Your Bridal Party - Why You Shouldn't Ask Too Many People
The disadvantages of having a large bridal party

Some brides dream of a huge wedding party. They think that with so many friends to help, wedding planning will be a breeze, the bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties a blast and they won't offend that second cousin who made them a bridesmaid (even if they did make you wear a pink muumuu.)
But before you get on the telephone to ask everyone in your address book to play a part in your wedding day, think about the ramifications of having a small army at the altar with you.
More expensive While most bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own attire, housing and airfare, the bride and groom's expenses for each attendant do add up. Everyone will need a bouquet or boutonniere, an attendant gift, and to be included in the rehearsal dinner. There also may be other expenses such as: wedding weekend activities, special accessories, and the cost of renting additional limousines.
Less personal While a very few brides may really have ten best-friends-forever, odds are most of you don't. Thus, a big wedding party will invariably include people that you don't know as well or aren't as close to you. Some of the most amazing parts of planning a wedding are daydreaming with your closest friends, and that intimate conversation that can only happen in small groups of people who've known each other for a long time. Also, think about how you'd feel being asked to be one of three bridesmaids versus being asked to be one of ten. The first is far more meaningful.
Herding cats While for the most part your wedding party will be helping you, at significant points, you'll be telling them where to stand, how to dress, and when to show up. With a large group of people, this can be a little like herding cats – unruly and frustrating. The relaxed bride knows three magic words: Simplify, simplify, and simplify. This rule doesn't stop when it comes to your bridal party.
Expense to them Keep in mind that you're asking these people to spend a considerable amount of money. Even if they don't feel very close to you, they may feel obligated to say yes. The gracious bride and groom will take this into consideration.
Size of the ceremony site Anything less than a very large cathedral will have a difficult time accommodating a large wedding party. If you're committed to having a large wedding party, you'll have to look for a large site.
So, what's the minimum number of attendants you should have?
There really is no minimum amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen you need, other than the nicety of having someone around to help you and give you moral support. You can have as few as you want. Many brides these days have only one attendant, partially because they have too many friends to include some and not others.

 

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