Whether you’re busy enjoying a short or long engagement, one thing is certain to be on your mind – choosing your wedding party.
Picking the perfect people for the job isn’t easy and, as many brides and grooms discover, making the wrong choices could just affect your special day. Bridesmaids play particularly important roles in the run up to and on the wedding day itself.
As well as organising the hen party, bridesmaids are essential sources of support as The Knot details:
“There’s more to being a bridesmaid than showing up on the wedding day. Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and your friend will likely need help and support. As a bridesmaid, part of your job is to be there for your loved one for all the pre-wedding events. Take time to check in on them and offer to help with any small tasks you can think of (delivering the wedding invitations to the post office, for example).”
The list of bridesmaid duties goes on, but how many bridesmaids are enough to offer the help and support every bride-to-be needs as she approaches her special day?
Is there really a magic number?
In short, no. Deciding how many bridesmaids you want really does come down to preference and several other factors.
In the UK, the average number of bridesmaids is three. Although couples hosting larger weddings may decide to complement their larger venues with a greater number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
How many bridesmaids is right for me?
Delving deeper into your budget is a great place to begin if you’re not sure how many bridesmaids is right for you and your wedding.
The cost of bridesmaids certainly adds up. Whilst many modern day couples ask for contributions towards these costs, you’ll still have to budget for bridesmaid dresses, hair, makeup, accessories, and gifts for these VIPs.
As a rule of thumb, you should keep the number of bridesmaids to a minimum if your budget is tight. Always choose to spend well on a chosen few, rather than scrimp on a larger bridal party.
The space available at your wedding venue could also influence the size of your bridal party. This is especially true if you want your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle with you or get ready in the same suite on your wedding morning.
Before making your decision, keep those bridesmaid duties firmly in your mind. Concentrate on picking the right people rather than focusing on how many bridesmaids you should have.
Should I have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen?
When coordinating your wedding photographs, many couples will think having an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is the way forward, especially for heavily posed shots. Yet with the creative, intimate, and natural styles so many photographers use and many more couples prefer, this is not as much of an issue in modern-day weddings.
Some marrying couples are going against the grain completely; choosing to have no bridesmaids and groomsmen, or simply having a maid of honour, best man and perhaps a flower girl by their side.
How can I ensure no one is left out?
One of the main reasons why brides struggle to choose a select few to be their bridesmaids is that they simply don’t want to leave anyone out. You’re certain to have many people who are special parts of your life, but remember you don’t have to include everyone in your bridal party.
Your VIPs can play key roles in your wedding day in other ways. They could do readings or act as witnesses at your ceremony for instance.
