How many bridesmaids should I have? How many bridesmaids are there? Let’s discuss it! Read on + join the newsletter for the latest to your inbox.
Are you wondering, how many bridesmaids should I have? Good question! Today we’re tackling this question from bride-to-be, Sara. She writes,
“Hi Emmaline! How many bridesmaids are in a wedding? I’m picking my bridal party attendants and I want to know how many bridesmaids and groomsmen I should have. Is there a certain number? Thanks!”
Great question! The answer to how many bridesmaids you should have is… as many as you’d like! I know that’s not very specific, but allow me to elaborate.
How many bridesmaids should you have?
The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you choose has to do with your budget and the size of your wedding. How many bridesmaids do you WANT to have? How many in your crew do you want to hang out with on the morning of the wedding? Who do you want in your bridal party as you shop for bridesmaid dresses and to wild out at your bachelorette party?
How many bridal party attendants you want to provide transportation for? The number of bridesmaids you should have also means how many you can afford to buy bridesmaid gifts for… something important to consider.
These are all important things to think about BEFORE you ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding.
How many bridesmaids per guests?
There’s no set number of how many bridesmaids per guests. However, as a rule of thumb, small weddings usually have fewer bridesmaids vs. large weddings with big wedding parties. It would look awkward to have 15 bridesmaids standing up at your ceremony when your entire guest list is under 50. ;)
However, that’s not a “law” you have to follow. Remember, it’s your wedding — do it your way!
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How many bridesmaids are in most weddings?
Personally, whether it is a large or small wedding, I think having 4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen is the perfect number to have. When you add the couple, you have a nice group of ten. It seems to work! And while I may be biased because that’s what I had for my wedding, it just seems to work. :)
Do I need to have bridesmaids and groomsmen?
You do not need to have bridesmaids or groomsmen at all if that’s not your thing.
Can I have a Maid of Honor and Best Man, but no bridesmaids or groomsmen?
Yes! You can definitely have a maid of honor and a best man and then call it a day. There’s no need to have more than the number you pick.
How many bridesmaids and groomsmen are there in a wedding?
The number varies as I mentioned, but we usually see 3 to 5 bridesmaids at a wedding. And since you usually have an equal number on the opposite side — although you don’t have to — that equates to 3 to 5 groomsmen in a wedding, too.
The total number would equal 6 to 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen. Add the couple and you have 8 to 12 in the wedding party in total. That’s a pretty good size!
How many bridesmaids is average?
The average number of bridesmaids in a wedding is 4.
How many bridesmaids should I have?
If you’re struggling with how many bridesmaids you should have, here’s my advice: start SMALL. Only ask when you’re 100% positive you want this person to be in your wedding. Here’s why.
I have seen it all: couples asking 15 (yes, FIFTEEN!) bridesmaids (and groomsmen) on both sides versus couples with just two attendants on either side. I have also seen the latest trend of just a Maid of Honor and Best Man as the entire bridal party. To be honest, the more chaotic and expensive weddings had huge bridal parties, while the laid-back and relaxed groups had smaller bridal parties. And that makes sense since a large group consists of more people, additional costs, logistics, gift-giving, etc.
How many bridesmaids to choose
So, what is the magic number? How many bridesmaids should I have? The perfect group seems to be around four to six (which I consider a good maximum) bridesmaids and the same number of groomsmen. A wedding party of eight people (ten including the couple) to twelve people (fourteen including the couple) is what I like to call a “happy medium” and will make wedding planning easier for you in many aspects.
A medium-sized wedding party is ideal for the following reasons:
• It is easier to transport a smaller group to and from the ceremony, photos, etc. in a limousine or limo bus
• The seating for the head table is easier to plan with 10-14 people versus 20 or more
• The procession at the ceremony is easier to plan, there is more room for everyone to stand at the altar / chuppah / focal point
• Your cost of wedding party gifts is less (you need to buy a groomsman gift and bridesmaid gift for each attendant and costs can really add up)
• There are less people to coordinate travel accommodations for the bachelor / bachelorette parties
• Scheduling tuxedo rentals and bridesmaid dress fittings is easier with a smaller group
• Coordinating schedules for wedding events (i.e. the wedding shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, etc.) is simpler with less people
• Photos will take less time, since there are fewer people to arrange in portraits and candid shots
Getting ready in the morning is faster, since hair and makeup appointments for 12+ bridesmaids would take a looooong time
When you choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen, consider close family members first; next, choose best friends; finally, select anyone else you’d like to be a part of the festivities. I recommend not asking anyone to be in your wedding party unless you (and your significant other) are absolutely, positively in agreement. After all, once you ask, you can’t take it back. :) Awkward.
It all comes down to your own personal preference.
Sometimes, how many bridesmaids you choose is going to be large, simply to include everyone. For instance, if you have a large family with many siblings or you are blessed to have many best friends then go for it. Maybe you have a few close friends and you want to keep it small — there’s nothing wrong with that.
The perfect number of how many bridesmaids and groomsmen to have is just a suggestion; it really comes down to what works best for you and the wedding you envision.
Hope it helps!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
