When to ask bridesmaids/wedding party?

I think it depends on your relationship, honestly. I asked mine just under 2 years in advance and I'm not worried about our relationships. I make sure to not talk only about wedding stuff and focus on our friendship first and foremost.

If I did it again I'd probably wait just a little longer because looking back I wish I was able to give them a better idea of expectations and know myself what I wanted when I asked them. Nothing too crazy, I just think it would've been nice to tell them right away how much I was thinking dresses would cost and the type of shoes, hair, and makeup we were going for, just to give them a head's up because they have time to save.

Like Jessi said, it depends. A lot of people on here will say to not ask too early because of so many posts about brides regretting it and friendships ending, but I think it also depends on how you treat one another during the wedding planning process.

I asked all of my ladies last year before the holidays, and our wedding is January 2022. I don't have any regrets, and probably won't. I've made sure to not talk about wedding stuff every time we talk unless it's something important. Otherwise, I let them bring it up in conversation. Also be open to everyone's opinions, and respect their feelings and also budgets. Be honest with them about what things will cost, and understand that your vision for your wedding shouldn't override your friendship and respect for that person!

I'd recommend sticking with the 8-12 month guideline. There is literally nothing they need to do before that, so you won't be losing anything in the timeline. Too many brides on here express regret in selecting their bridal party too soon, and friendships are ruined. None of them ever foresaw the relationship changing, but sometimes they just do, especially if you are on the younger side of the spectrum. When you do ask, make sure you clearly communicate what your expectations are, and a general idea of budget/cost so that everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

Now is too soon. Read through enough of these forums and you’ll come across plenty of people who are in awkward situations with bridal party members they aren’t close with anymore. I’d wait at least a year.

I asked mine about 18 months in advance (and then we postponed, so it turns out it was really 2 years in advance lol). Two BMs are sisters and 1 is my best friend of over a decade, so I knew there wouldn't be any chance of those relationships changing and they've all known for years that they would be part of my bridal party someday. The other 2 are other close friends, and while my relationship with one of them isn't as strong as it used to be, I don't regret asking her to be in my bridal party.

Basically, I think its up to you and how strong you feel those relationships are.

I’m getting married in March of 2023 and we asked our bridal party in May of this year! It’s been wonderful having my girls to talk to about wedding stuff as a few of them are already married. And we just picked our venue so it’s been great sharing that excitement with them!

I would ask when you feel comfortable but be prepared for things to change when the date gets closer. We’ve been engaged since feb. and are getting married this nov. its been really hard maintaining the hype and making sure everyone is meeting deadlines and requesting appropriate days off. Unfortunately I had to demote a bridesmaid, but I’m honestly thankful this happened 5 months out instead weeks before the wedding

Don’t ask anyone before 6-8 months before the wedding. There is nothing anyone needs to do prior to that and the forums are filled with countless posts of brides who asked the wrong people too early and the consequences that go with that.

It depends on your relationship to the people in question. I asked my girls the day after I got engaged, which was 14 months before the wedding, because I knew exactly who I wanted and I knew that my relationships with them wouldn't change. I think it comes down to personal preference in the end!

I'm getting married Sept 2022 and I asked my girls in April/May this year. I don't see those relationships changing and I wanted them to have as much time as possible to save (four are out of state, and the other two have several other weddings next year as well). Four of them knew they'd be in it anyway. The other two had an idea. I told them what my plan for dresses was, and when to expect more information about it so that I can avoid a lot of questions. I don't expect anything from them other than to buy a dress and be there. I had open invites for when I went to try on dresses but no obligation.

My Fiancé has done his proposal for his guys. However, I'm still giving myself time before I ask my ladies and my men. We plan to marry in bout ten months and have almost been engages for 1 month. I'm still testing the waters with who I want by my side during the most unforgettable moment of my life, but I also would like to put some thought and planning into how I will ask them.

So I'm also getting married in October 2023 and I've talked to my bridesmaids, have my theme and colors picked out, have reached out to a venue, and lined up a photographer.

My theory is this: The more time I give myself to plan, the better I can budget and pick up small items as they go on sale to reduce the wedding cost and spread it out over a more reasonable amount of time.

Still, I would recommend holding off on sending anything formalized to guests until a few months beforehand. Gives you some wiggle room on decisions and not everyone is as forward planning.