Listen Up, Brides: Here Are the 9 Rules of Bridesmaid Etiquette

You're engaged! Now it's time to pop the wedding party question. Once you narrow down who you want, you can simply ask them in person or over the phone (pass on the email this time). Another fun idea? Send a personal card that will get the message across and also act as a sweet memento. When you do talk to them, be upfront about the time and monetary commitments.

The wedding party has long-established duties, but what you have yours do depends on just how traditional you want your wedding. Typically, you can expect bridesmaids to cohost a bridal shower or bachelorette party, and it's reasonable to ask your maid of honor to take the lead. On the big day, your wedding party can help with any last minute issues or errands.

It's a huge honor when someone asks you to be in her wedding, but if a person cannot commit to being a dedicated bridesmaid, she might decline. Be grateful for her honesty — after all, you don't want a friend to resent you if she can't handle the responsibilities. And since the person declining is likely very important to you, feel free to include her in any of the pre-wedding preparations or the wedding itself.

Rather than kick out an uninvolved bridesmaid, it's usually best to take the high road and avoid any extra drama surrounding your wedding. When a bridesmaid has checked out, try to understand any monetary or emotional limitations she's dealing with. If you really don't want the person in your wedding, ask yourself the questions you would ask before ending a friendship — since that could very well happen.

That's cool! It's totally acceptable to have no wedding party attendants at all. Your good friends and family can help you with pre-wedding parties and plans, and you can ask someone close to you to sign your wedding license. And now that we're talking unconventional, it's your big day, so feel free to do whatever you like. That includes having two maids of honor or having your best guy friend as your attendant too!