Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding on the number of guests and wedding party members can be challenging. The number of people in your wedding party is ultimately up to you and your preferences, but there are some guidelines and tips to help you decide. The size of your wedding party can be influenced by factors such as your budget, venue size, and the overall vibe you want to create. Some sources suggest that a larger wedding can accommodate a larger wedding party, with up to 30 people, while a smaller, more intimate wedding might call for a smaller group. It's also important to consider the photographic aspects, as larger groups can be challenging to capture in a single frame. Ultimately, the most important factor is choosing the people you love and want to celebrate with, regardless of whether it's an even number or not.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding party size: consider the size of your wedding and venue
Deciding on the size of your wedding party is a tricky task, and there are many factors to consider. The most important thing is that it's your wedding, so you should do whatever you want! There is no right or wrong way to do this.
That being said, the size of your wedding party should be proportionate to the size of your wedding. For example, if you're having an intimate wedding of 50 people, it might not make sense to have a full wedding party of 20. On the other hand, if you're having a large wedding of 200+ people, a 20-person wedding party is more reasonable. If you're having a small wedding of 75 people or fewer, it makes sense to keep the wedding party small, with 10 people or fewer in total. For a mid-sized wedding of 75 to 150 people, you can have a larger wedding party of up to 18 people without it feeling disproportionate.
The size of your venue will also influence the size of your wedding party and guest list. If you have a small venue, you may not have room for a large wedding party and a lot of guests. You should also consider the cost of the venue, as this will impact your budget. Typically, 50% of your wedding budget will go toward the venue, catering, alcohol, and other rental costs, so a larger guest list and wedding party will increase these costs.
Budget is a crucial factor in determining the size of your wedding party and guest list. You need to cover certain costs for your wedding party, like gifts for everyone and potentially hair and makeup for your bridesmaids. The more people you have in your wedding party, the more expensive it will be. Similarly, the cost of feeding your wedding guests is one of the biggest expenses, with the cost per person varying depending on the menu, venue, and location. A smaller guest list and wedding party will generally cost less to feed than a larger one.
Ultimately, the size of your wedding party and guest list will depend on your budget, venue size, and personal preferences.
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Budget: the number of guests impacts costs
Budget is one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding how many people to invite to your wedding. The number of guests you invite will have a huge impact on the overall cost of your wedding. The average wedding has 136 guests and an average budget of $36,000, which works out at an average cost per guest of $265. However, this cost varies depending on location and season. For example, destination weddings will be more expensive for guests to attend, so you can expect a lower acceptance rate.
The reception is likely to be the most expensive part of your wedding. The budget for this will cover the venue rental, catering, rentals, and any other charges from the venue. It will also cover photography and videography, entertainment, wedding favours, gifts, welcome bags, dessert, and transportation services. The more guests you invite, the more you will pay for these services.
The number of guests you invite will depend on your budget, as well as the size of your venue. The size of your venue will dictate the number of guests you can accommodate, so it's important to decide on your venue first and then create your guest list. The number of guests you invite will also depend on the type of wedding you want. If you want a more intimate wedding, you can have a smaller guest list and then celebrate with a larger group at a post-wedding gathering.
The quickest way to reduce your guest list is to eliminate "plus ones". However, it is considered proper etiquette to invite married and engaged couples, couples that live together, and long-term partners. You could also choose not to invite children under a certain age, as it is not uncommon for weddings to be child-free.
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Bridal party: even numbers are popular, but it's up to you
When it comes to your wedding, the number of people in your bridal party is entirely up to you. While in the past, wedding parties were expected to be symmetrical, with each side of the couple having the same number of people, this is no longer the case. If you want a wedding party, you can have one, and if you don't, that's fine too!
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on the size of your bridal party. Firstly, consider the size of your wedding. The bigger the wedding, the bigger your wedding party can be without it feeling disproportionate. As a rough guideline, a wedding party of up to 18 people can work for a large wedding, while smaller weddings may want to stick to a smaller bridal party.
Another factor to consider is photography. From a photographic perspective, even numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen are popular, with six to eight people on each side often considered ideal. This fills the frame with colour and emotion while still allowing for clear, individual faces in the photos. However, if you have a different vision or want to include more people, go for it! It's your wedding, and you can always get creative with photo compositions.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose the people you love and want to celebrate with. Don't sacrifice your relationships for aesthetics or symmetry. If you find yourself with an odd number of bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead of removing someone, consider adding another person you love and who has supported you. Remember, this is your day, and you should do what feels right for you and your partner.
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Plus ones: do you want to allow them?
When it comes to plus ones, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that your wedding party has given their time and energy to be a part of your special day, and they may have also incurred costs for attire, lodging, and transportation. In this case, it is a nice gesture to allow them to bring a plus one.
Another thing to consider is your budget and the size of your venue. If you are working with a limited budget or a smaller venue, you may need to be more selective with plus ones to keep numbers manageable. In this case, it is generally considered good etiquette to invite both parties in a married couple or those in long-term relationships. If your single friends won't know many people at the wedding, you may want to allow them a plus one so they feel more comfortable.
If you are having a destination wedding, it is also a nice gesture to allow guests to bring a plus one, as it can make the trip feel more like a vacation for them. However, it is important to note that "yes" responses are usually lower for destination weddings, typically falling in the 60-70% range.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow plus ones is up to you and your partner. If you are concerned about numbers, you can always be transparent with your guests and explain your decision.
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Children: consider whether to invite them
Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is a personal choice and there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, the number of children you invite can drastically change the vibe of your wedding. A few children can add a fun, laid-back atmosphere, but inviting many children can result in a rowdy and distracting environment. If you are inviting many children, you may want to consider providing entertainment for them, which could increase your reception costs.
Secondly, the age of the children you invite is important to consider. Younger children may not be able to appreciate the significance of the day and will require more supervision. They may also need help with eating and walking down the aisle, and they are more likely to make a mess. For destination weddings, it is harder not to invite children, as parents may be more likely to bring them along.
Thirdly, it is important to consider the parents of the children. If the parents are people you really want at the wedding, you may want to discuss childcare options with them directly. For example, you could ask if they can organise a babysitter for the night, or if the child is exclusively breastfed, you may want to invite them. If most of the families with children are local, it may be easier for parents to leave their children with familiar babysitters or drop them off between the ceremony and reception.
Finally, it is crucial to communicate your decision clearly and directly to your guests. If you are not having children at your wedding, you can include an adults-only wedding announcement on your wedding website and address the envelopes of your invitations properly. If you are having children at your wedding, you may want to provide guests with information about babysitting services they can hire.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of people in your wedding party is entirely up to you. Some couples choose not to have a wedding party at all, while others opt for a small group of close friends and family members. If you're having a large wedding, you can have a bigger wedding party—anything up to 30 people is generally considered acceptable.
Ideally, yes. The size of your wedding party should be proportionate to the size of your wedding. For example, if you're having a small, intimate wedding with 50 guests, a wedding party of 30 people might feel out of place.
There's no perfect number, but from a photography perspective, it's ideal to have around six to eight people on each side. This allows for colourful and emotional photos that aren't too crowded.
No, don't worry about having a perfectly balanced wedding party. It's more important to choose the people you want by your side, regardless of the number.
Your wedding party should be made up of the people you love and who have supported you. It's a chance to celebrate the love you have for your closest friends and family, so choose the people who will make your day memorable and enjoyable.
