Replacement bridesmaid

Personally I think it’s rude to replace a bridesmaid. There just doesn’t seem to be any good reason to and it could hurt the feelings of the new person. I just don’t think it’s worth risking that relationship with the new bridesmaid

I think it would be odd to add a bridesmaids strictly for the purpose of pictures. Asking someone to be a bridesmaid is really about honoring the relationship you have with that person and saying “I want you by my side when I marry my FS.”

I would not replace her. There is really no need to have bridesmaids since you are not doing a ceremony. Plus, I think the replacement BM might be a little put off being second choice.

Yes, a little odd to do it just for photos but if you are getting together with your girls and doing things before or after the reception then I could see it. I was my FSIL's "backup bridesmaid" before FH and I were engaged. We were not that close but she knew her brother was going to propose to me and that I would be there already for the wedding. Also, she knew I wouldn't be offended by being a second choice. She was super OCD and didn't want an uneven bridal party in the photos. I ended up being called on since someone dropped out the week of the wedding. It worked out well for us but I know it would not work for most people. Since you only recently have gotten closer with your younger brother's gf that and reconnected with your sister then it is possible that it would work ok for you guys. It is all about how you approach it when you ask. Saying, "we weren't that close when I first asked my bridesmaids but now that we are I would like to include you and have you next to me on the day."

There is no need for bridesmaids because the ceremony is done.
Pictures are fine, for those who were there, and put the outfit back on for the reception.
But anyone new is just a model of a former bridesmaid's clothes for a day. I have trouble as is with people who treat their bridle party as interchangeable props or models. Til now, you have not. But a BM for the sake of pairing off gowns and suits in pics?... Two summers ago, due to my aunt's death, her granddaughter and groom cut to 20 Brides relatives already living in town, and just GR mom and dad, of a big family, and the bridal party. Jst before Covid , 14 months later, they had a reception, must have been 140-150 plus WP.Minus 2 of the 3 BM. And everyone had an opinion on replacing them. And Gr having had 7 GM to her 3 BM to begin with, and how small the WP now 7 GM 1 BM. ... Wise word from most of our moms and aunties was " whatever your opinion, shut up. It is her wedding." ... Come reception day there were 2 soloists and a violin player, women hired from cousin's college. And they added greatly to the pageantry of the whole thing, live music. They wore different solid colors that were minor colors of BM. Nobody objected to them being treated like hired folks, because they were. They came down to the front ahead of 2 children with flowers. And their 3 songs plus the waltz for the bride and groom really added to the character of the reception. And yes they meant nice pictures. But anyone I heard from thought it one of many possible good solutions, rather than plugging an actual friend into an empty dress. ( If I had been asked my opinion... I would have said include 2 trumpets or cornets and start the procession with a trumpet voluntary ...and still kept the fiddler!

Hello Andrea!
I Agree with Anais,Sarah.

1) The idea of asking another girl to replace a bridesmaid will be met with hurt feelings and a potential for a strained relationship! I don’t think it’s worth it. Not even for the sister who you are starting to reconnect with: You should have asked her last year, in my opinion.
2) Your pictures won't look worse because a bridesmaid is dropping out and is not replaced.Your pics will look great, no matter what because ... you and your husband will be in it.

I would only consider it if maybe there was someone you were not as close to during the original wedding time, but you would now like to include. I didn’t have to replace a bridesmaid, but I did add one. We had met after I got engaged. I was originally going to be engaged for one year, but then after we had to postpone because of COVID to the following year. During this time, we got really close and I decided to ask her. I think it felt even more because she knew I already picked my bridesmaids, so to add her now showed I really valued her friendship .

I don't think you need to replace anyone. It's a slight to both the person "replaced" and the B-list replacement. It's perfectly fine to have uneven wedding parties for photos. Congrats on your marriage!