

3)  Cousin #2:  She's a total drama llama and we're not close.  I asked her because I knew NOT asking her would've resulted in a HUGE drama in my family.  I chose the lesser of two evils.  She didn't speak to me AT ALL on my wedding day because apparently she felt "left out" of things.  (Meanwhile, she ditched my bachelorette party because she felt bachelorette parties were "unnecessary" and she didn't want to financially contribute.)  Sigh. 

4)  SIL:  Because she's DH's sister…and I wanted to involve her.

5)  My brother:  Because he's my brother…and we're super close.

6)  DH's friends:  Because they're his closest friends, and one is a very close mutual friend of ours.

short+sassy

I had a very small wedding (35 guests) and my only attendant was my younger sister.  Her two children were my flower girl (4) and ring bearer (2).  Of course, I'm biased, but they were super adorable .

I only asked her to wear a red dress, all one color (no patterns), and any length.  I sent her a link from Target's bridesmaids dresses line, but it was more to be helpful because their dresses were very affordable and simple (more my sister's style).  She did end up choosing one of them.  She could pick her own shoes/jewelry and did her own make-up/hair. 

mimiphin

I have 3 girls, Friend, my Little (sorority) Sister and FSIL

My MOH, is my partner-in-crime and it just made sense. In my mind the only difference between the MOH and the BM's is one signs the register.

BM 1 is my little sister (who is older than me by a month), we are really close and she is super helpful in the planning process!

BM 2 is my FSIL, I thought it would be nice to have my FI's sister apart of our day. I am an only child and its kind of nice to gain a sister. We aren't super close, she lives about 6 hrs away but I feel like we have a mutual-understanding of liking each other, if that makes sense.

As for dresses/shoes/H-M,
Dresses I don't know I think I may just pick a colour/length/general style and then have the girls pick their own. BM1 is "Hopefully" going to be preggers at the wedding so the dress has to take in to account the bump.   

Shoes, I say they can wear a cute pair of black(or sliver, or gold or whatever the colour) that they feel comfortable in, I would prefer heels (anything from a kitten to a 5 inch-FSIL is short and normally wears 5') as I like the look of women in heels but its not a hill to die on.

H-M I am getting mine done, I don't trust myself to make myself look good. If they want to they can join me at their cost but it is no way required. I say just make yourself look good and they all always do and I trust them.

We also have 3 Best man/Grooms Men which is FI's job to deal with.

I also am going to have my two 8 almost 9 year old cousins (they are twins) to be our flower girl and ring bearer. I figure telling their mum- my aunt- to just dress them sort of kind of in relation to our colours, it doesn't matter if the purple isn't the same shade, just make them look good together- they already match! haha 

FG/RB live 11 hrs away,-East
MOH lives 3 hrs away- North
1 BM lives 3 hrs away-North
2 BM lives 6 hrs away-South

BM lives 9 hrs away- West
GM1 lives 7 hrs away South
GM2 lives 6 hrs away- North

ei34

Nice thread
I had three WP members. My two sisters, who I'm equally close to, were my co-MOHs. A very dear friend who I've known for 12 years was BM. It meant a lot having them there with me at such a happy time.
I'd asked each of them to wear any dress they liked in any shade of purple (couldn't have imagined asking 3 of my nearest and dearest to wear matching dresses, considering they have very different budgets, body types, and personal style). I had no preference re shoes, hair, make up, jewelry.

FiancB

Two sisters. One probably won't end up being a BM. 

One is my bff that we grew up as neighbors, were roommates in college, etc. She's quite a bit younger than me and we've drifted a little but we always pick up where we left off. I've known her since the day she was born and we have a lot  in common. 

Another is a friend that I'm also very close with but in a different way than the other. Kind of balances out. We are pretty different but have always been great friends. I actually talk to her more these days since we're at more similar points in our lives. We went to preschool together and then got to be really good friends in high school, hung out all through college. 

Another friend I'd met in college at the sheep barn and suffered through reproduction and physiology classes I would LOVE to have but she can't make the trip I am really sad about this. She's the "newest" of my friends but we have a ton in common. I didn't make it to her wedding a couple years ago for the same reason.

I will probably have my niece be a junior bridesmaid. She likes to be girly and is super excited about the wedding but is a little old to be a flower girl and I have a younger niece that's more the right age. 

Really all I'm asking is that they show up in a chiffon turquoise dress. A couple of them are very confused by this and keep asking what shoes they should wear, what kind of cleanup they'll have to do after the wedding, etc. I would love to have someone come in and do hair but don't know if it's in the budget- if I did I'd be paying for everybody. I might do makeup because I'm pretty decent at that, just bad at hair.