One of the first and most enjoyable parts of wedding planning is when the bride and groom decide who will be their wedding attendants. Fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen will be needed at a smaller, more intimate wedding, and a large wedding party (6 or more bridesmaids and groomsmen) is better suited to a grand affair with over 100 guests.



Some of the advantages of choosing a smaller bridal party include: less people to worry about regarding the cost and fittings of their wedding attire, fewer people to pick up, provide lodgings, and return to the airport, and less gifts to purchase for the bridal party.

One big disadvantage may be that some important friends or family will feel left out. There will be less help in shopping, planning and hosting bridal showers, decorating, and making favors.

If the bride has six beloved sisters and the groom has only two close friends, a compromise may have to be made. It is possible for the groom to use the bride’s brother, cousin, uncle or other relative as an attendant. If some of her sisters are already married, the groom can ask their husbands to be attendants and escort their wives. These selections will certainly please the bride’s family.

The flower girl and ring bearer should also be recognized as part of the bridal party. It has become more common to have several flower girls and even more then one ring bearer. (The number does not have to match.) Strangely enough, pets have become attendants, with online stores offering miniature tuxedos, flower girl dresses, top hats and tiaras! However many attendants they choose, the bride and groom will have the loving support of cherished family and friends on their special day.