Age Difference in Bridal Party

The Q:"My fiancee and I are planning a wedding about a year and a half from now.

I have asked my best friend, who is my fiancees age (29) to be my maid of honor. I am 23 and just graduated from college and have moved around a lot, consequently findind out who my true friends are. I have two younger sisters, one from my mothers side and one from my fathers side who will both 14 & 15. I would like them to be my other bridesmaids because I have a very strong relationship with both of them. My fiancee and most of my friends think that this will look odd at the wedding because the groomsmen are so much older than them (between 25-31). I really do not like the thought of choosing random girlfriends to be my bridesmaids just because and would rather include those closest and meaningful to me. At the same time, I don't want guests whispering about the age differences or my wedding party to be strange. Some have suggested that they be junior bridesmaids, but we can't afford to have a massive bridal party that incluides bridesmaids, groomsmen and juniors.

Will this look strange, or, should I even care how things "look"?"- Sarah

The A: Sarah, you should not give a hoot, because their concerns are totally ridiculous. It's a bridal party, not a matchmaking party. Who walks down the aisle for 5 seconds together totally doesn't matter for any two people except for you and your fiancee. Tell them all that they are crazy, keep your bridal party small, your stress level low and remember that none of your guests really care about whose in your bridal party unless they had wanted to be included and weren't.

Because he's your fiancee and thinks it's weird, you should address his concerns and simply limit the potential "couple time" of their interaction: have the men wait at the "alter" and the girls walk in alone, one at a time. They will recess together, but no big deal (5 seconds). During photos, just pose the girls on one side of you and the guys on the other. And during your first dance, don't invite the bridal party to join in or have them walk in guy and girl- just invite all your guests up to dance.

Your instincts are right and bridesmaids should reflect whom you love most, and want to share that day with, not who will look the "best".

Enjoy!