too many brides maids not enough space

I have way too many at the moment. My mother and I were talking about assigning them different tasks to do with the wedding so they are still a part of the wedding just not a part of the wedding party.

I am all over the place with this one, but tonight I am thinking like you and your mom are. Ask them to be a part of the wedding but not actually the wedding party. Keep me posted : )

I did not have a bridal party. I had what I called my "Dazzling Dames" another friend of mine did the same but called s her "Leading Ladies". Anyway, because I didn't want drama or to hurt anyone's feelings I just had them all dress in my wedding color and pose for pics with me. No one got their feelings hurt. They didn't have to spend a lot on a dress. And we had a great time. They were also named in my program.

Oh that is a great idea! How did you go about it??? Beautiful photo

One more question MelloJean. Did your groom have groomsmen?

He did not have a BM or groomsmen. No one stood up with us at the ceremony. You could always have your girls walk down the aisle if you'd like to make them feel more involved. Fo me, almost all of my girls were coming in from out of state. I didn't want to put any stress on anyone and I didn't want anyone to feel more important that others. And the fact that he didn't have a BM really helped keep it simple for us.

Plus we didn't have to do a big rehearsal or rehearsal dinner. I'm cheap, I know.

I did give them special gifts though.

I love mellojean's suggestion. If the problem isn't with your budget and it's just the size of the venue, you could still have them as Bridesmaids, they would just sit after walking down the aisle instead of standing at the alter. We don't have a lot of room at the alter and our bridal party will be seated in the first row next to the parents.

Mellojean, that is an awesome idea!

For me, I should have chosen none or just one, maybe two max.

People's feelings got so hurt and there was a bit of drama too!

Not worth the headache!

I like the idea of still having them as bridemaids them just have them sit in the front row after they walk down the asile. Especially if you have already asked them to be bridemaids. I would still have your sister and daughters stand up front with you, and I would do the same for his side. Have the BM and his sons stand up front with him and have his groomsman sit down.

I was in a wedding a couple years ago where the bride, groom, MOH and best man stood at the alter. The rest of the BMs and GM sat in the front pews on either side.

I'm sorry, but i'm confused....do you not have the room for them to be invited to the wedding and reception?

but i like the idea of you and FS just having your children,the joining of a family...

I like the idea of having your bridesmaids sit in a front row. Realize that if you don't have them in the wedding party they might not be as active in your wedding as you would like. It you're ok with that, then have your immediate family. Up to you!