Bridesmaids Galore: How Many Is Too Many?

The number of bridesmaids a bride chooses for her wedding is a personal decision and depends on several factors. While some brides find it easy to choose their bridesmaids, others struggle with this decision, especially when they have many family members or friends they want to include. The size of the wedding, the size of the altar, the wedding budget, and the number of groomsmen are all factors that can influence the number of bridesmaids a bride chooses.

The number of bridesmaids relative to the size of your wedding

The number of bridesmaids you choose can depend on the size of your wedding. It is customary to have one bridesmaid and one usher for every fifty guests. So, for a small, intimate wedding, you may only want to ask your best friend, whereas for a larger wedding of 300 people, you could have six bridesmaids.

The number of bridesmaids is ultimately a personal decision, but there are some guidelines you can follow. Semi-formal weddings usually have between one and six bridesmaids, whereas casual weddings may be held with just a maid of honour. If you are having a very formal wedding with 200 or more guests, it is not unusual to have six to ten bridesmaids, as well as a flower girl.

The size of your wedding party will also depend on your budget, as the cost of dresses, shoes, headdresses, flowers, and hair and makeup can add up. You may also need to consider the cost of extra transport for your bridesmaids and whether your altar or top table can accommodate a large number of bridesmaids.

While three or four bridesmaids is considered the norm, bigger bridal parties are becoming more fashionable, influenced by American weddings. However, it is important to ensure that your wedding party is not too large, or there may not be enough room at the altar or in photos.

Whether you want to include relatives or friends

When it comes to deciding whether to include relatives or friends as bridesmaids, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that the choice is ultimately a personal one and there is no "one-size-fits-all" answer. That being said, there are some factors that can help guide your decision.

One factor to consider is the size of your wedding. If you have a large family, you might feel pressured to include all your relatives as bridesmaids. In this case, you might want to consider the “all or nothing” rule, where you either include all your relatives or opt for a smaller group of close friends. Another option is to include a mix of relatives and friends, which can help ensure that everyone feels included.

Another thing to keep in mind is the dynamic between your potential bridesmaids. It's important that they get along and can work well together, especially if you're asking them to take on specific tasks or traditions during the wedding. You should also consider your budget, as the cost of dresses, shoes, and other expenses can add up quickly, especially if you have a large number of bridesmaids.

Additionally, think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day and during the pre-wedding preparations. If you envision a calm and serene morning getting ready with just your sister or best friend, then you might want to keep your bridal party small. On the other hand, if you want a lively and fun atmosphere, you might prefer to have a larger group of bridesmaids.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to include relatives or friends as bridesmaids is a personal one. Consider your relationships, your budget, and the overall vision for your wedding day to help guide your choice. Remember, it's your special day, and you should choose the people who will make it meaningful and memorable for you.

The number of groomsmen

In the UK, it is common for the groom to choose his closest friends or family members to stand by his side as groomsmen. The size of the wedding party can vary depending on the wedding's formality and the couple's preferences. For a semi-formal wedding, it is typical to have between one and six groomsmen. On the other hand, a casual wedding may have no groomsmen at all, with just the best man supporting the groom.

When deciding on the number of groomsmen, it is essential to consider the logistics and costs involved. A larger group of groomsmen may face challenges in coordinating their attire, transportation, and accommodation. Additionally, the cost of suits, shoes, and accessories for each groomsman can quickly add up, impacting the overall wedding budget. It is also worth noting that a large number of groomsmen may result in a crowded altar or challenges in fitting everyone into wedding photos.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of groomsmen comes down to the couple's preferences and what they envision for their special day. Whether it's a single best man or a group of groomsmen, the most important aspect is to have the people who matter most to the groom by his side, providing support and sharing in the celebration.

The cost of dresses, shoes, headdresses, flowers and hair

The number of bridesmaids you can have at your wedding depends on the size of your wedding. It is customary to have one bridesmaid and one usher for every fifty guests.

Dresses

The cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary depending on the designer, style, and your location. On average, bridesmaid dresses cost around £100-£140 per person. If you are asking your bridesmaids to wear a specific dress, it is customary for the couple to cover the cost. However, if the bridesmaids are choosing their own dresses, they may be expected to pay for them themselves.

Shoes

Bridesmaids are usually expected to cover the cost of their own shoes, especially if they already own a pair that fits the couple's requirements. If you require your bridesmaids to wear specific shoes, it is considerate to offer to pay for them.

Headdresses and Accessories

Bridesmaids are typically responsible for purchasing their own accessories, such as jewellery, hairpins, and clutch bags. If you want your bridesmaids to wear matching accessories, it is considerate to offer to pay for them or gift them as a bridesmaid present.

Flowers

The cost of wedding flowers can vary depending on the types of flowers, the size of the arrangements, and the time of year. On average, wedding flowers can cost anywhere from £350 for a budget option to over £2,000 for a super luxury option. This cost typically includes bouquets for the bridesmaids, as well as other floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception.

Hair

While it is not compulsory, many couples choose to pay for professional hair and makeup services for their bridesmaids. If this is out of your budget, you can make it optional for the bridesmaids and give them the option to pay for a professional stylist themselves. Alternatively, they can do their own hair and makeup for the wedding.

The size of the altar

The size of your altar and wedding venue will play a big part in determining how many bridesmaids to choose.

You want to ensure that everyone is comfortably accommodated at the altar, including the bridesmaids. If your altar is small, you may want to limit the number of bridesmaids to avoid overcrowding. On the other hand, if you have a large cathedral-style altar, you may have room for a larger bridal party.

The size of your venue is also important to consider. If you have a small, intimate wedding, you may only need a couple of bridesmaids by your side. However, if you're planning a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, you may want to opt for a larger bridal party to balance out the space.

It's worth noting that the number of groomsmen is also a factor. Tradition states that there should be an equal number of bridesmaids to groomsmen, but ultimately, the choice is yours. If you have a large number of groomsmen, you may want to match it with a similar number of bridesmaids.

Additionally, consider the practical aspects of having a large bridal party. More bridesmaids mean more dresses, shoes, hair, and makeup to organise and pay for, which can quickly add up. Also, a long procession of bridesmaids can make the wedding ceremony longer, so you may want to keep that in mind when deciding on the number.

Finally, don't forget about the photos! You want to make sure there's enough space at the altar and in the photos to capture the moment perfectly.

In conclusion, when deciding on the size of your bridal party, consider the size of your altar and venue, the number of groomsmen, the practicalities of organising a large group, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. The choice is ultimately yours, and you can make it work regardless of the size of your altar!

Frequently asked questions