Having A Large Wedding Party: Good Or Bad Idea?

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen are too many, as it ultimately depends on personal preference and the size of the wedding. However, it is worth considering the potential drawbacks of having a large wedding party, such as increased costs, logistical challenges, and the potential for drama or hurt feelings. A large bridal party can also be more difficult to manage and may detract from the intimacy of the wedding. On the other hand, having a large wedding party can ensure that no one feels left out and can make for some stunning photos. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there are ways to manage an uneven bridal party or a large number of attendants.

Budget: Having 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen can be expensive

While it's your day and you can have as many bridesmaids and groomsmen as you like, it's worth noting that having a large wedding party can be expensive.

Gifts

For every person in your wedding party, you'll likely want to buy them a gift as a token of your appreciation. This can add up quickly, especially if you have 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen.

Hair and Makeup

If you want your wedding party to have a certain look, you may be footing the bill for hair and makeup. This can cost around $50-$100 per person, and that's not including the cost of your own wedding day beauty routine.

Dresses and Suits

Even if you're asking each person to buy their own outfit, you may still want to contribute financially, especially if you have a specific style or colour in mind.

Pre-Wedding Activities

A larger wedding party can also mean higher costs for pre-wedding activities like bachelorette and bachelor parties, bridal showers, and engagement parties. With more people, there may be more expectations and pressure to plan extravagant events.

Venue Restrictions

A larger wedding party may also impact your venue choice. Some venues may not be able to accommodate a large group, and you may need to consider the space restrictions for getting ready on the morning of the wedding.

Planning and Coordination

With a larger group, there may be more opinions, advice, and coordination needed. This can lead to added stress and potential conflicts, especially if not everyone knows each other well.

In conclusion, while having 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen can be done, it's important to consider the financial implications and potential added costs to your wedding budget.

Venue restrictions: A large bridal party may not be accommodated by the venue

When it comes to your wedding, the venue is one of the most important factors to consider. Not only do you need to think about the number of guests you plan to invite, but also the size of your bridal party. If you're planning on having a large bridal party with 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen, it's important to make sure that your venue can accommodate everyone comfortably.

One of the main concerns with a large bridal party is space. Your venue may simply not have enough room to fit all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if you're also planning on having a large number of guests. In this case, it's crucial to consider the layout of the venue and how everyone will be able to fit comfortably. You don't want your bridal party and guests to be cramped or uncomfortable during the ceremony or reception.

Another factor to keep in mind is the logistics of the wedding ceremony. With a large bridal party, the processional and recessional can become quite long and drawn out. This may not be an issue for some venues, but if you're planning on having your wedding in a small church or outdoor space, it could be difficult to accommodate everyone. Additionally, a large bridal party can make it more difficult to organise the wedding party's entrance and exit, especially if the venue has limited access points or a small aisle.

The size of your bridal party can also impact the flow of the wedding reception. With a large number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, it can be challenging to organise events such as the first dance or cake cutting, as there are simply more people to coordinate. This can lead to delays and disruptions in the schedule, which may not be ideal for the couple or the guests.

Furthermore, a large bridal party can also affect the cost of the venue. Many venues charge based on the number of people attending, so adding more bridesmaids and groomsmen to your party can increase the overall cost of the venue. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're working with a tight budget.

Lastly, it's important to consider the comfort and enjoyment of your bridal party. With a large number of attendants, it can be difficult to ensure that everyone has a role and feels included. Additionally, a crowded venue can make it challenging for the bridal party to move around and socialise with guests.

In conclusion, while having 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen can be a fun and exciting way to include your loved ones in your special day, it's important to carefully consider the venue restrictions. By choosing a venue that can comfortably accommodate your bridal party and guests, you can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Planning: More people involved can mean more stress and opinions

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and having more people involved in the process can sometimes add to that stress. While it's wonderful to have a large group of friends and family who want to support you on your big day, more people often means more opinions, which can make decision-making more challenging.

With a larger bridal party, you may find yourself navigating a variety of personalities and preferences. Some of your bridesmaids and groomsmen may have strong ideas about how things should be done, and it can be tricky to keep everyone happy. It's important to remember that it's your wedding, and while it's great to consider the input of your bridal party, ultimately, the decisions should be made by you and your partner.

A larger bridal party can also mean more logistics to manage. From coordinating outfits and fittings to planning pre-wedding events, there are a lot of details to keep track of. It's helpful to designate specific tasks to certain bridesmaids or groomsmen who are interested and available to take on those responsibilities. This can ensure that no one feels overwhelmed and that everything gets done.

