Having A Large Bridal Party: Is It Too Much?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, 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, it's important to consider the potential challenges that come with having a large bridal party.

The average number of bridesmaids for North American brides is between three and five, but some opt for a bigger bridal party to include more friends and family members. Having 11 bridesmaids can lead to higher costs, more logistical challenges, and increased potential for drama and disagreements. However, a larger bridal party can also mean more support, more hands-on deck for planning and DIY projects, and a guaranteed great turnout at pre-wedding events.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what will make the bride happiest on her special day.

Budgeting for 11 bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it can also be a financial burden. The average cost of being a bridesmaid is around $1600, and that's without the added pressure of being one of 11! Here are some tips to help you budget for being a bridesmaid without breaking the bank.

Evaluate Your Finances

Before accepting the role, it's important to be honest about what you can afford. Can you cover traditional expenses such as bachelorette travel, gifts, and your outfit? If these costs are out of your budget, it's okay to politely decline the role. There are other ways to celebrate the couple, such as offering to host a private dinner or participating in the wedding in another capacity.

Know What to Expect

To avoid hidden fees and last-minute expenses, create a budget that covers all potential costs. Speak with the bride, maid of honour, and other bridesmaids to understand the expected expenses and events. Be open about your budget and communicate any costs that you cannot afford. It's helpful to use a shared spreadsheet to keep track of costs and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Plan Ahead

If you can, start saving in advance. The earlier you know about the wedding, the more time you have to put money aside. Set a budget and work this into your discretionary spending to determine what you can afford.

Shop Sales and Be Resourceful

Keep an eye out for deals on flights, hotels, and bridesmaid dresses. Use your own resources and connections—for example, if you have a friend who can cater or a family member who can help with alterations, take advantage of these offers. If you have the freedom to choose your own accessories, try to use what you already have, and shop sales for any additional items.

Split Costs

Whenever possible, split costs with the other bridesmaids. This will reduce your overall spend, especially for expenses like venue rental, food, drinks, and gifts.

Be Strategic with Travel

If you need to fly to the wedding, book early to avoid increased ticket costs, and consider using travel points from rewards cards to cut down on expenses. Look outside the wedding block for cheaper accommodation options, and don't be afraid to share a room to reduce individual costs.

Collaborate on Gifts

Instead of buying individual gifts, collaborate with the other bridesmaids to give the bride something she'll truly enjoy, such as paying for her hair and makeup or contributing to her honeymoon.

DIY and Save

You can also save money by making DIY gifts for the engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party. Get creative and search for ideas on Pinterest!

Remember, it's important to stick to your budget and communicate any financial constraints to the bride and other bridesmaids early on. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can be a fantastic bridesmaid without breaking the bank!

Choosing dresses for 11 bridesmaids

Consider the formality of your wedding:

The dresses you choose should match the formality of your wedding. For example, if you're having a boho-chic beach wedding, breezy chiffon dresses would be a perfect choice for your bridesmaids. On the other hand, if you're planning a black-tie reception in a grand ballroom, sequin dresses or fully beaded gowns would be more appropriate.

Think about the season and venue:

The season and venue of your wedding should also guide your fabric and colour choices. For fall and winter weddings, darker colours in heavier fabrics such as velvet and satin are ideal. While for spring and summer celebrations, pastel chiffon dresses would be a better choice. If you're getting married outdoors, consider the temperature and terrain when selecting dresses and encourage your bridesmaids to wear comfortable shoes.

Discuss budget with your bridesmaids:

Before choosing the dresses, have a private conversation with each of your bridesmaids to understand how much they are able and willing to spend. Bridesmaid dresses can be expensive, especially when you factor in alterations, so it's important to be mindful of their budgets. If you have the means, you could even offer to pay for the dresses yourself.

Pick a colour or fabric and let them choose their style:

If you're having 11 bridesmaids, it might be easier to pick a specific colour or fabric and let them choose their own style. This takes the pressure off you and empowers your bridesmaids to find a dress that suits their body type and personality. You can also suggest rental sites like Rent the Runway, where they can rent designer dresses at a fraction of the cost.

Consider a convertible dress:

Another option is to choose a convertible dress, where each bridesmaid can wear the top of the dress in a different configuration. This way, everyone gets a dress they love, and you still get a coordinated look.

Choose a universally flattering style:

If you want your bridesmaids to wear the same dress, consider their different body types and choose a style that will flatter everyone. A-line silhouettes are usually a safe bet, as they are universally flattering. Be flexible with alterations if needed to ensure your bridesmaids are comfortable and confident.

Remember, it's important to keep an open mind and be willing to compromise when choosing bridesmaid dresses. By involving your bridesmaids in the process and considering their budgets and style preferences, you can find dresses that they'll love and be happy to wear on your big day.

Bachelorette party planning with 11 bridesmaids

Planning a bachelorette party can be stressful, and with 11 bridesmaids, there are even more factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you plan an enjoyable bachelorette party for the bride and all the bridesmaids.

Invites and Guest List

The guest list for the bachelorette party does not have to be limited to the wedding party. The bride may want to invite other friends and family members, and it is also common to invite close friends and family of the groom. It is essential to give guests enough notice, usually about two months, especially if they need to travel or the event requires a more substantial financial commitment.

