18 people in a wedding party - too much?

I've actually seen bridal parties even bigger than that. I personally wouldn't do it, but if you and FH feel there are 9 people each special enough to be in your BP go for it.

It’s completely up to what you want. I have 8 bridesmaids! 2 Matrons of honor, 5 bridesmaids, and 1 junior bridesmaid. FH has 6 guys on his side, so we have 14 total.

With a large wedding you should be fine! We will have about 250 attendants but only 5 BM and GM... I totally understand wanting it even! That was me and the reason I had to downsize!

I had 10 bridesmaids and my husband had 7 groomsmen and 2 groomswomen. We had no issues but it was expensive between getting ready food, bouquets/boutonnières, gifts, and hair/makeup.

We're having 6 bridesmaids n 6 groomsmen but I really want to cut two ppl out and that's my FH step sister n her husband. Just the fact i have no relationship with her at all neither does my FH. But my FMIL keeps saying how they need to be in our wedding. So I dunno.

View Quoted Comment Beautiful! That’s awesome that you guys are all talented at hair and makeup, I wish I was lol (would also save a lot of $&dollar. I think it all depends on what you want to do. Personally I think it’s nice to be pampered and not have to worry about anything on the bid day. I’m definitely having someone do my hair and makeup and then let my girls decide what they wanted done. So once I know how many are getting theirs done that’ll determine how many stylists and our timeline (working on that right now actually lol).

View Quoted Comment That’s awesome that you guys actually pulled it off though! I know it can get expensive so we’re trying to do a lot of DIY as far as gifts - my BM’s I will be working on getting them tumblers, getting ready outfit (oversized shirt or robe), an inexpensive tote, and personalized hangers! I will be DIYing them months in advance & using a Cricut! The guys will have personalized flasks that I will be DIYing as well as a personalized shirt! Hair & makeup will be done by ourselves just to do it one last time (like we always did when we would have performances or shows) before I finally become a married woman! Food will already be provided by the venue as part of the package, and we will be DIYing our bouquets! We’re ordering bulk flowers from Costco to do them so it will cost us about $400 below! I’m a very DIY person and find it very therapeutic

We have 9 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen. It's costing us quite a bit but it's in budget so it's fine!

18! That's almost half of my wedding guests! LOL. It's your wedding. Do what makes you and him happy. Don't worry about what others think. They are not paying for the wedding.

Absoutley I think that's way too many but it's your wedding so have it however you and your FH want it.

I'm only having 5 bridesmaids and still not sure how many groomsmen my FH is gonna have yet to decide I do know of 4 groomsmen thats a forsure tho.

View Quoted Comment Had you considered having 6 Groomsmen, and 3 ushers, Groom's current nominees for GM? And you having 6 ladies total? Remember, for every Bridesmaid, or groomsman, you likely have a spouse or significant other. Adding 3 means adding 6, for rehearsal dinner. And people getting ready time and space and if you use any pro services, will be affected going to 9 bridesmaids. As well as more gifts. I think 20 people, 10% of those present, is too many for a total wedding party. Your choice. I never met or was in a very large WP that did not end up smaller by 2-4 by wedding day. Too many personalities, too many opinions, too many vehicles and rooms and meals for Bride and groom to cope with. If you have 5 or 6 you know work well as a team, stop there, would be my recommendation.

18! Wow that is a big number! I agree though that it’s totally up to you and your FH! Do what makes you happy! And I feel ya on the wanting equal numbers thing. I don’t have that many close friends and apparently my FH is Mr. Popular. Lol. So when he had 6 I had to scrounge up an extra girl! Haha my brothers GF did the trick!

That seems a lot to me personally, but that’s just because I’ve always envisioned having a smaller party. Doesn’t mean one is right or wrong or weird or normal. We’re now in the situation of having a bigger party than I ever wanted, I always wanted 4 on each side, now we’re having 6 on each side. Oh well, just think of it as more people to love on you and your FH and memories made with more people!

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These are my thoughts exactly! Whenever my FH came to me with 9 groomsmen, I had to make sure I heard correctly! Then I just thought - well 3 extra girls I could love on and be a special part of my day! I have a group of friends that was so hard to cut - but now I'll be able to add more!

I agree that it's your wedding, so as long as it's in your budget and something that you guys will love - go for it! We're having a pretty small DW and originally we were having 3 and 3, but unfortunately FH's best man lives pretty far away and his wife is due with their second baby about a month before our wedding, so he can't make it. We're really bummed about it, but at this point I think instead of having my MOH hold a bouquet, we'll have her carry our dog (who is now our "dog of honor"). FH has had our dog since he was a pup (before me) and they're inseparable. We'll miss the best man, for sure, but I honestly don't mind how this is turning out.