What to do with Fiona, and the merry cast of characters

To clarify, I can and will forever be known as Fiona and I'm okay with that, as you should be. Endearing as it seems being dubbed Fiona in a wedding party can be awkward at best. When recently I was asked to be the third bridesmaid in a cast of merry characters for my baby sisters wedding, it got me to thinking, what do you look for when creating a bridal party and does it really matter the height or size of your bridesmaid.  Now I will say I have read many articles that state rules and regulations about whom you should or shouldn't invite to be in your bridal party and no joke I have read articles where you should analyze the sizes of your bridesmaid to insure that they don't overshadow each other or some silliness. That all being said I'm not really a rules kinda gal and so... I believe:

Bridal parties, in their nature will stress you out(its humans, of course there will be stress) but here are some rules of thumb that I find work best. Before you decide whom will or will not be in your bridal party, sit down with your spouse and make your play books. Fionas  and Shreks aside, its good that all the characters in this three ring circus get along. So if you have a bickering sister or a on an occasion angry cousin, maybe this is not the time to invite them front and center. 

The size of your cast should be dictated not only by your love for them but also by the stage of which this performance will be played. 10 bridesmaids and a flower girl is not going to work with in the space held for 6 midgets. But heed this, make them important, don't pick the popular choice among family and friends, if you don't have siblings consider the girl friend of years over the Sally come lately. I will say this I have seen many a friendship go awry because one friend got picked over another, it's like being invited over to someones house for dinner and being asked are my mash potatoes better then your mama's, somethings are impossible to win and be aware of it; Own your decision. 

The best man should be one who can use the internet, the Maid of Honor should always have no sense of direction because these will all make the memories that will make up your wedding day. The bride getting bent because for sure the speech came from the online speech website. And the wedding planner staring at the door tapping her feet because the Maid of Honor is lost with the bride. Trust me those will be the things you remember. 

If I had a personal opinion, which I always do, I think 3 is a lovely number: A sister, close friend, and maybe a cousin for good measure. Consider making the handsome ring bearer, the cutest kiddo you know make sure they like to wear a tie or be prepared for the meltdown when they are unhappy with their clothing option. Flower girls are by far my favorite, if I could steal every little flower girl I would. And they can cry, its natural they are girls. 

So in the end lessons learned, let Fiona be Fiona, her 4 inches heels and all. Be confident in your decisions for the top slot and know that at the end of the day, you and the man of your dreams will ride into the sunset together.