A not-so-serious guide by Studio 900 Wedding Photography Let’s be honest: choosing your bridesmaids should be easy, right? Just pick your best mates, buy them matching dresses, and voilà—wedding magic.But after photographing over 1,000 weddings here at Studio 900, we’ve learned a few things. Namely: bridesmaids can make or break your big day.So before you hand out those “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” boxes, read on for some truths, tips, and tales from the aisle…
👯♀️ Don’t Just Choose Your Drinking Buddies
Sure, she’s the life of the party and your unofficial tequila coach—but will she show up to your 8am hair trial?We once had a wedding where a bridesmaid missed the ceremony entirely because she accidentally booked a spray tan appointment that morning. No, we’re not joking. And yes, the bride still lets her come to Christmas dinner (barely).Tip: Pick people who are reliable, not just fun on a night out.
😬 Beware the Overly Opinionated Maid
“You can’t wear ivory, babe. It’ll wash you out.”
“I think strapless is a bit 2015, don’t you?”
“Are we seriously doing a rustic theme?”At one wedding we shot, a bridesmaid staged a mini revolt because she didn’t like the colour of the napkins. True story. The bride smiled, nodded… and quietly reassigned her to “confetti duty.”Tip: You want support, not a second wedding planner with attitude.
💸 Be Honest About Costs Upfront
Some bridesmaids are thrilled to spend £300 on a dress, hair, makeup, shoes, and that very necessary floral robe for the ‘getting ready’ photos. Others… not so much.We’ve seen bridesmaids ghost group chats after being asked to chip in for a hen weekend in Ibiza. One bride even had a “bridesmaid breakup” over matching shoes.Tip: Set expectations early and offer alternatives. Kindness + clarity = no drama.
📸 Think About the Photos
As your photographers, we love it when bridesmaids help keep the morning fun and stress-free. We do not love when one of them is still in joggers during the group shots because she “hates having her picture taken.”Or the time one bridesmaid accidentally wore white because “it was cream, not white, babe.”Tip: Choose people who lift you up, smile in group photos, and understand it’s your moment—not theirs.
💕 Choose With Your Heart (and a Bit of Your Head)
At the end of the day, the best bridesmaids are the ones who:
Cheer you on when your mum critiques your dress choice
Hold your bouquet and your sanity
Cry harder than you during your vows (in a good way)
Have your back—even when your heel breaks during golden hour photos
Final Thoughts from Behind the Lens
We’ve seen the best and worst of bridal parties—laughs, tears, wardrobe malfunctions, and full-on group hug breakdowns (and that was just in the bridal suite). But here’s the thing: when you choose wisely, your bridesmaids become your emotional life-vests, your glam squad, and your on-the-day hype team.So pick the ones who love you, know you, and won’t try to re-theme your wedding on the day.And if all else fails, just smile—we’ll make sure you look amazing anyway. 💁♀️📸
