Do Brides And Bridesmaids Have Sex Before The Wedding?

Choosing your bridesmaids is one of the first things you'll think about when planning your wedding. While some brides have no maids at all, others have several dozen. The most common number of bridesmaids is three, but anywhere between one and 12 is considered normal. The number of bridesmaids you choose will depend on several factors, including your budget, the size of your wedding, the formality of the event, and the dynamics of your social group. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

The average number of bridesmaids

The number of bridesmaids a bride chooses for her wedding is a very personal decision and depends on a variety of factors. There is no right or wrong number, and brides can have as many or as few bridesmaids as they like. That being said, there are a few things to consider when deciding on a number.

Size of the Wedding

The number of bridal party members in a ceremony largely depends on the size of the wedding itself. A good rule of thumb is to have one bridesmaid and one usher for every 50 guests.

Size of the Venue

The size of the venue and the number of guests in attendance can also impact the number of bridesmaids. For example, a small venue may not have a lot of space for a large bridal party, and a large venue may look odd with only a few bridesmaids.

Budget

Each bridesmaid comes with additional costs for the bride, such as the bridesmaid's dress, shoes, accessories, flowers, food, gifts, and transportation. Therefore, the bride's budget may dictate how many bridesmaids she can have.

Formality of the Wedding

The formality of the wedding can also impact the number of bridesmaids. Very formal weddings typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, while semi-formal to formal weddings usually have between 2 and 6. Casual weddings and elopements often have just one or two bridesmaids, or none at all.

Friendship Dynamics

The bride's social group and friendship dynamics can also play a role in deciding how many bridesmaids to have. The bride may want to consider how many people she can afford to have in her bridal party and how many people she wants to include to avoid hurting anyone's feelings.

Tradition

In Western countries, the average number of bridesmaids is typically between 3 and 5. However, in the US, the average number is slightly higher, with the average wedding now having 5 bridesmaids. This number is up from 4 in 2007 and continues to rise. In other Western countries, traditional weddings rarely include more than 2 or 3 bridesmaids. For example, in Germany, it is common to have none at all.

The cost of having bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it's also a significant financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid is about $1,200 per wedding, but this can increase to over $1,800. The cost varies depending on the bride and the wedding, but there are some common expenses that most bridesmaids will incur.

The Bridesmaid Dress

The average bridesmaid spends $130-$208 on a dress, which is quite a lot for something you may only wear once. Alterations can add another $30-$100 to the cost. Some brides allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specified colour scheme, which can help to reduce the cost.

Accessories

Nearly 80% of bridesmaids buy new shoes to wear with their dress, and over 60% purchase additional accessories like jewellery and hairpieces. On average, bridesmaids spend $120 on these extra items.

Hair and Makeup

Sometimes the bride will require her bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally. In this case, the bride should pay for these services. If it's left up to the bridesmaids, they can choose to do it themselves or pay for a professional. On average, bridesmaids spend $72 on hair and $60 on makeup.

Travel and Accommodation

If the wedding is in the city where the bridesmaid lives, then travel costs will be minimal. However, if the wedding is further away, the bridesmaid may need to budget for airfare, train tickets, or petrol. The average cost of travel to a wedding destination is $115, and accommodations can cost around $205. Couples can help out by booking hotel room blocks or negotiating group rates.

Pre-Wedding Parties

A big part of being a bridesmaid is planning, hosting, and attending pre-wedding parties, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party. These events can be expensive, especially if they involve travel. The bachelorette party is usually the most expensive, with about a third of bachelorette party-goers spending over $1,000 on the event.

Wedding Gift

Despite all the other expenses, bridesmaids are still expected to give a wedding gift to the couple. This is usually something from the couple's registry, or the bridesmaids may chip in to buy a larger group gift. On average, a bridesmaid spends $125 on a wedding gift.

