Large Bridal Parties: How Many Is Too Many?

Deciding on the number of bridesmaids for your wedding can be a daunting task. While there is no right or wrong number, it's important to consider your budget, venue size, and friendship dynamics. The number of bridesmaids can vary from one to a dozen or more, depending on your preferences and budget constraints. A larger bridal party means more expenses, coordination, and potential drama, but it can also mean more support and excitement on your big day. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal choice and what will make you happiest.

Budgeting for bridesmaids

Firstly, consult your budget. Each bridesmaid will incur costs such as their dress, shoes, jewellery, accessories, flowers, food, and transportation to the venue. You may also choose to give them a gift as a token of your appreciation. If you are requesting a specific look for your bridesmaids, it is customary to pay for their hair and makeup as well. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your financial constraints when deciding on the number of bridesmaids.

Secondly, examine your venue. The size and layout of the ceremony space can help determine the appropriate number of bridesmaids. For example, a small venue may not have enough space for a large bridal party, while a large venue may look odd with only a few bridesmaids. Additionally, consider your desired wedding photos. Many brides prefer an even number of bridesmaids for aesthetic purposes, but this is not a requirement.

Thirdly, think about the formality of your wedding. While there are no hard and fast rules, the level of formality can provide guidance on the number of bridesmaids. Very formal weddings typically have between six and ten bridesmaids, while semi-formal to formal weddings usually range from two to six. For casual weddings, elopements, or registry office weddings, it is common to have just one or two bridesmaids or even none at all.

Finally, consider your friendship dynamics. If you have multiple close friends or family members you would like to include, you may need to increase your budget to accommodate a larger bridal party. On the other hand, if you have a limited budget, you may need to make difficult decisions about who to include and who to leave out. Remember, there is no obligation to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if you are getting married in the UK.

In conclusion, when budgeting for bridesmaids, carefully consider your financial resources, the venue size, the formality of your wedding, and the dynamics of your social group. These factors will help guide you in deciding how many bridesmaids to include in your special day.

Venue size

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

If you're getting married in a small space, such as a registry office or a cosy country hotel, you might want to consider having fewer bridesmaids. This will ensure that everyone can comfortably fit in the space and that your bridal party isn't overcrowded. On the other hand, if you're getting married in a large ballroom, you might want to consider having more bridesmaids to fill the space.

The size of your venue will also impact the flow of your wedding ceremony and reception. A small venue with a large bridal party may feel cramped, while a large venue with a small bridal party may look sparse. Consider the overall size of your venue and the number of guests you plan to invite to determine how many bridesmaids you can comfortably accommodate.

Another factor to consider is the layout of the ceremony room. Think about how many people will be able to stand with you at the altar. If space is limited, you may want to opt for a smaller bridal party. However, if you don't mind your bridesmaids sitting down after walking down the aisle, then the number of people at the altar becomes less of a concern.

Additionally, consider the size of the venue when planning your wedding photos. If you prefer symmetrical photos, having an even number of bridesmaids can be advantageous. This allows you to position yourself in the centre, creating a balanced composition. However, with odd numbers, you can get creative by having the bride sit down with a bridesmaid standing behind her, or by using different poses and setups to create visually appealing photos.

In summary, when deciding on the number of bridesmaids, carefully consider the size and layout of your venue. This will ensure that your bridal party fits comfortably in the space and that your wedding ceremony and photos look and feel just right. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules, so ultimately, you should choose the number of bridesmaids that feels right for you and your wedding vision.

Wedding formality

The number of bridesmaids you choose to have at your wedding is entirely up to you and your budget. However, if you're looking for some guidance on how to make your wedding more formal, having a higher number of bridesmaids can help achieve that.

The number of bridesmaids you have can impact the overall formality of your wedding. Very formal weddings (black tie) typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, with some sources saying up to 12. Semi-formal to formal weddings usually have between 2 and 6 bridesmaids. So, if you're looking to increase the formality of your wedding, consider adding a few more bridesmaids to your bridal party.