Additionally, with a larger group, it can be more challenging to keep track of everyone's progress and needs. It might be helpful to designate a point person, such as the maid of honour or best man, to help with communication and organisation. This can take some of the burden off your shoulders and ensure that everyone feels included and informed.

While having a large bridal party can have its challenges, it also has its advantages. A bigger group can mean more hands on deck to help with planning and DIY projects. They can also contribute to a great turnout at your pre-wedding events, making those celebrations even more memorable.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning your bridal party. The most important thing is to choose the people who are closest to you and who will support you throughout the process. Be honest and communicative with your bridal party, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed. By surrounding yourself with a supportive team, you can ensure that your wedding planning journey is a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Time: A larger group means more time spent getting ready on the day

Having a large group of bridesmaids and groomsmen can significantly impact the time spent getting ready on the day of the wedding. With a larger group, it will likely take more time to coordinate and manage the various tasks and activities involved in the preparation process. This includes activities such as hair and makeup, getting dressed, and ensuring everyone is organised and on schedule.

In addition, a larger group may require more complex logistics and planning to accommodate everyone's needs and ensure a smooth and timely process. This could involve securing a larger getting-ready space, allocating time slots for different groups to use the space, or even arranging for additional hair and makeup artists to accommodate the higher number of attendants.

The time spent getting ready can also be influenced by the dynamics and interactions within the group. With a larger number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, there may be more diverse personalities, opinions, and preferences to navigate. This could lead to potential delays or challenges in decision-making, conflict resolution, or simply ensuring that everyone is happy and on the same page.

Furthermore, the process of selecting and purchasing attire for a larger group can be more time-consuming. Finding outfits that complement each other and suit the style of the wedding, as well as accommodating individual preferences, body types, and comfort levels, can be a more intricate and prolonged process with a higher number of attendants.

Additionally, the time spent on transportation to and from the wedding venue can be impacted by the size of the bridal party. A larger group may require more vehicles or additional trips, especially if everyone is travelling together. This can add time to the overall schedule and affect the timing of other wedding-day activities.

Lastly, a larger group of bridesmaids and groomsmen may require more time for group photos. Posing and arranging a larger number of people can take longer, and there may be a need for more varied or creative photo compositions to ensure everyone is included and visible in the photographs.

Photos: It can be harder to organise photos with a larger group

While there is no "correct" number of bridesmaids and groomsmen to have, there are a few things to consider when deciding on your wedding party size. Firstly, it's important to remember that more people in the wedding party can mean more stress for the couple. A large bridal party can lead to more questions, headaches, and drama than a smaller, more manageable group. This is especially true when it comes to planning pre-wedding events, getting ready on the morning of the wedding, and coordinating dresses and styles for the bridesmaids.

Now, let's talk about photos. It can definitely be harder to organise photos with a larger group. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The time it takes to organise large groups: Firstly, rounding up a large group of people and getting them to pose for photos can take a significant amount of time. This is something to consider when planning your wedding day timeline, especially if you have a lot of other activities and events planned. It's also important to remember that your guests might get bored or restless if they have to wait too long for photos.
• The challenge of finding creative poses: Secondly, finding creative and flattering poses for a large group of people can be challenging. While it's definitely possible to get great photos with a large wedding party, it may require more creativity and planning. This is something you should discuss with your photographer ahead of time to make sure they're comfortable and able to accommodate your requests.
• The impact on the flow of the day: Finally, having a large wedding party can impact the flow of your wedding day. You might find that you need to set aside more time for photos, which can affect the timing of other events and activities. It's important to consider the overall timeline of your wedding day and how the photos will fit into that schedule.

To make the photo organisation process smoother, here are a few tips:

• Designate a point person: Assign a point person or people to help round up the wedding party and make sure everyone is where they need to be for photos. This could be the maid of honour, best man, or a trusted family member or friend.
• Create a shot list: Work with your photographer to create a shot list before the wedding. This will help ensure that you get all the photos you want and make the process more efficient.
• Consider a first look: If you're worried about the timing, consider doing a first look before the ceremony. This will give you more time for photos and might help reduce some of the stress and chaos of trying to organise a large group.
• Be flexible: Finally, be flexible and adaptable on the day. Things might not always go according to plan, and that's okay! Go with the flow and focus on enjoying the moment.

Remember, at the end of the day, it's your wedding, and you should do what feels right for you and your partner. If you want to have 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen, go for it! Just be prepared for a little extra chaos and fun.

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