I put off thinking about our bridal party for quite some time. Wedding blogs and the boards here have plenty stories of bridal-party drama, and while I didn’t expect any from the people I had in mind, I didn’t want to worry about that aspect of wedding planning at first.
Originally, I wrote down the names of people I felt obligated to ask along with the names of people I really wanted to be in my party. I wound up with seven or eight names…which felt way, way too large to me. I started to envision all of those people throughout different parts of the wedding day and realized that I didn’t want a cast of thousands. I wanted three people, from three different “parts” of my life.
One. Two. Three. / Photo by Miss Mink
I wanted my closest Charlottesville friend, who jokes that we are work spouses, as my matron of honor. I couldn’t imagine not having my sister-in-law with me. We’ve seen each other through so many different phases of life. I also wanted a good friend who I made through my biggest passion: music. We love seeing live music. We especially love seeing live music with her and her husband.
Once I settled on these three ladies, I stopped worrying about my bridal party. In fact, I stopped worrying about a lot of wedding-day things. It’s amazing what feeling that support can do.
So what are these little spools? I wish I had come up with the idea myself, but they are the creation of Esther from the Etsy shop Choosing You. You might remember that I mentioned seeing Choosing You on my post about moss letters the other day. Esther and I chatted back and forth about my wedding colors and what materials could be used for these little guys. She had found some vintage blue thread spools and offered them as an option. She only had four, so I jumped on her offer. Aren’t they cute?
I wrapped each little spool in a cute little box. I added a little note and a sheet introducing my three bridesmaids to each other and reiterated my wishes that there be no showers or bachelorette party. Off they went to each of my friends. This might be silly, but I was actually kind of nervous about this part. What if they said no? Well, that was silly. They all said yes. Hooray! I’m so happy about my little bridal party!
How many bridesmaids do you think is “just right”? How many is too many?
oh my, those are one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen, mink!
@jacinda10: Aren’t they? I have to admit that I kind of wish I had one for myself! 
@Mrs. Earrings: Aren’t they? The Etsy seller makes all kinds, but she was really great about working with me on the right colors.
These are so cute; no one would say no with this kind of invitation!
@Mrs. Pony: Thanks! I don’t know why I was nervous to ask my friends and SIL! It was one of those “I like you this much…do you like me this much?” moments. I felt like a kid!
I’m on your team, I have three!
sadly, there has been drama already, since I didn’t take into account that they are all single Mom’s who struggle withe custody and money issues, and we can’t agree on the dress. One refuses to wear my colour! argh. I hope there’s none of that for you, Miss Mink!
@mtnhoney: Oh no! I’m so sorry! The one that refuses to wear a color…is she 4 because one of my friend’s daughters does that and she’s in preschool. 
Good luck, Mtn Honey!
I have 4 bridesmaids, and I was debating on a 5th. But I’m glad I stuck with the smaller size. Saves on money & makes for a closer circle.
And I LOVE those spools!!!
I also have three! Enough to fill out the pictures, but not too many so as to have a parade.
@penguin_girl_0413: Same here. I like my little bridal party!
New bookmark on Etsy – thanks Mink! Now just to think of a way to use them…
Those are adorable! I can’t imagine anyone saying no to that, I sure wouldn’t
Mrs. Mink, Charlottesville, Virginia Age and Occupation: 34, College Administrator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 40, Craft Beer Consultant Engagement Date: November 26, 2010 Wedding Date: June 2012 Venue: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards About Me: I left a pre-war brownstone in Boston six years ago to live in a funky, Southern city where Thomas Jefferson, Dave Matthews, and urban chicken keepers enjoy equal social standing. I still love my Patriots and Red Sox, but have fallen in love with Virginia. I work in education and specialize in integrating technology into my work to improve the student experience. I’m a diehard blogger, animal lover, jamband follower, and DIYer. I paint to relax and have transferred by energy from home projects to wedding projects in recent months. When Mr. Mink and I started talking about marriage, we knew our wedding would be outdoors, that my golden retriever would be part of the day, and that the music would be fantastic. We’ve taken a few risks during our planning process and we’ve been enjoying the process immensely!
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