How many bridesmaids/groomsmen do I need?

"How many bridesmaids/groomsmen do I need?"

For very informal wedding, obviously you don't need any bridesmaids or groomsmen. I have been to and coordinated weddings with just the maid of honor and the bestman.

Personally I always encourage couples to choose only those who are really close to them to be in their bridal party. The reason is simple: the more bridal party one choose to have, the more expensive it is (5 bridesmaids = 5 bouquets that one has to buy) and the more complicated it is to coordinate the outfits (dress 1 looks good on bridemaids 1 and 2 but looks horrible on bridesmaids 3-5 while dress 2 does the exact opposite) as well as their respective travel schedules.

One time a church coordinator told me she had a couple who wants to fit 24 people in the bridal party on the tiny church stage. I was thinking that perhaps they could just use the choir loft instead.

Remember bridesmaids and groomsmen spend a great deal of money (dress/tuxedo/bachelor party/bachelorette party) when they agree to be in your wedding party. They will also be in your wedding photos forever (unless you choose to cut them out which is almost impossible!!). Choose wisely is definitely the key!

If you have lots of close friends and families, instead of having to choose, it may not be a bad idea to ask people if they would rather do something else at your wedding to help out. Some people may even want to be doing something else for you but if you don't ask, you will not know.