How Many Bridesmaids Can You Have? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Bridal Party

Introduction

He has popped the question, and now it’s time to choose your wedding party! One of the significant decisions you'll need to make while planning your wedding is how many bridesmaids to have. With searches for "how many bridesmaids can you have" rising by 90% in the last 90 days, it’s clear that many brides are curious about this very question. The truth is, there’s no strict rule; you can have as many (or as few) bridesmaids as you like. However, tradition, the size of the wedding, and personal preferences all influence this decision.

Traditional vs. Modern Trends

Traditionally, the number of bridesmaids often corresponded with the scale of the wedding: large, formal weddings might have six or more bridesmaids, while smaller, intimate ceremonies typically had just one or two. However, modern weddings are increasingly centred on personal preference, and couples are moving away from tradition. Some brides choose to have a “bridesmaid-free” wedding, while others have ten or more!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Bridesmaids

• Wedding Size: A good rule of thumb is to match the number of bridesmaids to the size of your wedding. A 20-person wedding with 10 bridesmaids might feel overwhelming, while a 200-person event with just one bridesmaid could seem unbalanced.
• Budget: Bridesmaids’ dresses, bouquets, gifts, and other expenses can add up. Consider your budget (and theirs) before committing to a large bridal party. Will you be covering these expenses, or will your bridesmaids be responsible for them? Are they in a position to contribute?
• Logistics: The more bridesmaids you have, the more schedules you'll need to coordinate for dress shopping, fittings, hen parties, and the wedding day itself.
• Personal Relationships: Choose individuals who are genuinely important to you. Don’t feel pressured to include someone just because you were in their bridal party in the past or due to family expectations.

How to Politely Set Boundaries

If you have a large friend group but want to keep your bridal party small, consider other ways to involve people. You can ask close friends to do readings, be your "something blue," or take on special roles, such as helping with preparations on the wedding morning.

Be honest yet kind when discussing your bridal party choices. A simple statement like, “We’re keeping our wedding party small, but I would love for you to be part of our big day in another way!” can go a long way.

Real-Life Examples

The average number of bridesmaids in the UK is around 3–5, while in the US, weddings often have 5–7. Some brides prefer symmetry, matching the number of bridesmaids to the number of groomsmen, but this is not a requirement. A trend in micro-weddings is to have just a maid of honour—or even no bridal party at all.

At the end of the day, your bridal party should reflect your closest relationships and what makes you happy. Whether you choose one bridesmaid or ten, ensure your decision feels right for you!

Once you've chosen your bridesmaids, make the moment extra special with our bridesmaid proposal cards and keepsake gifts. A heartfelt touch makes all the difference in celebrating your closest friends on your big day!