When to "officially" ask wedding party...

Honestly, My fiance and I asked when we told them we were engaged. I wanted them to know as soon as possible how important they are. Plus since they know first thing they have all been super helpful for planning.

The sooner the better. Unless thou ate paying for everything for them they also may need to save up money for the wedding. Also to make sure they don't have anything else going on during that same time.

Once u know for sure who u want without a doubt. Its best to let them know for they can save up for it all. Dont want them to rush to try and get money together.

Im having my vow renewal next year in july and I asked my bridal party back in February.

My FH asked people kinda slowly after the fact but probably within the first month of being engaged. I on the other hand asked everyone within a few days of being engaged...but we also had a set date for the wedding by the time we got officially engaged as well.

I asked them before I got engaged (because I knew it would happen).

We got engaged in Oct 2012, and we figured out who we wanted in our party almost immediately. I waited until Nov. to start asking people because I wanted to do as much of it as I could in person (we live in VA, and 13/14 of our BP members are in NY or CT). It was a little early based on WW "standards", but I knew I wouldn't regret asking them, and my mind on them wouldn't change.

I asked once we started the planning process. We hadn't set a date yet, but we knew the wedding was happening, and I knew exactly who I wanted at my side. I'd heard some people give advice to wait if you are unsure of who you want. I definitely agree you shouldn't ask unless 100% positive. There's stories out there of people asking because they feel obligated and then being unhappy with their choices. You shouldn't ask someone unless you definitely want them beside you, not just because their a groomsman's sister or something like that.

I had my MOH picked years ago since it's my sister. The others I had a list but didn't ask them until 5 months after being engaged when I had more wedding planning out of the way.

I wanted to give them an idea of what the weekend schedule is and what events they most likely need to be there for (prior to wedding) before I asked them. I wanted them to say yes knowing all the things that came with it.

I would say 9-12 months out, but not too much longer than that. I have noticed a trend on here with people having wedding party drama when they ask too early.

I asked mine around Thanksgiving of last year and I get married on Saturday, so about 8 months. However, I knew I was going to keep dresses and shoes inexpensive (ended up being about $150 total) and not make other expenses mandatory, plus all of my ladies are professionals with moderate to well paying jobs so I knew it wouldn't be too hard for them to save up that money.

I asked almost immediately after getting engaged. That was about seven months ago. No wedding drama so far!

I asked when we got engaged...3 years ago! Haha.

But 1) I knew always these three were it. One is my sister, one is my cousin who is more like a sister and one is my BFF of 26 years (since we were 2!). I figured if they have been by my side for my entire life and there have never been any hardships it was probably safe to ask them.

Also, we at the time had no idea when the wedding would be. We're last minute planners usually and knew this would be no different so our wedding could've been 3 months later or 3 years later (like it was). I "re asked" them once we set a date to make sure they were still able and willing and all 3 were still very much on board!

I would say atleast 8-9 months from the wedding. Before the save the dates. If you are having an engagement party, try to ask them at the party! I've been asked at a few engagement parties and it is always a nice touch since you get to meet everyone else at the same time.

You need to ask the bridal party early enough where they have time to organize your bridal shower and bachelorette party.

It depends. If you are having a destination wedding, you should ask them a year in advance. If your wedding will be local, give them at least 8 - 10 months notice so they can make arrangements.

Before save the dates, otherwise it would seem like an afterthought.

I asked all of my BMs pretty much within a couple of weeks of getting engaged. FH has only asked his BM and one GM. He's waiting for some of the RSVPs to come back to see if some of his OOT friends will be making the trip. If not, he'll ask local friends.

I asked my bridesmaids right after we picked the date.

Thank you everyone! I will plan on September (one year out) since we are a destination for everyone but us. Hehe Save the dates...still need to figure when to send those. Blargh. Ha!

I got engaged in January of this year and immediately asked two of my friends to be BMs... I wish I had waited because it's caused a lot of drama. FH doesn't have his GMs set in stone yet, but with some of his family circumstances, that is best. I think that asking them far enough in advance to save up for things is great, but don't do it too soon. Have your plans set first.

As mentioned above, we asked as we told people we were engaged....we were too excited to wait.

I'm sending an official invitation with my engagement party invitations, but a few of them already know unofficially.