Adding a Bridesmaid

There is no need to keep the bridal party even, unless that’s something you personally want.

I wouldn’t add another bridesmaid though. If I were asked 3 months away from a wedding to be someone’s bridesmaid, knowing that they selected the bridal party months ago, I would take it as a kick to the guts. I personally would be questioning if I was the ‘Plan B’.

Theres no need at all for your bridal party to be even. The bridesmaid you add in will feel like she was not your first choice

We didn't have even sides, and no one cared.

Adding someone in is awkward and they know they are not a first choice.

I wouldn’t add her simply for the sake of keeping numbers even. Uneven bridal parties are really common these days. However, it sounds like you wanted this girl to be a bridesmaid initially, but didn’t ask her simply to keep the number at 5. If that is the case, then go ahead and ask her! You could just talk to her one on one and say you know what, I love you and you are such a great friend, and I just can’t imagine not having you stand with me at our wedding. Would you want to be a bridesmaid? You don’t have to tell her the situation about the groomsmen dropping out then coming back – that will likely only make her feel like you were asking her just to meet a quota.

Originally we had 6 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen. My FH did not have that many friends so we added a really good friend of mine as his groomsmen to make 6. My MOH dropped out cause she got pregnant, so I replaced her with my current. My FH BM dropped out cause we (him and I) had a really bad argument and he said he didn't want to be a part of the wedding nor attend. So we were uneven again. Then I let one of my bridesmaids go to make it even so we could be even again. Then two bridesmaids (twins) dropped out due to financial reasons. At that point we just said they don't have to partner up, they can just walk alone down the aisle (I tried to add the other girl back but she said she couldn't because she actually lost her job due to Covid). Then I lost another bridesmaid because she wanted me to pay for her dress (I paid for it on the basis that she would pay me back, when I asked when she could she said she wanted me to pay for it), I am a full-time student and work part time, I can't afford that. So I canceled the order on her dress. Then two more of my FH groomsmen dropped out because of covid. Now we have 3 each.
If she is up for the responsibility of being a bridesmaid then add her. Be wary not to add friends because you guys go way back. Add people that are reliable because not everyone is up for the duties or can financially afford them when they accept or say they want to be a part of it. Also, you have to be very understanding of what others feel comfortable with because of covid.

I'm going to agree with Chrysta - I don't think there is any harm in adding her to bridal party. No need to explain to her why you're doing it - just that you want her to stand with you. If I had gotten a request like that, even if I knew the other bridal party members had been selected earlier, it wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. I'd actually be pretty excited given that I'm already participating in the bachelorette party and everything.

I wouldn't add anyone judt because. They know they're being asked last minute so avoid that. They should be those nearest and dearest whom you can't imagine the day without. If that means uneven sides then so be it