Bridal Party Pressure from Family

Just because you ask MOH's youngest cousin doesn't mean you have to ask the snarky one.

Have who you WANT beside you.

I'm pretty sure it's YOUR bridal party, not your aunt's or cousin's. The people who stand up with you should be the ones you're closest with. You don't have to choose them just because they're family our your aunt says to.

Seven is already a massive bridal party... Kate Middleton just had her sister! Have you considered JUST having a MOH? I know this may sound crazy, but twice I've been the only BM, and i only had my sister and SIL in mine.

Just wondering if you could imagine that... Then you tell the others you just want them to enjoy the day, and you couldn't have everyone, so you're keeping it simple.

If you've already asked the seven girls, you have to put your foot down, because it won't be the last time family had an opinion. Tell your aunt that you already feel overwhelmed with seven, and you just want your other cousins to come as guests and enjoy the day. Telling your aunt it is too much for you, may help her remember it's about the wedding, not her kids.

Don't let you family or anyone pressure you into having people in your BP that you don't want. Your MOH and BMs should be the closest people to you, the ones you want by your side as your marry your husband. Its YOUR choice, not theirs. ETA - spelling

Have who you want in your BP! It's your choice, no one can pressure you it to including certain people. Just ignore the pressure, and if they make a big deal of it, just tell them that you want your closest friends who have been there for you over the years. If you are not close to your cousins, your family should understand.

We did just what Rebecca said. There was a maid of honor (sister) and a best man, and that was it. No additional bridesmaids or groomsmen. It was wonderful. One of my cousins threw the shower and was my go to person for the wedding, but she wasn't a bridesmaid. I think she even enjoyed it more that way. I did get her a gift because she was so helpful.

Just go with your cousin as your MOH. It's your bridal party. My grandma and family gave me a lot of flack for not picking any family for my BP, and while I love my cousins, we all live in different areas and see eachother maybe once or twice a year. I have no sisters, and my friends are closer to me than all of them, sorry! Sounds like your cousin is like a sister, and there's no obligation to have ppl you don't want

It's your bridal party, ask who you are closest to that you want to share the day with! Don't let others pressure you!

I agree with everyone else. You have to remember it is you and your fiancé's wedding. Those are the only people that need to decide on who stands with you!!

Seven girls is a lot already. Do not feel pressured to include them in your bridal party. If you want to include others, have them do a reading, welcome guests to ceremony, or man the sign in table

Stick with your gut! Throughout the entire process. Do what you want! Those people who are making such selfish remarks, you probably don't want them by your side on the day, they will think it's all about them.

Its YOUR day. Pick who you want. No need to explain why to others. Its rude to ask to be in a wedding party. Imagine picking out dresses with these same girls if they are demanding to be in the BP! I am sure they will get all kinds of crazy and opinionated about the dress if you let them be in it.

Definitely stick with your gut on this and don't let yourself be guilted into including people out of obligation.

If MOH's older sister can't handle being an adult and not being asked to be a BM, that is not your problem.

The next time your younger cousin threatens to wear a white dress and have someone throw flowers at her all day, tell her if she is that hellbent on looking stupid, to knock yourself out.

Change your avatar!!

Thank you so much for all your responses! I agree and am going to ask my girl cousins who aren't in the bridal party to hand out programs or participate in another way if they are interested in being a party of our wedding. I also agree that if I don't put my foot down now and follow my gut this early on that I'm basically paving the way to let my family be pushy about the rest of the planning process as well. You ladies are amazingly helpful