Bridesmaid anxiety

You don't have to choose 7 bridesmaids if you don't want to! There is no rule saying that the sides have to be even. Don't choose someone because you're feeling obligated, or because someone else wants you to pick them, or to make the sides even, or because they chose you to be in their wedding party, etc. Only choose those who you are closest to and who you genuinely want by your side - whether it's two people or ten people. The sides can be uneven.

You don't have to choose 7 at all. Go with your 6 "for sures" - that is 100% the right way to approach it! Don't just fit someone into a slot to make numbers even - that is a super outdated tradition and uneven wedding parties are incredibly common nowadays. It's very rare that each member of a couple has exactly the same number of close relationships. If you have 6 - you're done! No need to stress any further

It’s way too early to ask anyone. They don’t need to be asked before 6 months before the wedding. Also you don’t need even numbers. Bridesmaids should only be your current closest innermost social circle of supportive people. Who is the first person or people you are super close to who you call or text before anyone else to celebrate or vent about your relationship with fiancé? Anyone not on that list does not get to be a bridesmaid. Most of the ladies you mentioned sound like they were only asked out of obligation. If you feel obligated to do something, don’t do it because that is pressure against what your heart and gut want. The forum is full of posts of brides who asked the wrong people too early and/or out of “obligation” when there is no friendship to begin with and they don’t know how to cut the person out of the wedding party without permanently damaging the relationship.

I have 7 bridesmaid and FH has 9! The numbers definitely don't have to be even!

Just have the 6 you actually want to be there for sure. Relationship is more important than symmetry. I had 3 and my husband decided on 4 and it was totally fine

I have 4 bridesmaids, and my fiancé currently has 2 groomsmen. He may ask a few more friends, but, if not, I don’t mind. As other posters said, the numbers don’t have to match.

Do not pick someone just to have even sides. That will cause more trouble than it's worth. Just have 6 and one bridesmaid can be escorted down by 2 groomsmen if you are having them walk in pairs. I've seen it done on numerous occasions and it does not look weird at all.

I would stick with the 6 and keep it uneven.

7 groomsmen and 6 bridesmaids is totally fine, don't stress about having even sides! But I agree with the people who said don't choose your bridal party yet. Wait until 6–9 months before the wedding, because friendships can shift, and unfortunately you may not be as close to some of those 6 when the time comes.

Honestly, you don't need 7 if you can't find 7

Now I feel like the big question is, what are your expectations for your bridesmaids? The reason I ask this is because I don't want you to just pick girls to fill up a spot when you had higher expectations from them. However, you need to openly talk to them on what you expect them to do or you are going to only disappoint yourself you know? But just know that a bridesmaid's role is to just show up in her dress and stand by your side for the big day. If they are able to help you during this wedding process then that's just a bonus.

I wouldn't choose the work friends, ANYTHING that could possibly cause drama or stress in your work environment is really risky I'd probably go with the cousin if you are dead set on even sides.