It’s not uncommon for wedding couples to have more members in their wedding party than in the pews. In other words, the size of the average wedding party has gotten out of hand. While you might want to include all your gal pals or drinking buddies, it may actually be better to have a smaller wedding party. Here are a few tips on how to determine the size of your wedding party.

Do You Want an Intimate Wedding?

If you want an intimate wedding in which you can make memories with everyone in attendance, a smaller wedding party is necessary. An intimate wedding should include a maid of honor and best man. That’s all. You don’t need 20 bridesmaids to have a memorable wedding. In fact, you’ll have many more memories if you choose just one best friend to stand by your side.

Will Your Friends Really Feel Left Out?

Many women think that there friends will feel left out if they don’t make them a bridesmaid. The truth is many women hate being bridesmaids, especially if they’re not married because it’s a constant reminder of their own romantic failures. More importantly, it’s your wedding. Choose those that you are closest to and avoid making more women than necessary wear ugly dresses.

Can You Afford to Have a Large Wedding Party?

In most cases, the bride and groom pay for the wedding. Long gone are the days when every bride’s parents footed the bill. This means that it will be up to you and your soon to be spouse to pay for everyone’s dresses and tuxedos. Can you really afford the added expense? More importantly, wouldn’t you rather spend that money on your honeymoon or the home you’ll soon be moving into?

Are the People You’re Considering for Your Wedding Party Close to You?

How much do you know about the people you’re considering for your wedding party? Are these people you’ve shared memories with or mere acquaintances? These should be people that you can’t imagine not being party of your wedding party. These should be people you’ve been best friends with for years and who have been with you through thick and thin.

Is Your Wedding Going to Be a Big Affair?

Last, but not least, if you’re not going to be inviting a lot of people, you will more than likely want to avoid having a large wedding party. After all, you need some people in the pews oohing and awing. In other words, if you’re only inviting 20 people, it doesn’t make sense to have 10 in your wedding party.

The truth is a smaller wedding party is the way to go. You want your wedding party to be made up of those that are closest to you, not people that might feel left out. This is your wedding and not a high school party. Whatever you choose though, make sure it’s something that makes you and your spouse happy.

About the Author: Jackson Sleger and his wife had a hard time planning their wedding as so many wanted to be involved in their special day. They ultimately decided to look for villa rentals in a remote location and had a private ceremony with only close family and friends.