Choosing The Right Number Of Bridesmaids For Your Wedding

Deciding on the number of bridesmaids for your wedding day can be a tricky task. While some brides-to-be will have no question about who they want by their side, others will struggle with the decision. There is no right or wrong number of bridesmaids to have – it's completely up to you and your budget. The most common number of bridesmaids is three, but anywhere between one and twelve is considered normal. If you're worried about the cost, remember that bridesmaids are not cheap – you'll need to pay for their dresses, shoes, accessories, flowers, food, gifts and transport. You may also want to consider the size of your venue and the formality of your wedding. While there's no limit to the number of bridesmaids you can have, remember that more people in your bridal party means more opinions and schedules to coordinate. Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose should reflect your relationships and your vision for your wedding.

Budget

Firstly, you will need to pay for each bridesmaid's dress, shoes, jewellery, accessories, flowers, food throughout the day, a gift, and transportation to the venue. Many brides also pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup to be styled on the morning of the wedding. If you are asking your bridesmaids to wear, do, or carry specific things, it is generally your responsibility to pay for them.

The number of bridesmaids you have will also impact the overall cost of the wedding itself. A larger bridal party may require a bigger venue, more food, and more guests, all of which will increase your spending.

It is important to consult your budget before asking anyone to be a bridesmaid. Be realistic about what you can afford, and remember that you are under no obligation to have any bridesmaids at all. If you are worried about the cost, consider asking just your closest friends or family members to be bridesmaids, or think about having a co-ed bridal party with bridesmen, who may be willing to cover their own costs.

While budget is an important factor, it is not the only consideration when deciding on the number of bridesmaids. You should also take into account the size and formality of your wedding, as well as the dynamics of your social group. Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose is a personal decision, and you should select the people who are most important to you and will make your wedding day special.

Venue size

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it's important to consider the size of your wedding venue. While there is no right or wrong number of bridesmaids, and you can have as many or as few as you like, the size of your venue will play a role in determining how many people you can accommodate in your bridal party.

If you're getting married in a small space, such as a registry office or a cosy country hotel, you may need to limit the number of bridesmaids. Consider how many people will be able to comfortably stand with you at the altar. On the other hand, if you're tying the knot in a grand ballroom, a smaller number of bridesmaids may look a little lost.

The size of your venue will also impact the flow of your wedding day. A larger venue may accommodate more bridesmaids without feeling crowded, while a smaller space could become cramped and chaotic with too many people. Keep in mind that you'll need to get ready, take photos, and move around the venue with your bridal party, so ensure there's enough space for everyone to comfortably enjoy the day.

Another factor to consider is the size of your guest list. While the number of guests doesn't dictate the number of bridesmaids, it's important to ensure that your venue can comfortably accommodate everyone. You don't want your venue to feel overcrowded or for your guests to feel cramped during the ceremony or reception.

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it's a good idea to discuss your plans with your partner. Consider your budget, the dynamics of your friendship group, and the overall vision for your wedding day. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and you should choose the people who are closest to you and will help make your day special.

Wedding formality

The number of bridesmaids you choose for your wedding is a matter of personal preference, and there is no "correct" number. However, the formality of your wedding can be a factor in determining how many bridesmaids you should have.

Very formal weddings, such as black-tie events, typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, occasionally up to 12, along with at least one flower girl and ring bearer/page boy. Semi-formal to formal weddings usually have between 2 and 6 bridesmaids, while casual weddings, elopements, and registry office weddings often have just one or two bridesmaids or even none at all.

If you are having a destination wedding, the owner and creative director of Mae&Co Creative, Manda Worthington, suggests that the number of bridal party members largely depends on the size of the wedding itself. The number of guests in attendance, the venue size, the number of close friends and family members you want to include, and the atmosphere you want to create will all influence the size of your bridal party.

Ultimately, the decision on how many bridesmaids to have is yours, and you should choose the people you want standing by your side on your wedding day, regardless of the formality or size of your wedding.

Friendship dynamics

On the other hand, if you have a mix of friends and sisters, you might want to consider only asking your siblings to be bridesmaids. This can be a tricky decision, especially if you have a large group of close friends. If you're worried about hurting feelings, it's important to communicate your decision sensitively and honestly. Be prepared to have open and honest conversations with your friends about your decision, and remember that a true friend will understand your choices, even if they're disappointed.

Another aspect of friendship dynamics to consider is the personalities of your potential bridesmaids. If you have two people in mind for the role of maid of honour, for instance, think about how well they would work together. Are their personalities compatible, or are they likely to clash? Choosing bridesmaids with complementary personalities can make the planning process smoother and ensure everyone feels included and valued.

Additionally, consider the level of commitment and responsibility that comes with being a bridesmaid. Being a bridesmaid is not just about standing at the altar on the wedding day; it's also about providing support, helping with tasks, and potentially incurring financial costs. Make sure you choose bridesmaids who are up for the task and willing to put in the time and effort. It's also important to be mindful of your friends' circumstances, such as demanding jobs or family commitments, which might make it difficult for them to fulfil the role of a bridesmaid.

Finally, remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing your bridesmaids. The most important thing is to follow your heart and choose the people who mean the most to you. Your wedding day is about celebrating your unique relationships, so embrace the friendships that have shaped your life and let them be reflected in your bridal party.

Bridesmaids' duties

There is no right or wrong number of bridesmaids to have at your wedding. It is your day, and you can have as many or as few as you want by your side. The number of bridal party members in a ceremony often depends on the size of the wedding itself.

Now, onto the duties of a bridesmaid. Bridesmaids have a long list of responsibilities, and here are some of the key duties they should be aware of:

Pre-Wedding Duties:

• Shop for and pay for bridesmaid attire, including dresses, shoes, and jewellery.
• Help plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
• Attend any other pre-wedding events, such as engagement parties or couples' showers.
• Book travel and hotel reservations for the wedding weekend.
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Provide emotional support to the bride and help with wedding planning tasks, such as stuffing envelopes or easy DIY projects.
• Buy a wedding present for the couple.

Wedding Day Duties:

• Get ready with the bride and assist her with anything she may need, such as answering calls or texts, ensuring she eats and stays hydrated, and helping her into her dress.
• Provide snacks and drinks for the bridal party while they get ready.
• Act as a point of contact for guests and vendors, directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, etc.
• Participate in the ceremony by processing down the aisle and fulfilling any assigned roles.
• Be photo-ready and participate in group photos with the bridal party and couple.
• Mingle with guests, enjoy the food and drinks, and participate in guest activities like signing the guest book or visiting the photo booth.
• Help the maid of honour, coordinator, or couple's parents with assembling and transporting items out of the reception venue at the end of the night, such as decor, gifts, and the wedding cake.
• Ensure all guests make it safely out of the venue and onto shuttle buses or their cars.

Remember, each bride is different and may have distinct expectations for her bridal party. It is important to have honest conversations about responsibilities and communicate any financial constraints early on.

Frequently asked questions