| It's that time. You've gotten engaged and you've | | | | witnesses to this marriage. When it takes place in |
| set a date. Next you have to find a venue to | | | | a spiritual house, church, synagogue, wherever, |
| celebrate your wedding with a reception, then the | | | | you are saying that you will do whatever you can |
| dirty work begins. Now you have to choose your | | | | to keep this marriage together. It's much more |
| bridal party. This is especially difficult when there's | | | | than finding someone who looks good in the |
| lots of friends and family. The guys aren't an | | | | bridesmaid's gown that you chose. |
| issue. They could care less. But this isn't the case | | | | I have consulted on many weddings facing the |
| with the girls. They have unspoken contests | | | | sister or best friend dilemma. Most have gone |
| about how many bridal parties they've been in | | | | with family, just because many times friends flee, |
| and mostly, how many times they've been the | | | | but family is family forever, even if you wish |
| maid of honor. But you have a sister. So, is it | | | | they weren't. But, the last wedding I worked on |
| your sister or your best friend? | | | | was something different and I'm seeing this more |
| This is a dilemma that so many brides face every | | | | and more lately. There were two maids of honor |
| day. And I've seen relationships broken with | | | | and two best men. They were each given the |
| friends and family situations strained because of | | | | duties that they were to do and honestly, it was |
| these difficult decisions that have to be made. So | | | | very beautiful. The bride just couldn't decide |
| what do you do? | | | | between her sister, who she was very close with, |
| Being in a bridal party is an honor. It means that | | | | and her best friend since grade school who was |
| you are a close friend. You are a confidant and | | | | like a sister to her. |
| someone who has known and been there for the | | | | What needs to be remembered is that yes, there |
| bride and/or groom for a good part of their lives. | | | | are traditions and most like to follow them pretty |
| Well, that's what it's supposed to mean. Today, | | | | much. But remember, it is still your wedding. You |
| especially, some couples pick their wedding party | | | | can bend the rules or change them completely if |
| like they pick out underwear; if it looks good, then | | | | you wish. If having more than one maid of honor |
| there is a possibility. But this is not the way it's | | | | will save a heart from being hurt and you prefer |
| supposed to be. | | | | that, do it. It will make for a much happier day |
| The best man and the maid of honor are | | | | for you and your future spouse. |