However, it's important to keep in mind that more bridesmaids mean more coordination, potential drama, and expenses. It can be challenging to manage a large group of people, and you may find yourself dealing with various opinions and schedules. Additionally, you may need to consider the size of your venue and the space available for your bridal party during the ceremony.

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

Friendship dynamics

Be Mindful of Friendship Dynamics

If you have a large group of close friends, you may want to include them all as bridesmaids. This can ensure that no one gets left out and can make your wedding day even more special, surrounded by your loved ones. However, it is essential to consider the potential challenges that come with a large bridal party.

Manageable Numbers

Having too many bridesmaids can become overwhelming and stressful. It is important to remember that bridesmaids are supposed to support you and help ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. A large number of bridesmaids can lead to more opinions, schedules to coordinate, and increased expenses. It can also be challenging to keep track of everyone and make decisions, such as choosing a dress that satisfies everyone's preferences and body types.

Choose Your Closest Friends

If you are struggling to decide between several close friends, it may be best to select those you feel closest to or have known the longest. Consider which friends have been there for you and supported your relationship. Think about who will likely still be in your life in the years to come. Newer friends will likely understand if they are not asked, and older friends may feel the same way if you don't talk to them regularly.

No Need to Match Numbers

There is no need to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. In the UK, ushers (groomsmen) typically stand at the front of the ceremony room with the groom, while bridesmaids walk down the aisle unaccompanied. So, if you have more close friends than your fiancé, or vice versa, it is not a problem.

Be Practical

When choosing your bridesmaids, it is essential to be practical. Consider who will be able to help with wedding planning and who has the best attention to detail. Your closest friends will understand if you make practical choices, and being a bridesmaid is not everything.

No Right or Wrong Number

Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose is entirely up to you and your preferences. There is no right or wrong number, and you can have as many or as few as you want. It is your special day, so do what feels right for you.

Bridesmaid duties

While there is no "correct" number of bridesmaids, having too many can bring unnecessary stress. A large bridal party can be expensive, hard to coordinate, and can cause drama. However, a bigger bridal party can also mean more support, more hands to help with planning, and more people to celebrate with.

Now, onto the bridesmaid duties!

Bridesmaids are expected to plan and attend pre-wedding parties, including the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They should also be emotionally supportive of the bride, regularly checking in and offering practical help. It's also a good idea to create a WhatsApp group with the bride and other bridesmaids to facilitate communication and planning.

During the Wedding Week:

• Take time off work if possible to help with last-minute tasks and appointments
• Help with wedding setup, transport, and errands
• Ensure you have all the necessary shoes, accessories, and underwear for the wedding
• Help the bride pack
• Prep an emergency kit and a wedding morning playlist
• Get a copy of the wedding timeline and attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

On the Wedding Morning:

• Wake up early and be on time
• Keep the atmosphere upbeat and ensure the bride eats breakfast
• Keep hair and makeup appointments on track
• Help the bride into her dress and with shoes and jewellery

On the Wedding Day:

• Help the bride in and out of cars and up and down stairs
• Fix her dress and veil throughout the day
• Take her bouquet during the ceremony
• Help round up family members for photos
• Carry an emergency kit and the bride's lipstick for touch-ups
• Keep the bride hydrated and fed
• Make a speech if you want to!
• Help the bride change into her second dress for dancing if she has one
• Be first on the dance floor and encourage others to join
• Help with any send-off plans, like a sparkler exit
• Take the wedding bouquet and put it in water
• Help the bride out of her dress and pack it so it doesn't get damaged

The Day After the Wedding:

• Have breakfast with the couple
• Collect any cards from the venue's safe
• Ensure flowers and decor are packed and moved for day two celebrations
• Box up keepsakes like framed photos and the guest book
• Offer to do the bride's hair and makeup for day two celebrations

Frequently asked questions