How Many Bridesmaids Can You Have To Your Wedding

Selecting your bridesmaids might be challenging. It’s one of those wedding activities that, while it may seem enjoyable in theory, can rapidly turn into a logistical headache. And of course you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel excluded.

Family members might also weigh in on who you “need” to ask. Or you may wonder if they all should be part of the same friendship group.

It seems to make sense to figure out how many bridesmaids you wish to have in your bridal party before you start asking people, “Will you be my bridesmaid?”.

Otherwise, you could regret it later. Although three bridesmaids is the standard in the UK, you must decide what is best for you.

In this article, we will figure out how many bridesmaids you can have on your big day.

There are a couple of questions you should ask yourself and other factors to consider that will help make your judgement. 

What Is The Average Number Of Bridesmaids?

The typical number of bridesmaids in the UK ranges from three to five.

Nevertheless, a variety of factors can influence this figure. People you want to be first in line to witness your wedding, make up your bridal party. If you want to spend your day with a group of five close pals, choose five. If you only have one “ride-or-die” friend, then just have one. 

When choosing how many of your friends to include in your wedding party, don’t feel as though there are rules you have to abide by. Also, don’t let anyone pressure you into making a choice that doesn’t make you happy.

You don’t have to just stick with friends, you could even have family members as a bridesmaid as well. 

Does It Need To Be Even?

It’s not necessary to have the same number of groomsmen and bridesmaids – it won’t matter if you have varied numbers in the group photographs because a skilled photographer will know how to position everyone. 

If your partner wants to have a big wedding party, while you want to keep yours smaller, then you can do that!

The fact that you are surrounded by the people you care about is what is crucial.

Think About Your Budget

The more bridesmaids you have, the more expensive it will be. Especially if you are the one paying for bridesmaid dresses in addition to hair, makeup, and accessories.

In addition, you must budget for extras like bridesmaid gifts as well. Reduce the number of your bridesmaids you have, if money is short. It’s preferable to treat two bridesmaids better than ten on a tight budget.

Do You Have To Return The Favour?

We understand that it can be quite awkward to not include a former bridesmaid in your bridal party.

However, it’s crucial that your bridal team consists of the individuals you actually want, not the ones you feel you should have. 

Don’t increase the number of bridesmaids to satisfy “ought-tos”, if you’d rather limit it to a few of your closest friends and family members.

Do You Have To Have Bridesmaids?

You are not at all required to have a bridal party. You can still throw a successful bachelorette party and include all your best friends, even if you don’t have a formal “bridal group.”

In fact, they might be pleased in the long run because you spared them from needing to spend money on a dress they may not ever wear again.

The ideal number of bridesmaids may be zero for some.

If it doesn’t suit you, you don’t have to adhere to tradition! Whatever makes you feel comfortable is what matters, whether you have simply a maid of honour, solely flower girls, or none at all.

If you do decide to go without bridesmaids, your closest friends can still be part of your big day in other ways and instead of being a bridesmaid, they could perform a reading at the wedding ceremony.

Or they are asked to be a witness. There are other roles that you can ask your close friends and family to do so that they are still part of your wedding.

Yet, it doesn’t mean you have to ask them to be bridesmaids, either. 

What Do You Want Your Wedding Morning To Look Like?

On the morning of the wedding, it is typical for the bride to get dressed with her bridesmaids. If there are several bridesmaids in a confined area, this can quickly devolve into chaos.

Everyone will require room to get ready. Keep in mind that if you have a large group of bridesmaids, it might not be possible for you all to get dressed at the same time in the same room. 

You might not know where you will be getting ready yet. However, if you only have one bridesmaid, you might not have the lively atmosphere you desire, so picture the perfect wedding morning.

Do you want it quiet and peaceful or lively and loud?

Summary

In the UK, the average number of bridesmaids to have is around three, though the number is entirely up to you. You may decide you want more than the average, or less or no bridesmaids at all. 

Just because you have been a bridesmaid for someone else doesn’t mean you have to ask them to be a bridesmaid in your own wedding.

It is important that if you are having bridesmaids, then you should surround yourself with people that you want to be there.

Therefore, you shouldn’t let anyone try to persuade you on who ought to be your bridesmaids.

We hope this article has been helpful and given a clear insight on how many bridesmaids you can have at your wedding.