The number of bridesmaids in relation to the wedding venue

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids to include in your wedding, the size of your venue is an important factor to consider. Here are some tips on how the number of bridesmaids relates to the wedding venue:

Venue Capacity and Space Constraints

The size and capacity of your wedding venue will impact the number of bridesmaids you can have. Some venues may have restrictions on the maximum number of people allowed in the bridal party due to space constraints. It is crucial to check with your venue beforehand as this may influence your decision. For example, if you're getting married in a small country hotel or a registry office, there might not be enough space for a large bridal party. On the other hand, if you're tying the knot in a grand ballroom, a smaller group of bridesmaids may look out of place.

Visual Balance and Aesthetics

The size of the venue also plays a role in creating a visually pleasing and comfortable atmosphere for your guests. A smaller venue might feel overcrowded with too many attendants, while a large venue may appear sparse and disconnected with only a few bridesmaids. Consider the size and layout of the ceremony room when deciding on the number of bridesmaids. This will ensure that your bridal party complements the venue and enhances the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Formality of the Wedding

The formality of your wedding is another factor to consider when determining the number of bridesmaids. As a general rule, very formal weddings (black-tie) typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, while semi-formal to formal weddings usually range from 2 to 6. For casual weddings, elopements, and registry office weddings, it is common to have just one or two bridesmaids or even none at all. The level of formality you wish to convey can guide you in selecting an appropriate number of bridesmaids for your venue.

Budgetary Constraints

The size and type of your venue can also impact your budget, which in turn affects the number of bridesmaids you can have. Each bridesmaid incurs additional costs for items such as dresses, accessories, flowers, food, and gifts. When working within a budget, consider the financial implications of having a larger bridal party in a more expensive venue.

In conclusion, when deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it is essential to strike a balance between your venue's capacity, the overall aesthetic, the formality of your wedding, and your budgetary constraints. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right number of bridesmaids to create a harmonious and memorable wedding day.

The number of bridesmaids in relation to the wedding's formality

The number of bridesmaids you have at your wedding is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong number. However, the formality of your wedding can impact the number of bridesmaids you have.

Very formal weddings, such as black-tie events, typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, with some sources saying up to 12. These weddings are often larger, with more than 200 guests, and include other attendants like flower girls and ring bearers.

Semi-formal to formal weddings usually have between 2 and 6 bridesmaids. The average number of bridesmaids is 3 to 5, and this is a good number to ensure that the bridal party has enough support without being overwhelmed by coordinating a large group.

Casual weddings, elopements, and registry office weddings often have just one or two bridesmaids, or sometimes none at all.

It's important to consider your budget when deciding on the number of bridesmaids, as each additional person brings extra costs for things like gifts, food, transportation, and accessories. The size of your venue is also a factor, as you want to ensure there is enough space for everyone to stand comfortably during the ceremony.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of bridesmaids is yours, and you should choose the people you want to be by your side on your special day.

How to decide who to include or exclude from the bridal party

Choosing your wedding party can be a tricky task, especially if you want to avoid offending anyone. Here are some tips on how to decide who to include or exclude from the bridal party:

Keep it simple

Include your siblings, close family members, or best friends. If you are thinking of asking a friend, make sure it is someone who will stand the test of time. You want to feel comfortable being your authentic self with your wedding party, so choose people you have a close and meaningful connection with.

Be mindful of numbers

The size of your wedding party can depend on the size of your wedding. For a smaller, intimate wedding, a large wedding party might feel unbalanced. However, it is entirely up to you how many people you include. The average wedding party is about eight people, but you can have as many or as few as you like.

Mix it up

Your wedding party should consist of your closest friends and family, regardless of their gender. So, if you are a bride who wants your brother by your side, he can be part of your bridal party.

Be considerate

If you are asking people to be part of your wedding party, consider giving them a plus-one, especially if they are travelling a long way. It is also considerate to discuss financial expectations upfront. Traditionally, wedding party members pay for their attire, travel, and accommodation, and sometimes chip in for pre-wedding events.

Don't feel pressured

You do not have to have a wedding party at all! It is becoming more popular for modern couples to skip this tradition. This can be a good way to avoid hurting anyone's feelings and can also be more budget-friendly.

Frequently asked questions