Photography: Adeline and Grace Photography
To decide whether or not you need to include your sister in your bridal party, as a bridesmaid, can be a little tricky and, to be honest, quite awkward. As a bride to be, you already have a lot on your plate as it is without the additional unnecessary stress of deciding on this rather delicate matter. To make this decision can be challenging, especially if you have pressure from the family that you must include your sister in your bridal party, even if you may not necessarily want to.
If you are currently in the middle of this dilemma and you are unsure of how to go about making your decision, do not be discouraged as there are "benchmarks" that could help make it easier for you to decide.
You should have your sister as a bridesmaid, if:
1.You have a close bond and good relationship with her
2.You think she will do a good job
3.You think she will be hurt if you don't choose her.
4.You rely on her to comfort you throughout the wedding
It might be alright not to ask your sister to be a bridesmaid, if:
1.You're not really that close at all
2.You both get on each others' nerves more than you get along
3.She in fact does not have the time to help you prepare for your wedding
4.She doesn't mind to not be a part of the bridal party
In some cultures, even though you and your sister are very close – they do not necessarily even have to be a bridesmaid. This might make it easier for you to make your decision purely based on what you want. However, if there is a tradition in the family where the sisters always have to be a part of the wedding and to say "no" to that would hurt people's feelings then perhaps it would be wise to follow the tradition and make the best out of it. The only limit to that is on whether or not your sister, who you may not get along well with at all, would make things more stressful for you. If this is the case then it is important to talk things through with your sister and come to a compromise.
Whichever decision you come to, make sure that when you are considering your comfort, you also take other people's feelings into consideration. Although ultimately it is your big day, it would not be wise to jeopardize relationships along the way. If you are still unsure – ask around and get other people's opinions on the matter. We all deserve a nice journey to the day of our wedding, but it is only possible when you take into consideration the many aspects that come with making decisions such as these.
