Small Wedding, Big Question: Deciding On Bridesmaids

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on the number of bridesmaids to include in your bridal party. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal number depends on various factors, it's important to consider your wedding size, venue, and personal preferences. Typically, brides opt for a range of three to six bridesmaids, but ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and you can choose to have as few or as many bridesmaids as you like.

There is no 'correct' number

There is no "correct" number of bridesmaids for a small wedding. The number of bridesmaids you choose is entirely up to you and your preferences. The most important thing is to be surrounded by the people you love and who will support you on your special day.

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it's essential to consider the size of your wedding and the venue. A smaller, intimate wedding may call for a smaller number of bridesmaids, perhaps just your best friend or sister. On the other hand, if you have a larger guest list, you may want to include more bridesmaids, such as close friends or additional family members. Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids should be based on your personal connections and the dynamic you envision for your wedding day.

Another factor to consider is the budget. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, and if you have a large number of bridesmaids, the costs can add up quickly. You may want to discuss financial considerations with your potential bridesmaids beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable with the expenses involved. Alternatively, you could offer to cover certain costs, such as dresses, shoes, or hair and makeup, if you have room in your wedding budget.

It's also worth thinking about the dynamics and personalities of your potential bridesmaids. You want to create a supportive and friendly atmosphere, so consider choosing bridesmaids who get along well and can easily transition between different groups of people. This can help ensure that your wedding day is stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to choosing the number of bridesmaids. You can decide based on your unique circumstances and the vision you have for your wedding. Whether you opt for a small group of bridesmaids or a larger entourage, the most important thing is that you are surrounded by love and support as you celebrate your special day.

The number of bridesmaids can be relative to the size of the wedding

The number of bridesmaids you choose to have at your wedding is entirely up to you and there is no "correct" number. However, it is worth considering that the number of bridesmaids you have may be relative to the size of your wedding.

From a practical standpoint, it is customary to have one bridesmaid and one usher for every 50 guests. So, if you are having a small, intimate wedding, you may only want to ask your best friend to be a bridesmaid, whereas if you are having a large celebration with 300 guests, you might opt for six bridesmaids.

The size of your wedding party can also depend on the size of your venue and the number of guests in attendance. If you have a large number of guests, you may want to have more bridesmaids to ensure that you can greet all your guests during the receiving line or walk around the altar during a religious ceremony. On the other hand, if you have a small wedding party, you can create a more calm and serene atmosphere as you get ready for your big day.

Another factor to consider is your budget. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, and if you are paying for your bridesmaids' dresses, shoes, jewellery, hair, and makeup, you may want to limit the number of bridesmaids you have.

Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose should be based on the people you really want by your side on your wedding day. Don't be guided too much by practical issues, but rather choose the people who will help create the atmosphere you desire.

Consider the tasks and traditions you want your bridesmaids to partake in

The number of bridesmaids you choose for your wedding is entirely up to you. While there is no "correct" number, there are a few things to consider when deciding on how many bridesmaids to include in your wedding.

Firstly, it's important to choose people who are your closest friends and family members, the people you want to be first in line to witness your marriage. These are the people you want to depend on and share laughs and tears with throughout the wedding process. If you have five close friends who fit this description, go with five! If you only have one "ride-or-die" friend, then one bridesmaid is perfect.

Secondly, the size of your wedding venue and the number of guests can impact the number of bridesmaids you choose. You don't want your bridal party to make up a large proportion of your guest list. For example, if you're having a 50-person wedding, you may want to limit your bridal party to two or three people on each side.

