Too Many Bridesmaids

I had 10 bridesmaids and my husband had 9 on his side.

There are valid practical reasons for keeping numbers low (cost of flowers, gifts, transportation, etc.) but I wouldn't choose a number based on how it will look in photos. As long as you choose those nearest and dearest to you, you will love the photos.

We had 9 BM & 10 GM. It was a huge wedding party and it was expensive. We paid a lot for the rehearsal dinner (included significant others & kids), flowers, gifts, etc. but it was in budget so it was worth it for us. Neither of us had any drama with our wedding party!

I would pick those that you are closest to. We had 5 and 5, but I've been to weddings with 7 bridesmaids and I've been to weddings with 1 maid of honor and 1 best man. There is no set rules, but like Maggie said the more bridesmaids you have the more you spend on things like flowers and bridesmaids gifts. I also think it is harder to coordinate with more people.

I have 2 MOHs and 7 BMs. FH has 2 Best Men and 6 GM.

We had the same amount, but things have changed, and I think some more changes may be made, but that is pretty close to what we will have.

My only concern with having such a large bridal party is the expense of gifts. We did not do "proposals", but do plan on giving them things the day of. I want to keep it low cost without seeming cheap. One thing I have so far is water bottles. They are hard plastic wide mouth bottles with stainless steel bottoms and lids that I found on clearance at walmart for 50cents. I plan on using a cricut to put their names on them

I think you should pick the people that are your nearest and dearest friends or family - regardless of what that number is or how many people your SO has in their party.

Choose however many you feel comfortable with, but keep in mind that the more BO members, the most you’ll spend on BP gifts etc. I’ll also add that I’ve been in a lot of weddings and the ones with more than 5 bridesmaids have been nothing but DRAMA. I couldn’t wait for those damn weddings to be over!

I am also having 8 bridesmaids but only 5 groomsmen so I am in the same boat only
i don’t have an even # so the groomsmen will double up with the bridesmaids.

Thank you everyone for the response! I totally understand everyone’s point of view and it really helps. The rehearsal dinner was a good point with expenses so I will have to think about that part. The gift part is not an issue as I own a Cameo and plan to do majority of gifts on that. Thanks so much for the input!