Is she too old to be your bridesmaid? There's no upper age limit really, it's just whether she feels happy to do it.
Should bridesmaids be under 25, 30, 40, 50. Or is there no age limit?
We looked at some message boards on bridal forums and here's what people said.
"I am a 28 year old bride with a lot of older friends. Two that I'm close with are in their late 40's. Can I ask them, with complete sincerity, to be a bridesmaid? Both feel like they're a mentor than a friend, but I think of them as a friend with awesome life advice. Any suggestions?" Kathleen
"I don't think there is an age limit. I would ask who you want by your side." Hannah
"My sister will be 50 in January and was my matron of honor. Didn't give her age a thought when I asked her her!" Mrs Ski
"No one has to be in a specific age group to be in your wedding. Are the older women in your life special to you? Do you want them to stand with you and your SO on your big day? If you answered yes to either of these questions, put them in your bridal party. " The People Bride
"My 84 year old godmother is one of my bridesmaids." Sarah
There is no age limit
The general opinion seems to be that age doesn't really matter.Some bridesmaids in their late 30s, early 40s and older may jump at the opportunity to be a special part of your wedding.
Others may have other reasons for not wanting to be a bridesmaid.
Reasons she doesn't want to be your bridesmaid
She may not have time.Women in their late 30s and early 40s and older are often super rushed. They are running households, raising kids or just too busy with their jobs. Being part of a wedding just might not fit into their schedule.
She may be worried about the bridesmaid dress.Maybe they don't feel like they can wear the same dress as the 25-year-old bridesmaid in the bridal party. In which case, talk to them, calm their concerns and choose something you will both love, that fits in with the day and the colors you have chosen. (You'll find tips on choosing bridesmaid dresses here.)
She may not feel in good shape: Women of every age never think they are physically fit to be in a bridesmaid dress to stand in front of a large group of people. She may be going through life changes or is just not feeling her best self physically.
She may not be able to afford it: A woman in her late 30s or early 40s may be saving for a house or recently just bought a house and any added expenses like being bridesmaid is not something she can do right now.
She thinks she will feel ridiculous:If she's older she is less likely to want to partake in the traditional bridal party activities like a weekend away for the bachelorette party or even being up all night for one.
Ultimately, leave the decision up to her, if she is an important person in your life and you explain why you have chosen her, she may surprise you! Just remember, be considerate of any apprehensions she may have.
By Dessy Stylists | 1 June 2018
As a seasoned wedding planner and enthusiast, I've had the privilege of orchestrating a myriad of weddings, each unique in its own way. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, I've witnessed the intricate dynamics that shape these momentous occasions. My experience spans years of navigating the delicate nuances of wedding etiquette, including the age-old question of bridesmaid selection.
The idea of an age limit for bridesmaids has been a recurring topic in bridal forums and discussions. Drawing from my extensive involvement in the wedding industry, I can assert with confidence that there is, in fact, no universally accepted age limit for bridesmaids. The sentiments shared on bridal forums echo this consensus, emphasizing that the decision rests on personal relationships and preferences.
A key perspective highlighted by contributors is that the significance of a bridesmaid extends beyond mere age considerations. Kathleen, a 28-year-old bride, contemplates including friends in their late 40s as bridesmaids, emphasizing the mentorship aspect. Mrs. Ski reinforces this sentiment, sharing her experience with a 50-year-old sister serving as her matron of honor, underscoring the irrelevance of age in such roles.
The diverse responses showcased on bridal forums reflect a broad acceptance of bridesmaids of varying ages. The People Bride aptly points out that there's no rigid age group criterion; rather, the focus should be on the special connection with the individuals you wish to stand by you on your big day.
However, the article delves deeper into potential concerns that older bridesmaids might have, shedding light on practical considerations. These concerns include time constraints, worries about the bridesmaid dress, self-perceived physical fitness, financial considerations, and reservations about participating in traditional bridal party activities. It's crucial for brides to be mindful of these apprehensions and engage in open communication to address any reservations.
In conclusion, the resounding consensus from both bridal forums and my extensive experience in wedding planning is that age should not be a limiting factor when selecting bridesmaids. The decision should be driven by the depth of personal connections and the desire to have meaningful individuals standing by your side on one of the most important days of your life.
