This question does not get asked much but can be a worrying factor in the back of a bride’s mind. In this blog gives you an answer and gives you clarification on how many you should have.
Now that we no longer have restrictions, couples are still asking themselves do we need to have a big bridal party? Couples are ask themselves should I have bridesmaids? Do I have to have bridesmaids? If I do how many should I have? Who should I have as a bridesmaid?
Do not get caught up in what other people are doing or worried about how your bridesmaid pictures might look based on how many you have. The point is to be with those you love, and ultimately, your wedding party size is up to you, but there are a few things to consider when coming up with a set number to stand by your side at the altar. If you are wedding planning read on for tips to choose how many bridesmaids to include in your wedding, straight from a professional planner.
What Is the Average Bridal Party Size?
The number of bridesmaids in a ceremony largely depends on the size of the wedding itself. Typically, three to five bridesmaids is the range people fall into, there are a number of factors that play into how many bridesmaids you may have. The size of the venue, the number of guests in attendance, number of close friends and family members you want to play a part in, and the atmosphere you are shooting for, all affect the number of bridesmaids you will have.
How to Decide the Number of Bridesmaids
Your bridal party is made up of the people you want to be first in line to see you get married. It is also the people brides want to be able to depend on, laugh with, and cry with through their whole wedding process. So, if you have a group of five close friends who make you feel that way, then go with five! If you have one 'ride-or-die' friend, then go with just one. Do not feel like there are rules that you have to follow when deciding on how many of your friends to include in your wedding party, and certainly do not let anyone pressure you into making a decision that does not make you happy.
The best course of action is to follow what feels right to you and choose those you truly want to stand by your side as you get married.
1. There is no 'correct' number of bridesmaids
The bottom line: You do not need a certain number of bridesmaids. You do not have to choose an odd number or an even number or a certain number, like five, because you have been to (or have been a part of) other weddings where that was the case. It is not a numbers game, and there is certainly no hard-and-fast rule you should abide by when it comes to how many ladies (or gents) you want to lead the way for you down the aisle.
Do you, or don't you be influenced by what you have seen others do, what you think you are expected to do, or whatever 'normal' is. This is your day, and you can have as few or as many bridesmaids as you want by your side.
2. It does not matter how many groomsmen there are
You also do not need to have a matching number of bridesmaids to groomsmen. The only time anyone might notice that one side has less than the other is when it is time for them to walk down the aisle—which, by the way, your guests are not really paying that much attention to anyway, because they are sitting there fidgeting in anticipation, waiting for you to walk down the aisle.
If you are nervous about how your group photos will look with an uneven bridal party, ask the photographer to stage different setups and poses, so it is not just a straight line of people standing beside one another.
3. If you were their bridesmaid, they do not have to be yours
There is no rule that says you have to select your bridesmaids based on who asked you to be a part of their bridal party in the past—and you definitely do not have to extend the invite to someone just because you stood by their side some years ago. If you are still close with them, go for it. But if you have not spoken in a couple of years (or more), it is going to be a little awkward rekindling your friendship while you are in the midst of wedding planning.
4. You do not have to have any bridesmaids at all
You absolutely do not have to have any bridesmaids at all. Even without an official "bride tribe" you can still have a booming bachelorette party and invite all your besties—who may even be happier in the long run, seeing as you saved them from having to spend money on a bridesmaid dress they might never wear again. On the other hand, do you have a guy in your life that you can not imagine leaving out? By all means, ask him to join your bridal party along with the rest of the 'maids!
So, over all the amount of bridesmaids you should have or could have at your wedding depends on yourself and following the four tips above will help guide you in your decision.
If you would like to discuss more about this topic or other areas of your planning that you feel you need outside opinion do not hesitate to contact myself by giving me a call 07445276667 or messaging me through my contact page https://www.emmalouiseweddingplanner.com/contact
Hope you enjoyed the read
Emma Louise x