How Many Bridesmaids Is Too Many?

Bridesmaids are an important part of a wedding, offering emotional support and helping the bride with various tasks. While there is no fixed number, the average number of bridesmaids is between three and five, with some sources stating the typical number is four. However, the number can vary depending on factors such as the size of the wedding, the venue, and the couple's budget. Ultimately, the decision on how many bridesmaids to include in a wedding is a personal choice.

The average number of bridesmaids

The number of bridesmaids at a wedding can vary, and there is no right or wrong number. However, according to different sources, the average number of bridesmaids is between three and five, with four being the typical number. Some sources state that the average number of bridesmaids is five, and it is common to have up to ten or eleven bridesmaids. The number of bridesmaids can depend on various factors, such as the size of the wedding, the venue, the budget, the formality of the wedding, and the number of groomsmen. Ultimately, the decision on how many bridesmaids to have is a personal choice for the couple, and there is no fixed rule.

The role of a bridesmaid is to support the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day itself. They assist with dress shopping, planning the engagement party, and various DIY wedding projects. On the wedding day, they ensure everything runs smoothly and offer emotional support to the bride. The maid of honour, or matron of honour, usually the bride's closest friend or relative, has additional responsibilities, such as organising the bridal shower and managing the bridesmaids.

When deciding on the number of bridesmaids, it is important to consider the cost implications, as each bridesmaid incurs additional expenses for the couple, such as the cost of dresses, accessories, flowers, food, and gifts. The size and layout of the venue can also be a factor, as there may be limited space for a large number of bridesmaids. The formality of the wedding can also influence the number of bridesmaids, with more formal weddings typically having a higher number of attendants.

While there is no set rule, some couples may prefer to have an even number of bridesmaids for symmetry and aesthetics in wedding photos. However, this is not a hard rule, and modern weddings often feature an uneven number of attendants or include bridesmen and a best man.

In conclusion, the average number of bridesmaids is between three and five, but the decision on how many bridesmaids to have ultimately depends on the couple's preferences, the size and formality of the wedding, and the available budget.

Bridesmaid duties

The number of bridesmaids in a wedding party usually falls between three and five, but there is no right or wrong number. It is completely up to the couple getting married and can be influenced by the size of the wedding, the number of guests, the venue size, and the number of close friends and family members the couple wants to include.

Before the Wedding

• Help with dress shopping
• Plan the engagement party
• Assist with DIY wedding projects
• Offer emotional support
• Help plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Assist with the rehearsal dinner
• Help with wedding planning tasks, such as collecting RSVPs, categorising menu choices, or offering opinions on wedding suppliers
• Establish finances and discuss expectations with the couple
• Help set up the venue

On the Wedding Day

• Get ready with the bride
• 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 bathroom breaks
• Keep the couple hydrated and fed
• Fill the dance floor and get the party started

After the Wedding

• Return any hired clothing or accessories
• Help take down decorations and collect leftover items, such as the wedding cake, centrepieces, and floral arrangements
• Create a digital collection of photos and videos taken by the wedding party

Choosing bridesmaids

First and foremost, it's important to consult your budget. Each bridesmaid will incur additional costs, such as their dress, accessories, flowers, food, and transportation. It is also common for the bride to pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup to be styled on the morning of the wedding. Therefore, it's crucial to consider your financial constraints before asking anyone to be a bridesmaid.

Another factor to consider is the size and layout of your venue. If you're getting married in a small space, you may want to limit the number of bridesmaids to avoid overcrowding. Conversely, if you're getting married in a large venue, you may want to have more bridesmaids to fill the space. The formality of your wedding can also impact the number of bridesmaids you choose. Very formal weddings typically have between 6 and 10 bridesmaids, while casual weddings often have just one or two.

It's also important to think about friendship dynamics when choosing your bridesmaids. Consider who your closest friends and family members are and whether you want them by your side on your special day. Be mindful that leaving someone out could hurt their feelings, so choose your bridesmaids wisely. Remember, there is no obligation to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if you are getting married in the UK.

