Must I reciprocate?

Hi, welcome to WW!

I haven't really been in this situation but I think it's perfectly fine to choose the people that are closest to you as your bridesmaids. Some people may not have too many close friends but wanted you because you are friendly and such but that doesn't mean you don't have closer friends. Also they should understand that you aren't wanting some huge number of bridesmaids. Especially if you were in their weddings a number of years ago then it's perfectly natural that friendships change over time, you can't be expected to be super close with everyone for years!

If they're still good friends then I'd still at least invite them to the wedding. You can also consider having them do other things like being a greeter/usher or doing a reading or such. But I don't think I would specifically bring it up to them because that might disappoint them more. Plus, you can maybe keep them in mind as backups too!

I say choose the people you are close too. I can certainly understand where you are coming from. Invite them to the wedding; however just say you wanted a small wedding party and leave it at that. It might not come up. Welcome to WW!

I have been in 3 weddings. I am having two of those people in my wedding. I was not in the wedding of the my third BM. You choose based on who you are close to and based on the number of attendants you and your FH decide is appropriate after considering size and formality of wedding

Congrats & welcome to WW. I don't think you are obligated to ask all of them to be in your WP. I chose not to have a traditional wedding party and I didn't ask any of the "other" brides to be in my wedding party. It's your day, it's your choice, do everything that makes you happy.

I agree with the above ladies. Ask those with whom you're close, and don't bring it up to the other ladies. If they ask, say what WeddingDestinationItaly suggested.

Welcome to WW and happy planning!

I agree choose who you want to be in your wedding, don't bring it up to them and invite them to the wedding.

I guess I'm in the opposite situation. My cousin didn't have me as a bridesmaid, but she's really important to me to where I want her in my party.

But you're not obligated to have someone you don't want in your wedding. Just tell them that you're looking for a smaller party if they even ask, which they might not.

Welcome to WW

you are never obligated to ask anyone to be in your bridal party. Just becuase you stood up for them at their wedding, doesn't mean you have to have them stand with you on yours. I cannot stand people who assume their roles in your wedding, because you were asked to be in theirs. FH and I were dealing with this to a point, he has been in all his cousins weddings. None of them are his groomsmen (2 will be ushers).

Have the people who you know will help you get to your day, through your day, and there for you afterwards.

Thanks, Ladies, I appreciate the advice.

Don't ever feel obligated. I was in someone's wedding a few years ago. As soon as I got engaged, she said "It's your day. I know you have a lot of friends, so don't feel like you have to put me in your wedding party. I know you'd make me wear pink anyway!" At the time, pink was not on my list as a bridesmaids dress color. Guess what the girl's are wearing? PINK. She wouldn't have wanted to wear that color anyway... Bottom line: it's your day this time. If you don't want to reciprocate, then don't. They could always be a guest if you had room for them!