Having A Large Bridal Party: Is It Too Much?

When it comes to weddings, there are no hard and fast rules about the number of bridesmaids one can have. While the most common number of bridesmaids in the UK is between two and four, some brides opt for larger bridal parties, with up to six or even ten bridesmaids by their side. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, the size of the wedding, and the budget. Having a large bridal party can add to the final budget, as it typically includes costs for gifts, hair and makeup, bouquets, and bridesmaid dresses. However, if having a large group of friends to share the love and joy of the wedding is important to the bride, then six bridesmaids are not too many.

Budgeting for bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. It's important to be transparent about what you can afford, as this will alleviate a lot of the financial stress that often comes with being in a wedding.

Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their dresses, accessories, travel, accommodation, and gifts for the happy couple. They may also be expected to contribute to the bridal shower and to plan and pay for the bachelorette party.

The average cost to be a bridesmaid is around £1,300. The biggest expenses are the bachelorette party, which can cost £300-£700, and the bridesmaid dress, which can cost £150-£300.

• Shop sales, use coupons, and look for deals on flights, hotels, and party decor.
• Use your own resources and connections, such as a friend who can cater the bridal shower or bachelorette, or do your makeup.
• Make DIY gifts.
• Stick to a budget when planning events like the bridal shower or bachelorette party.
• Split costs with the other bridesmaids.
• Ask to be involved with the planning of events like the bridal shower, so you can find cheaper options for venues and food.
• If you have freedom with accessories, try to use things that you already own.
• Do your own makeup, especially if you're good at it!

Venue size and layout

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it's important to consider the size and layout of your wedding venue. If you're getting married in a small space, such as a registry office or a cosy country hotel, having a large number of bridesmaids may not be practical. There might not be enough room for everyone to stand comfortably, especially if you're also accommodating groomsmen and other wedding party members.

On the other hand, if you're tying the knot in a grand ballroom or a spacious venue, a smaller number of bridesmaids could appear a little lost in the setting. It's all about proportion and creating a visually appealing setup that complements the space.

The size and layout of the venue will also impact the flow of your wedding ceremony and reception. In a smaller venue, a larger bridal party might make the space feel crowded, making it challenging for guests to move around and socialise comfortably.

Additionally, consider the head table layout for the wedding reception. A long rectangular table may only accommodate a certain number of people, so if you have a large bridal party, you might need to get creative with the seating arrangements or opt for a different table shape.

If you have a specific venue in mind, it's worth visiting the space and visualising how your bridal party will fit within the setting. Consider factors such as the aisle length, the size of the altar or stage, and the overall layout of the room. This will help you determine the ideal number of bridesmaids for your wedding.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and the decision should ultimately be guided by your personal preferences and the dynamics of your wedding venue.

Formality of the wedding

The formality of a wedding is a key consideration when deciding on the number of bridesmaids to have. The number of bridesmaids can impact the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the wedding, and certain numbers are more suited to different levels of formality.

Very formal weddings, such as black-tie events, typically have larger bridal parties, with between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, and often including flower girls and page boys. Formal attire for women usually involves long, formal dresses, and men are expected to wear tuxedos. This level of formality calls for a larger number of bridesmaids to match the grandeur of the occasion.

Semi-formal to formal weddings usually have a smaller number of bridesmaids, ranging from 2 to 6. At these weddings, the dress code is slightly more relaxed, with men wearing suits and ties, and women opting for cocktail dresses or formal blouses and skirts. A smaller group of bridesmaids fits well with the more intimate atmosphere of a semi-formal wedding.

For casual weddings, elopements, and registry office weddings, it is common to have just one or two bridesmaids, or sometimes none at all. The dress code is more relaxed, with men wearing button-down shirts and dress pants, and women opting for skirts, blouses, or summer dresses. A smaller number of bridesmaids, or none at all, suits the laid-back nature of these weddings.

Ultimately, the number of bridesmaids you choose should reflect the formality of your wedding and your personal preferences. There is no hard and fast rule, and you can adapt the number to suit your vision for the day.

Friendship dynamics

When it comes to friendship dynamics, there are a few things to consider when deciding on the number of bridesmaids. Firstly, it's important to think about your social circle and the potential impact of your decision on your friends' feelings. For example, if you have two sisters and three best friends, you might want to include all of them to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. Alternatively, you could have a smaller bridal party, such as asking only your sisters or only your friends. It's a sensitive topic, and it's important to handle it with care to maintain harmony within your friend group.

Secondly, consider the duties and responsibilities of bridesmaids. While it's not mandatory, many bridesmaids take on planning responsibilities, such as organising the hen party, and providing support throughout the wedding planning process. Think about which of your friends would be enthusiastic and organised in these duties, and who would be available to take on these tasks.

Thirdly, reflect on the overall feel of your wedding and your personal preferences. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate bridal party, then a larger group might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you want a grand, formal wedding, a bigger bridal party could enhance the atmosphere. Consider whether a large group of bridesmaids would make you feel more supported or if you would prefer the intimacy of a smaller group.

Finally, it's worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to friendship dynamics and the number of bridesmaids. Every bride is unique, and so is her social circle. The most important thing is to choose the people who are closest to you and who will be there for you through the wedding planning process and beyond.

Bridesmaids' duties

There is no right or wrong number of bridesmaids to have at a wedding. While the most common number is 3, anywhere between 1 and 12 is considered normal. The number of bridesmaids you have will depend on your budget, the size of your venue, the formality of your wedding, and the dynamics of your friendship group.

Now, onto the duties of a bridesmaid. The main duty of a bridesmaid is to support the bride, but there are several other tasks that are usually expected of them. Here are some of the most common bridesmaid duties:

Before the Wedding

• Help plan and pay for the hen party and bridal shower
• Attend pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner
• Purchase a bridesmaid dress and any accessories
• Help with wedding planning tasks such as addressing invitations, assembling favours, or cake tasting
• Establish the finances and set a budget for bridesmaid-related expenses
• Help choose and purchase bridesmaid dresses

On the Wedding Day

• Get ready with the bride and other bridesmaids
• Walk down the aisle
• Give a speech or toast
• Join the receiving line
• Help seat guests at the wedding breakfast
• Be on hand to assist the bride, such as with makeup touch-ups or helping her go to the bathroom if her dress is cumbersome
• Fill the dance floor and get the party started
• Act as the bride's personal mirror, making sure she looks her best and doesn't have food in her teeth

After the Wedding

• Return any hired clothing or accessories
• Help take down decorations and clean up the venue
• Help gather all the wedding gifts and take them to the couple's home or another location for safekeeping

Frequently asked questions