Big wedding party

Hello! How big are you guys expecting your guest count to be? I know when me and my FH started planning we were only going to have parents and grandparents and that list has known grown to 100 guest because as time went on it felt wrong to exclude people who are important to us (and people also made their voices heard on how important being there with us was). It honestly boils down to budget, venue capacity, family values, etc.

I’m so sorry I see I didn’t read this correctly! Will honestly the same things apply. It’s totally fine to have a bigger wedding party, if you guys can afford to do so. Are you planning on paying for everyone’s dresses and suits? Hair and nails? It is truly necessary to include in the wedding party?

If you can't narrow it down further, I'd consider skipping the bridal party. My friend had 10 on each side and it was like herding cats, even though everyone was very helpful


Hair and makeup slots started at 7 am, even with 4 hma's. Someone arrived an hour late to the rehearsal. The bride diy'd the bouquets with one of the bridesmaids, and her hands hurt. It's going to be harder to fit everyone in the same shot
If you are having 18, I'd probably have them sit after the walk on the aisle, and have them walk close behind each other.

Bless your heart… This second time around I’m not having any! Not a single one. I had 6 my first marriage 17 years ago and I’m still traumatized. Bridal parties in reality aren’t as helpful, supportive and as catering like in the movies and things can get chaotic real fast. I’d say reach out to them and see who’s actually interested in participating first. And if they all agree you’re likely going to have to keep their participation down to attendance only. No way you’ll be able to give task to everyone. And you'll spend a unnecessary amount of money trying to fund anything for a group this size. Think twice but good luck.

Ohhh no. Not 18. no.

I would suggest just having one person each. If you're unsure please please look at how much having 36 people in the wedding party will add to the total cost.

I'm going to agree and say 18 is a lot especially when you have to think of day-of stuff. Hair and make up for 18, would need probably 3 hair/make up people to just get it going. Trying to coordinate showers, bachelorette, or party with 18 people might get a little hectic accommodating everyone.
The day before the wedding did you plan on having a girls night? Will need a big space for that. Then there's gifts, if you choose. Also the time it takes for all 18 girls to walk down the aisle will take away from the special here comes the bride moment.

With all that being said, this is your wedding. If you 2 both want a large bridal party and large guest count then go for it! Just because the like of us here on wedding wire wouldn't do it, doesn't mean you shouldn't. But there are always ways to include them without having them all be bridesmaids if you choose.

I would say you make cut-off rules. Maybe only siblings, maybe only super close friends you have had since elementary school, maybe you each only choose one but everyone else can still be part of the bachelor/bachelorettes and showers. 18 is going to be insane trying to coordinate. I'm only having 4 and had to choose to exclude all siblings in order to keep numbers down.

All invitees are honored guests so they will still feel recognized by you. You can further thank them at the reception. The easiest and cleanest way to choose is to select 1 MOH and 1 BM as the 2 witnesses to sign the certificate. I fear that if you make your wedding party too large, others will wonder why they didn't make the A squad, so to speak. If you worry this will look strange, couples have been pushing traditions esp with Covid. My husband and I had only 2 standing with us in our lavish wedding.

Plus, as others have stated, this is an undertaking even if you don't have a bridal shower or bachelorette. On your wedding day, you want to focus on yourself and your FS, no one else. So unless you have successfully managed 18- 36 people or hire a wedding planner, then I would opt for a smaller party.

View Quoted Comment We were able to narrow it down to 10 each, I feel this will be doable.

It might be a lot of time, stress, and money, but if it means a lot to you both to have that many people then it's not impossible. I've seen a few weddings with really large bridal parties and they pulled it off.