How in advance do you pick bridesmaids/groomsmen

1. Before you pick their dress and shoes, check their budgets and make sure what you pick fits it, or else you need to fork over the difference for whoever can't pay or accept that they may bow out.

2. Don't force someone to bow out of your bridal party because you have picked a dress they can't afford and you won't help them pay for it.

3. If you want their hair to be the same, you need to pay for it.

Repeat after me: NO CONTRACTS.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids just need to buy the attire and stand at the altar with you. Anything else, like crafts or whatever, is for THEM to offer to help you with; you don't ask them or expect them to.

Ask them 6-8 months before, maybe 8-9 months if they have to travel and such.

Ask about 8 months in advance. Things happen and that sucks but having them sign a contract won't change anything except make you look like a controlling bridezilla and make everyone back away. So no to the contract.

When you ask everyone, check their budgets and find a dress (including alterations) within that budget. All they need to do is buy the dress and show up to the wedding. Anything extra you are requiring is a cost that you will pick up (i.e. makeup/hair/shoes/jewelry) and is NOT considered the gift for being in the BP.

Yes it is "your" day but once you involve anyone besides FH and yourself it is no longer about you and you are hosting people.

I only have mine picked so far in advance because one is my SIL and the other is my FSIL, and I certainly didn't make them sign contracts. It's not that serious.

Thanks ladies I do have a budget for my BM as my TH will pick out the GM.. I was thinking of picking a dress were it's nice for a wedding plus also nice to wear to a party or dinner party. And for the hair I know you can get a good deal if we all get our hair done by the same salon.. Im