Budgeting

It is important to be mindful of the financial situation of all attendees when planning a bachelorette party. The costs can quickly add up, not just for the bridesmaids, but also for the bride. Traditionally, the bride's costs are covered by the guests, so it is crucial to plan budget-neutral activities that everyone can afford. It may be helpful to send out a survey to determine how much each guest is comfortable spending.

Planning and Logistics

It is recommended to start planning three to six months in advance. This will give you enough time to understand the bride's preferences and make the necessary bookings. It is also a good idea to create a shared group chat and a planning document to keep all the bridesmaids in the loop. When it comes to accommodation, it is often more cost-effective to rent a group house rather than booking hotel rooms.

Activities

When planning activities, it is essential to consider the different personalities and preferences of the group. Create a varied itinerary that caters to everyone's interests. Remember that not all brides want a wild night out, so plan activities that reflect the bride's personality and interests. Some popular options include boat charters, spa treatments, outdoor activities, and group classes.

Food and Beverage

When planning meals, it is helpful to schedule at least one special group dinner, and it is considerate to accommodate any dietary restrictions. You can also organise cooking or mixology classes as part of the activities. Regarding beverages, it is essential to create signature cocktails or plan wine-tasting routes, but also to provide non-alcoholic options.

Transportation

Coordinating transportation for a large group can be challenging. It is essential to schedule pickup times, book vehicles in advance, and plan for enough luggage space.

Gifts and Favours

Party favours are not mandatory but have become increasingly popular. Some ideas include tumblers, mugs, fanny packs, and personalised items such as water bottles or cups.

Photography

Capturing memories is an essential part of the bachelorette party. You can book a photographer for key events or plan a group photoshoot. Creating a shared photo album or using a unique event hashtag will help everyone share and preserve their favourite moments.

Remember, the most important thing is to focus on the bride and create an enjoyable and memorable experience for her and her closest friends.

Pros and cons of having 11 bridesmaids

Having 11 bridesmaids can be a fun way to include your closest friends and family in your wedding celebration. However, there are also some potential challenges to consider before finalising your bridal party. Here are some pros and cons of having 11 bridesmaids:

Pros:

• Inclusion: With 11 bridesmaids, you can include a larger group of your closest friends and family members, ensuring that no one feels left out. This can lead to a more exciting and supportive atmosphere on your big day.
• Photography: A large bridal party can make for some stunning and creative wedding photos. You can play with colours and styles, creating a beautiful visual impact.
• Help with planning: More bridesmaids mean more hands to help with DIY projects and other wedding planning tasks. Bridesmaids are usually eager to lend a hand, so you'll have a dedicated team to support you.
• Pre-wedding events: A large bridal party also guarantees a great turnout at your pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party. Their presence can make these occasions even more memorable and fun.

Cons:

• Cost: Having 11 bridesmaids can be expensive, even if they pay for their own dresses. If you want a certain look or style, you may need to cover hair, makeup, and accessories, which can quickly add up.
• Stress and drama: A large bridal party means more opinions, advice, and potential clashes. It can be challenging to coordinate and manage, especially when it comes to dress choices and pre-wedding event planning.
• Time management: Getting 11 bridesmaids ready on the morning of the wedding can be a lengthy process. You may need to start hair and makeup very early to ensure everyone is ready on time.
• Venue restrictions: Your ceremony site may not accommodate a large bridal party. It's important to consider the space available at the altar and for group photos.
• Gifts and expenses: With 11 bridesmaids, you'll need to budget for a larger number of bouquets, gifts, and rehearsal dinner expenses. It's also important to consider the cost for their significant others or dates.

How to decide on who to include/exclude

Deciding on who to include or exclude from your bridal party can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large circle of friends and family. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Understand Your "Must-Haves"

Start by making a list of your "must-haves", those closest friends or family members that you cannot imagine getting married without by your side. These are the people who have always been there for you and will likely continue to be there for you in the years to come. Remember, you don't have to choose between friends or family; you can include both!

Consider Your Wedding Planning Needs

Think about the practical aspects of wedding planning and who from your list of "must-haves" might be able to help. Consider who has the best ideas, the best attention to detail, or who will keep your spirits up throughout the process. A bigger bridal party means more hands on deck for DIY projects, more input on dress fittings and cake tastings, and a guaranteed good time at your pre-wedding events.

Be Mindful of Costs

Having a large bridal party can get expensive, even if your bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses. If you want your bridesmaids to have a certain look, you may need to budget for hair, makeup, and accessories. Additionally, keep in mind the cost of bridal party gifts and the rehearsal dinner, especially if you are including their significant others.

Manage Drama and Stress

A large bridal party can bring unnecessary stress and drama. With more people comes more opinions and advice, which can sometimes be overwhelming. It can also be challenging to choose a dress that satisfies a variety of body types and personal styles. Planning pre-wedding events can become complicated as well, as your bridesmaids may not all know each other, and collaborating may raise tensions if they don't get along.

Remember, It's Your Day!

Ultimately, the decision is yours and there is no "correct" number of bridesmaids. If you want 11 bridesmaids and can manage the logistics and costs, then go for it! Your wedding day is about celebrating with your loved ones, so surround yourself with the people who will make it special.

Frequently asked questions