To Have a Wedding Party, Or Not to Have A Wedding Party?
Photo: Andrea Godfrey
To have a wedding party, or to not have a wedding party, that is the question. As a Wedding production company based in Chicago, we have designed weddings with none, to tons! In the end, it’s all up to you if you want a wedding party. We are pro party, and pro just couple. If you are on the fence, here are some things to consider:
Attire
The more folks on your wedding party the more you will have to coordinate attire. If you want everyone to wear the same thing, then there are more budgets and styles you need to consider. It really can be stressful trying to coordinate a look that fits everyone’s body type, skin tone, and budget. Especially when you already have so much to think about with the wedding.
Tips:
Instead of having everyone wear the same attire, pick a color palette or pattern, and allow everyone to choose their own thing. This allows folks to wear something that makes them feel comfortable, while also staying in their budget. It also gives you less to worry about, because everyone else is in charge of their own attire (though you may need to send a few “checking in” texts/emails.)
Hire a stylist to style your wedding party for you! Not only will it take something off your to-do list, but it will also ease up the tasks of your wedding party.
Have someone on your wedding party be in charge of everyone’s attire.
Photo By: Kristen Soileau
Beauty
If you require everyone in your party to wear makeup then it is courteous to pay for the services. Keep this in mind when deciding your wedding party. The more members in your party means the more $$$ you will spend. Also consider, the more people that require services, means this will also increase the number of artists you need to book, and also potentially increase the duration of time to get ready. More people = the earlier you will need to get up.
Tips:
Don’t require everyone on your party to wear makeup/let them decide if they want beauty services. Some folks are a lot more comfortable wearing nothing, or putting on their own make up. This could also potentially limit the services and therefore will limit the time/number of artists. This option also might allow some flexibility, as maybe some would love to have their hair styled but not do make up, or the other way around!
Getting Ready
If you have a wedding party and want to get ready with them, then you need to make sure you have a location that can fit everyone.
Tips:
Book a hotel suite! Hotel suites can hold a larger chunk of guests, and are a perfect way to have all your members get ready together. This is a lovely option if the married couple is also staying at the hotel, because it can act as the married suite at the end of the night, (just make sure you have a member clean the room, or have room service fix it up before they return).
If you are going for a more communal vibe, an Airbnb or potentially your personal residence is another great option. Invite everyone over and you have the perfect balance between private rooms, and open space.
You can find a venue that includes a green room. You will have to check with the venue if you are able to book the space, or arrive at the venue early, but it can potentially be an option.
Send out a wedding timeline and have everyone get ready by themselves. Just make sure to notify everyone when and where they need to be next.
Photo by: Tuan B & Co
Timeline
The more party members mean there are more people to “be in charge of.” You will need to make sure everyone is ready and at a certain place at the correct time. This “wrangling” begins with the rehearsal, as all wedding party members should be present.
Tips:
Have your wedding planner send out a “wedding party friendly” timeline of your wedding. This will allow everyone to be aware of where and when they need to be.
Have folks get ready together as it brings everyone to the same point early on, which will make it easier for the team to transport to the venue, or next location.
Photos Around Town
If you are planning on taking photos around town, then you will need to consider how you would like to get to those locations. If you also want to get to those locations with your party, then you need to consider a bigger mode of transportation. Luckily, it is rather simple to rent a bus or trolley, but keep in mind the number of members in your party could limit the styles, and availability.
Tips:
Keep your photo locations close to your wedding venue, or getting ready location. This will potentially limit the need for transportation, or at least limit potential traffic.
Assistance
An amazing perk to having a wedding party is all the overall support you have. They are hopefully some of your closest friends/family that would do anything for you. Ideally, you have a wedding planner and vendors that are taking care of the event, but your wedding party is also their to lend a hand for you! Need distraction? More water? Someone to be the DJ while getting ready? Someone to take photos while you wait for professional ones? They are there for you.
Photo: J, Brown Photography
DO YOU HAVE A BOLD VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING?
Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!