How to Choose Your Bridesmaids: A Guide to Creating Your Dream Squad!

One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is choosing your bridesmaids—the amazing people who will stand by your side on your big day. But with so many important relationships in your life, deciding who makes the cut can feel overwhelming. Should you include family? How many bridesmaids are too many? What if someone feels left out?

If you're struggling to make your decision, here’s a helpful guide to picking your bridesmaids with confidence and care.

1. Consider the Size of Your Wedding

Before making your list, think about the size and style of your wedding. While there's no rule for how many bridesmaids you should have, your wedding's scale can help guide your decision.

Small, intimate weddings (50 guests or fewer) typically have 2-4 bridesmaids.
Medium-sized weddings (50-150 guests) often have 4-8 bridesmaids.
Larger weddings (150+ guests) can accommodate a bigger bridal party.

However, this is your wedding—so if you want one bridesmaid or ten, go for it!

2. Think About Who Truly Supports You

Your bridesmaids should be people who bring joy and positivity into your life. Ask yourself:

Who has been there for me through thick and thin?
Who will genuinely support and celebrate my wedding journey?
Who can handle the responsibilities of being a bridesmaid?

Friendships evolve over time, and just because someone was close to you in the past doesn’t mean they have to be in your bridal party. Focus on relationships that feel natural, supportive, and drama-free.

3. Family vs. Friends: Who Should You Choose?

Many brides feel obligated to include family members, such as sisters, cousins, or future in-laws. While family can be a wonderful choice, you should only select them if it feels right.

If you have a large family and want to avoid hurt feelings, you can:

Make them honorary bridesmaids (without formal duties).
Give them another special role, like a reading during the ceremony.

Remember, your bridesmaids should be people who make you feel happy and comfortable—not just those you feel obligated to include.

4. Consider Their Availability & Commitment Level

Being a bridesmaid can be a big responsibility. Between dress shopping, bridal showers, and the bachelorette party, your bridesmaids will be involved in various aspects of your wedding.

Be sure to consider:

Do they have time to participate in pre-wedding events?
Are they financially comfortable with the costs of being a bridesmaid?
Will they be reliable and supportive throughout the process?

If you have a long-distance friend or someone with a demanding schedule, be upfront about expectations to ensure they’re comfortable committing.

5. Avoid Choosing Out of Obligation

It’s natural to feel pressure to include certain people—whether it’s a childhood friend, a cousin who had you in their wedding, or someone in your fiancé’s family. However, your bridal party should be filled with people you want by your side, not just those you feel obligated to include.

💡 Tip: If you’re worried about excluding someone, find other meaningful ways to involve them in your wedding, like being a reader, usher, or bridal shower co-host.

6. How to Handle Difficult Decisions

Choosing bridesmaids can sometimes lead to awkward situations. Here’s how to navigate a few tricky scenarios:

You have too many close friends. → Consider having a larger bridal party or assigning special roles like "bridesmaid but not standing at the altar."
Someone assumes they’ll be a bridesmaid, but you don’t plan to ask them. → Have an honest but kind conversation, letting them know how much they mean to you and offering another way for them to be involved.
You’re worried about hurt feelings. → Remember, your wedding is about you. True friends will understand your decision, even if they’re momentarily disappointed.

7. Finalize Your List & Pop the Question!

Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to officially ask your bridesmaids! You can:

💌 Send a heartfelt letter or card.

🎁 Give a personalized bridesmaid proposal gift.

📞 Call them for a meaningful conversation.

🥂 Plan a fun bridesmaid proposal party!

The way you ask is up to you, but make it special—it’s an exciting moment!

Final Thoughts

Choosing your bridesmaids is a personal decision that should reflect the people who truly matter most to you. Whether you have two or ten, what’s important is that you surround yourself with love, positivity, and support.

At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner—so trust your instincts, choose wisely, and get ready to celebrate with your dream team by your side! 💕

Credit- Venue- @Poplarspringsmanor Photos- @theinmansphoto Florals -@theflowergalco