How Many Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Do You Need?

Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are important. You shouldn't just choose the most fun ones, but those who are reliable and will help make your big day shine.

You’re getting married, and your friends and family are all excited. However, that’s not all you’ll need from them: this is the time to carefully select those who can help you at every step of the way. This includes choosing your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

A Little About Bridesmaids and the Groomsmen

Let’s start with the groomsmen.

These are essential figures who don’t only assist the groom, but the bride as well, throughout the entire ceremony. Also, from among these groomsmen, the groom will also choose the one who’ll be his best man, and he’ll have a few more responsibilities than the rest.

Then, there are the bridesmaids.

These are an integral part of any wedding. Their role is to be there when the bride needs them throughout the entire process. This is not only to help with your wedding planning, but also to be your rock when things get tough and to offer you emotional support.

Whether this is your first wedding or bridesmaid gig or your 50th, you might benefit from this cheat sheet on the things you should expect from your groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The Bridesmaids and the Groomsmen

The groomsmen don’t just stand there with the groom and the bride on the day of the wedding. Their role goes much further, and this is why they are often chosen from within the close circle of the couple who’s getting married.

These very special friends must participate in the entire process and be a voice of encouragement and support for the groom. Note that this is a position of honor for the people selected. Groomsmen also participate in local or regional traditions, such as decorating the newlywed couple’s car, etc.

Then, from among his groomsmen, the groom usually chooses one to serve as best man. This role is often assigned to his brother or closest relative or friend. On the same note, the bride will select her maid/matron of honor in a similar fashion.

All groomsmen and bridesmaids are in charge of helping guests find their places before the ceremony. Also, their role is to stand by the groom and the bride during the ceremony.

In addition, the fiancees could have other needs for assistance like planning their engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette and bachelor parties, stag and doe party, welcome party, rehearsal dinner and the wedding party.

Duties

In addition, among the duties of these helpers, there’s the task of accompanying the bride and groom to their outfit fittings. Also, they’re there to help coordinate the procession. They may even be responsible for taking the bride and groom to church.

This selected group of friends is in charge of making the wedding party pleasant for all. For example, they should talk to and even dance with those who are alone. Also, it’s there job to provide practical assistance with gifts brought to the party or with luggage or with any other sort of unexpected complications.

As you can see, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are not just any guests. They’re there from the beginning of the engagement all the way to the wedding day.

OK, but how many bridesmaids and groomsmen will you need to do everything necessary?

How Many Bridesmen and Groomsmen will You Need?

Traditionally, groomsmen should help guests throughout the reception and, in general, provide help throughout the party. So, their numbers should be proportionate to the number of people you’ll invite.

For example, a formal wedding with over two hundred guests should have from six to ten groomsmen and bridesmaids. You want to have at least one usher for every fifty people.

Do keep a balance between the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. Too many on one side will be too obvious during the wedding entrance and the wedding itself.

The Best Man: Keeper of the Ring

The best man stands next to the groom during a wedding ceremony (slightly behind him, that is). This way, there’ll be at least five people present at the altar: the officiant, the bride, groom, the best man, and the maid of honor.

Further, the best man’s duties are to:

• Assist the groom on his wedding day.
• Be in charge of the ushers.
• Keep the wedding rings safe until needed during the ceremony.
• Stand next to the groom throughout the ceremony.
• Act as a legal witness to the wedding and sign the marriage certificate.
• Prepare a speech that he will read at the reception.

The Maid/Matron of Honor

Overall, the maid or matron of honor is the bride’s chief attendant. In general, she’s usually selected for being her sister or closest friend.

The activities of this role are as varied as the bride needs. Typically, she helps with the logistics of the wedding as an event. For example, this includes addressing invitations and tagging along with the bride as she shops.

Also, the maid of honor is responsible for leading the rest of the bridal party through the planning of any pre-wedding events. Then, on the day of the wedding, her principal duty is to provide practical and emotional support with everything the bride may need.

Also, if they’re adults, she’ll act as a legal witness and sign the marriage license. Furthermore, if there’s a reception after the wedding, the maid of honor will offer a toast to the newlyweds.

Gifts for your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Do show your appreciation to your bridesmaids and groomsmen by selecting a token gift for each one of them. If you find it hard to pick the perfect gifts, there are a lot of gift shops out there that cater specifically to them. Small details like their names engraved on the item can make that present more special.

Now, since you’ll be spending a considerable sum on gifts for your friends, the potential costs will also dictate how many of them you should, or can, appoint. Otherwise, your expenses may go beyond your means.

Think about it: if you can’t afford even a tiny token of your appreciation and affection for all of them, then the ones who are left out will take it the wrong way and be highly offended.

So, with all of this in mind, choose your entourage wisely. These are special positions available for just a selected, reliable group from among your closest friends and relatives. So get the ones who truly mean something to you – and vice-versa.