Now, consider the tasks and traditions you want your bridesmaids to partake in. Bridesmaids are there to support and honour the bride, and they often have specific duties before and during the wedding. Here are some roles and traditions commonly associated with bridesmaids:

• Planning the bachelorette party: The bridal party, especially the maid of honour, typically takes the lead in planning pre-wedding events like the bachelorette party. They can also assist with other wedding preparations, such as selecting flowers or sampling cakes.
• Ushering guests: Groomsmen often escort bridesmaids down the aisle, and together, they may be tasked with ushering guests to their seats during the ceremony.
• Giving a toast: At the reception, the maid of honour and best man usually give a speech to honour the newlyweds. Sometimes, other bridesmaids and groomsmen may also give a speech, depending on the couple's wishes.
• Standing by your side: Bridesmaids are there to provide emotional support and companionship throughout the wedding process. They are the people you want by your side as you get ready and walk down the aisle.
• Participating in traditions: There are various wedding traditions that bridesmaids can be involved in, such as getting ready with the bride, standing in as a "something borrowed" item, or taking part in bridal shower rituals.

Remember, you can always assign other important roles to friends or family members who are not bridesmaids. For instance, they can help with wedding preparations, escort special guests, or do readings during the ceremony. Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose depends on your personal preferences and the specific roles and traditions you envision for your bridal party.

Think about the pre-wedding atmosphere you want to create

The number of bridesmaids you choose for your wedding is entirely up to you. However, the kind of pre-wedding atmosphere you want to create can help guide your decision.

If you want a calm and serene morning while getting ready for your wedding, you may prefer to have just your sister or best friend by your side. On the other hand, if you envision a fun and lively pre-wedding atmosphere, a crowd of giggling girls may be more your style.

Consider the number of people in your wedding party and how they will impact the dynamics of your pre-wedding preparations. A larger group of bridesmaids can bring excitement and energy to your wedding morning, but it's important to choose people who will respect your space and not add to your stress.

Additionally, think about the tasks and traditions you want your bridesmaids to participate in. If you have a long procession or want them to form a receiving line, having too many bridesmaids could make these events feel lengthy for your guests.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of bridesmaids comes down to your personal preference and the vision you have for your special day. Choose the ladies you truly want by your side, and don't be guided by practical issues or outside expectations.

Be mindful of your budget

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids to include in your wedding, it is important to be mindful of your budget. Bridesmaids can be expensive, and each additional bridesmaid will bring with her a range of costs that can quickly add up. Here are some things to consider when creating your budget:

• Dresses and Accessories: One of the biggest expenses is the bridesmaid dresses. The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $130-$150, but this can vary depending on the region and the specific dress. In addition to the dresses, you will also need to budget for shoes, jewellery, and other accessories such as clutch bags or hairpieces.
• Flowers and Bouquets: Flowers are an important part of any wedding, and you will need to budget for the bridesmaids' flowers, including bouquets and/or corsages.
• Food and Catering: Don't forget to include the cost of food for your bridesmaids throughout the day. This includes canapés, the wedding breakfast, and the reception buffet.
• Gifts: It is customary to give your bridesmaids a gift as a token of your appreciation for their participation in your special day. This will be an additional cost to consider when creating your budget.
• Transportation: If your bridesmaids are getting ready with you, you will need to budget for their transportation to the venue.
• Hair and Makeup: Many brides also choose to pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup to be styled on the morning of the wedding, especially if they have a specific look in mind.
• Pre-Wedding Events: Bridesmaids are usually expected to host and pay for several pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. These events can be expensive, especially if they involve travel or destination celebrations.
• Wedding Day Accommodation: Most brides want their bridesmaids to stay near them the night before the wedding, so you will need to budget for 1-2 nights in a hotel for each bridesmaid.
• Wedding Gift: Despite the high cost of being a bridesmaid, it is still customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift. This can be a small item from the registry or a contribution to a larger gift.

When creating your budget, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of being a bridesmaid can vary widely depending on the specific expectations and requirements of the bride. It is always a good idea to have open and honest conversations about budget constraints and expectations early on to avoid any unpleasant surprises later. Additionally, consider ways to reduce costs, such as allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses or accessories within a certain budget, or opting for a local bachelorette party instead of a destination celebration.

Frequently asked questions