How to chose Bridesmaids

You've kind of answered your own question there. Only have the people you want.

I just dont want to offend my other friends by not asking them. So any advice on how to handle the situation?

If they make it known that they are upset then I would say you don't want a huge bridal party due to cost etc. I would also then be glad you didn't chose them. In my opionion even if I was truly hurt that someone didn't ask me to be bridesmaid I would never voice that to them, everyone picks peope for different reasons and I believe that only until you get married to you realise the stress of these decisions.

Go with your heart and have the 2 you mentioned

As above, if I was expecting to be a BM but hadn't been asked I'd never question the decision. If they do, just explain that you don't want a lot of BMs. I can't see it being a problem.

That's a good idea that you perhaps go down the cost route. Just explain that obviously you are on a budget and so you've asked a couple of friends who you go back a long way with. If they fall out with you over it then it will show that they aren't true friends as a real friend wouldn't mind, they would just want you to be happy.

I was in a similar situation (minus the risk they wouldn't speak to me over it, we're not like that). I have several groups of friends where I feel I'd have to have all if I'd asked one of etc.

In the end I decided to have my two cousins (who were always going to be bridesmaids) and then one of my friends as Chief BM / Matron of Honour etc. who would then 'represent' my other friends. I was going to say that I couldn't choose all of them obviously so had chosen my friend only in addition to my cousins, as she is closest to me and she was with me on the holiday where I met my H2B.

In the end, she said no, so don't know why the hell I got myself so worried about it in the first place!

I'd definately go along the 'represent you all' route and explain that you don't want a huge bridal party.

Tell them how you feel and that they are important and perhaps mention the things you would like them to be involved with - dress shopping, hen night, decision making etc ... "I'm only have two adult BM's, but it would mean a lot to me if you would be a part of X" ?

Exactly this. Don't feel pressured to have anyone you dont want to.

It frustrates the hell out of me that people assume they should be part of your party, i'm in a similar situation and have no idea how to get around it.. I feel your pain. X

If you feel it's going to be an issue, could you ask them to do something else? There are loads of little jobs that need doing when you're getting married - organise the hen night? Help with readings? Explain that due to costs you can only have one of them as a bridesmaid but that you would love them to be involved as much as possible x