Finally, don't be afraid to trust your instincts and choose the people you truly want to stand with you on your wedding day. The average number of bridesmaids is between 3 and 5, but you may decide to have more or less depending on your personal preferences and the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should choose the people who will make your day memorable and enjoyable.

The cost of bridesmaids

The number of bridesmaids at a wedding is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong number. However, the average number of bridesmaids is usually between three and five, although some sources state four. Regardless of the number of bridesmaids, there are several costs to consider for both the bride and the bridesmaids themselves.

Costs for the Bride

While the bride is not expected to cover all the costs for her bridesmaids, there are a few expenses that are traditionally covered by her or her family. These include:

• Bridesmaid bouquets and other floral accents
• Wedding day transportation for the bridal party
• Accommodations the night before the wedding, if the bride wants to spend the night with her bridesmaids
• Matching outfits for getting ready on the morning of the wedding, such as robes or pyjamas
• Hair and makeup, if the bride wants the bridal party to have their hair and makeup done professionally

Costs for the Bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid can be an expensive endeavour, with the average cost of being a bridesmaid estimated to be around $1,200 per wedding, but this can vary depending on the location and specific circumstances. Here are some of the costs that bridesmaids typically incur:

• Bridesmaid dress: The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is around $130-$200, but alterations can add an additional $30-$100.
• Accessories: Bridesmaids often purchase new shoes, jewellery, and other accessories to match their dress, with these costs averaging around $120.
• Hair and makeup: If the bride requires professional hair and makeup, the bridesmaids may have to pay for these services themselves. On average, this can cost around $72 for hair and $60 for makeup.
• Travel and accommodations: If the wedding is not local, bridesmaids may have to pay for travel and accommodations, which can quickly add up, especially for destination weddings.
• Pre-wedding events: Bridesmaids are typically expected to attend and contribute to various pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. These costs can vary widely, but bachelorette parties can be particularly expensive, especially if they involve travel.
• Wedding gift: Despite all the other expenses, bridesmaids are still expected to give a wedding gift, which can be something small from the registry or a group gift chipped in with other bridesmaids.

Ways to Reduce Costs

Being a bridesmaid can be financially challenging, but there are some ways to reduce costs:

• Choose affordable dresses: Look for affordable options or allow bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specified colour scheme, so they can select something they may wear again.
• Be mindful of pre-wedding events: Discuss the expectations for pre-wedding events, especially if they involve travel. Consider local options or contribute in other ways if a destination event is out of your budget.
• Communicate openly: Be honest about your budget constraints and have open conversations with the bride and other bridesmaids to find ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the experience.

The history of bridesmaids

Ancient Times

In ancient Rome, the law required at least 10 witnesses to be present at a wedding. This requirement is believed to have laid the foundation for the bridal party tradition. Bridesmaids, who were typically domestic workers or servants, wore similar outfits to the bride to confuse evil spirits and potential robbers, as brides often carried a dowry of money and valuables. The maid of honour, or chief bridesmaid, was the bride's "favourite", and she was expected to be at the beck and call of the bride in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Biblical Roots

The tradition of bridesmaids also has roots in the Bible. Jacob, a patriarch of the Israelites, had two wives, Leah and Rachel, who were both escorted to their wedding by their servants or maids. These maids attended to the brides and protected them from evil spirits and potential suitors.

Victorian Era

During the Victorian era, white was the official colour for bridal parties, influenced by Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, where she and her attendants wore white. Bridesmaids' attire was designed not to outshine the bride, and they often wore hats, gloves, puffy sleeves, and shiny satin.

Modern Times

Today, the role of bridesmaids has shifted from servants to close friends or relatives of the bride. They provide emotional support and practical assistance during the wedding planning process and on the wedding day itself. The number of bridesmaids varies, with modern brides choosing based on their preferences, family size, and the number of attendants their partner may have.

Frequently asked questions