Your bridal party consists of those with whom you want to share every smile, every sigh and every tear of joy leading up to and on your special day. Here's who you need in your bridal party. Parents of the bride

The mother and father of the bride hold a central place of honour at their daughter's wedding. They are likely to feel partly responsible for the smooth running of the wedding and the guests' enjoyment. Try to make sure they have met all the other bridal party members and the groom's immediate family well before the wedding.

Chief bridesmaid

The chief bridesmaid is usually the best friend or sister of the bride. She should show good leadership skills as she will be in charge of the bridesmaids and pages on the day (so that you can relax and enjoy yourself). The chief bridesmaid also hosts the hen's night and bridal shower.

Best man

Traditionally, the best man's role was to get the groom to the church on time! The friend or relative you select should have an uncanny knack for helping you relax, good organisational skills and the ability to deliver a good speech. Lastly, as host of your buck's night, your best man must be responsible and someone who will respect your wishes.

Other attendants

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, pages and flower girls don't take on a major role in the wedding nowadays. You may choose as many friends as you like, bearing in mind that the larger the number, the more formal the wedding. Remember also, that even if they pay for their own attire, a large bridal party will mean increased costs for transport, flowers, gifts and so on.

When choosing your bridal party becomes a headache...

Choosing the bridal party can often require great diplomacy. If someone who has been left out is disappointed, try to explain your decision to them as gently and tactfully as possible. If they are still feeling put out, move on - it's your wedding and your choice.

On the other hand, if one of your attendants declines the honour, try to find out why and maybe a solution can be reached. If your best man gets into a panic every time he thinks of making a speech, the chief bridesmaid or a groomsman could give the speech instead. Maybe one of your bridesmaids simply cannot afford the expense of accepting the honour and this should be respected and dealt with as delicately as possible.

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Photography Lost in Love Photography Wedding Dress Wendy Makin Bridesmaids' Dresses Bridesmaids OnlyStylists Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade Hair Stylist Rhiane Schroder Makeup Artist Megan Vaughan, Makeup by Megan Makeup Assistant Kirsty Tamplin Bouquets, Flower Crowns & Floral StylingFrancis Floristry Calligraphy (at top) Eden Nairi Designs Shot on location at Kelvin Homestead