Too many bridesmaids!!!

Aw that's a tricky situation to be in. I saw an article the other day (Although i can't remember where I saw it, sorry) where a bride had 'honorary bridesmaids'...I think it's an American tradition, but could work in your situation? Includes them in the day, but you're not necessarily tied in to the costs of having so many bridesmaids?

Hey friends, I love you but I love these friends more, have a pretty card.

Nope.

I feel you would regret not having them all, they dont have to mirror the number of grooms men. Or I feel you should have no friends, just your family. IMO, I wouldnt be offended if my bestie chose to have family only, however, to have one friends but not others would raise questions?

I'm part of a group of four friends. One of them is getting married this year (was engaged before me and arranged things before I was engaged) and she's having two of them as bridesmaids and I'm not. Nor am I involved in the day at all, other than as a guest, but I'm not offended. I'm happy to be there as guest.

Sorry this doesn't help but thought I'd share my experience xx

I had this exact same situation! We are a friendship group of 5 & my closest friend of them all is getting married later on this year. All 5 of us are bridesmaids for her in October.

I then got engaged 6 months later & had to make the very difficult decision of who to have as my own bridesmaids. I have a sister, another close friend & my FSIL to consider too, all of whom I knew I definitely wanted as bridesmaids. I would have loved to have had all of my girls, but there is no way we could afford 7 bridesmaids - plus if they were all standing up there beside me, then there would be none of my friends sitting watching us get married ?

It was absolutely awful having to tell my girls that I couldn't have them all as my maids, but I did however get them a little wish bracelet each, which was presented on a piece of card asking them to be in my 'Bride Tribe'. I wanted to let them know that I love them & that I still want them to be involved in the excitement & planning of our day. I'd like to think that they all understood, I know there was a bit of upset & disappointment but that soon passed. They all now have a little string bracelet to wear in our wedding colours on the day to hopefully make them feel special.

I think I would try and have them all...it'll be fantastic! Can u explain about the cost side and I'm sure most bridesmaids would be willing to help out/pay for their dresses etc. Plenty of notice to save up.

Or just explain you have decided just to have three, I'm sure they'll understand why you're having your absolute best friend, uni best friend and sister. I think they are all probably secretly hoping they will be involved though, unless of a shy nature and they may be hoping they're not!

I don't think you need to buy a gift. Perhaps after you've told them just try and still spend plenty of quality time together, go out for a lovely meal and drinks together as 7 or do something you all love.

Thank you so much for your reply! I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! Love your idea I think I will deffo be stealing it! It's such a tricky situation isn't it!! Thank you so much xx

Fantastic idea about witnesses!! Thank you so much!!

Thank you so much for your help, I'll look this up!

Ah yes this is what I'm worried about! I'm gunna have a long think about it tonight! Thanks for your help

Thank you for your reply so nice to hear it from another point of view!! X

I'm gunna talk to my fiancé and see what he thinks about having them all! I'm not sure how doable it is in the venue! Thank you for your reply though much appreciated ?