Too many in the bridal party?

There's no set number that is too few or too many. It's really up to your discretion. Keep in mind that 20 bridal party members means 20 gifts, 10 bouquets and 10 bouts, at least 40 wedding and rehearsal dinner guests, more people to coordinate schedules with for certain events, etc. If you have the patience, more power to ya!

That does seem like a large wedding party, though if those are the people you want by your side on your day, I say go for it! Just keep in mind that it may get expensive when purchasing wedding party gifts, rehearsal dinner costs (especially if each one gets a plus one), bouquets, etc. Otherwise, if that isn't a concern, there's no rule saying you can't have that many!

View Quoted Comment Really great points & things to think about!

There is no set number. Traditionally couples would have one set of attendants (bridesmaid plus groomsman) per 50 guests. But today anything goes. Be aware that it can get pricey on your end with thank you gifts and other expenses.


It's also traditional in many circles for groomsmen to do double duty as ushers, but is by no means required. It's equally an honor to just be a guest invited to witness the ceremony and celebrate with you.
Some people might sideeye it because it's nontraditional and different, but they won't say anything negative to you, and it's not a breach of etiquette. Do you and don't worry about anyone else.

In addition to the considerations already mentioned, I don't know where you live or what your venue is like, but IF Covid-19 continues to be an issue into next year, I'd just think about what your contingency plans will be if you are in a situation where you'll need to seriously downsize your guest list. If you suddenly found yourself limited to 50 or even 20 guests total, what would that mean with such a large bridal party? As a pp mentioned, with their significant others a 20-person bridal party is going to translate to 40 guests; if, hypothetically, you were limited to 50 people total, are your families or other non-wedding party VIPs few enough that you could make it work? I know NO ONE wants to think things won't be better/different next summer, but the one thing I think everyone's learned in the past 6-months is that it's helpful to consider multiple scenarios. Good luck trying to decide what works best for you!

I think that’s fine considering you’re having a big wedding

You can have however many people you guys want. I don’t think 10 is “tacky”, it’s a lot but not tacky. You’re having a big wedding so I don’t see the problem

Not tacky but expensive (for reasons others posted) and chaotic to manage more people’s schedules.


Does he know he can invite them all his his bachelor party? Maybe he just wants more bro time. He can choose a few groomsmen but still invite his great group of friends to celebrate with him at his bachelor party.

I don't think there is a limit or anything like that on how many can be in a bridal party. I also think that during COVID it might be too much but that's up to you all and what your venue allows for! Like PP have said keep in mind of schedules and gifts that might get spendy but I don't see the problem at all with having 10 and 10.

Great points above. Other things to consider are the day-of logistics and costs. You will need a vendor who can bring several people if everyone is having at least one service, which may be higher travel fees for you even if the girls pay for their own styling. Your getting ready space also needs to be larger to accommodate everyone and you will spend more on getting ready food/drinks. Finally, getting that many women to agree on dresses is more challenging (even if you give them a lot of flexibility).

I have 7 and I wish mine were smaller. It's expensive and logistically challenging, and the travel issues with covid have only made things worse.

View Quoted Comment Ooooh yes all these points!

You can also have uneven sides.

But mostly... that's a LOT of people to coordinate with, and to ask to get along.

I had 4 on my side (and two were married to each other), while DH had 5. And.. that was a pain, in terms of scheduling.

Wow!! You are lucky to have so many friends! There is no set number, it's whoever is important to you and you want to have there on the most important day of your life! Although I will have to agree with above posters that the more you have the more $$$ it costs.

We had 9 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen. I can't imagine not having all of them included. It was more expensive with flowers & rehearsal dinner & gifts, but it was worth it. We had no drama at all.