Changing a bridesmaid a yr in advance

It depends if you talk to her and see her. I wouldnt put her in solely based on what you have written. even though i have so many friends if im not talking to them and seeing them in the months before my wedding they were not put into my wedding party. i want to make sure i have girls that i will speak to forever. i dont want to look back in photos and be like oh whose that friend i havent spoke to in years. but i mean its your choice. she can offer advice over text or you can send her stuff to keep her in the loop about your wedding. if both of you are going to make the effort then put her in.

If the long-distance friend has not done anything beyond being further away, I personally would keep her in the party. If the long distance person has turned into a level 10 drama llama and is making your wedding planning a nightmare, that's a different story.

There are other ways to have the new friend involved. One poster already suggested adding her in as another bridesmaid if possible. If not, you could always ask her to do something like a reading during the ceremony, or, if she sings, to sing a song at the ceremony or reception to make her feel involved on the day-of. You could also invite her to all the bridal party activities like the bachelorette or bridal shower too to make her feel included.

I would say to have her as a BM still - just because she isn't there physically doesn't mean she isn't there for you if you were to call her or video chat. If when you do chat it isn't the best friend that you remember then ok, but otherwise I think it would mean a lot to you on the day of your wedding to have her there for you by your side.

Do you have a limit of 1 Maid of Honour and 1 Bridesmaid? Can your FH just add a Groomsman if atm he only has 1 Best Man and one Groomsman?

If you can add another bridesmaid, I would keep your lifelong friend and your newer friend in the wedding party, along with your MOH.

If your FH only has 2 on his side, you could still have an uneven party - I have 4 on my side and my FH only has 3. I'm also far away from my whole bridal party, so I've done most of my planning myself but I still wanted my closest friends to stand by my side.

Your long distance best friend can still be a bridesmaid given some of the responsibilities when she does attend to the functions.

Choosing friends you know that are long term friends an close friends in town will be hard to choose for what you want them to do and how. Don't give up on the idea of losing anyone, just carefully let them know what they can do. As for dresses when the time comes, have your long distance best friend to get the measurements needed that the store will require to provide them and an e-transfer or cheque from her side to the shop or you to give them personally.

This is your day to have and remember at the end and having your friends with you is the most important thing you want as well.