They’re your support group, your A-team, your wedding-day front line. They’re your BRIDESMAIDS!!!

Bridesmaids –

Bridal parties can range anywhere from a single maid or matron of honor to more than a dozen attendants. Loosely, all it means is that a large wedding party fits in better at a large, formal wedding. So if you’re planning a small, intimate gathering, you should opt for a smaller bridal party.

Here are a few important tips when choosing your bridesmaids:
More isn’t always merrier. The more bridesmaids you have, the greater the potential for complications. You’ll need to get more people to agree on a dress, decide on a shower date, and coordinate all the other joys of bridal party-dom. If you’re on a limited budget, think about who has to pay for all those bridesmaids bouquets. That’s right—you. And the more bridesmaids you have, the more ostentatious.

Blood is thicker than water. If you’re close to your sister and future sister-in-law, the thought of not including them in your wedding party probably never even occurred to you. But if you suffer from a serious Jan Brady complex, the thought of asking your sister (or sister-in-law) to be a bridesmaid probably ranks right up there with having a basketball hit you in the nose. Still, it’s usually worth including family just to avoid unnecessary conflict. Think of it as having more bargaining power when you’re battling with your parents over the guest list.

Try not to make hasty assumptions. Don’t write off some friends simply because you think they don’t have enough money to afford that Vera Wang bridesmaid dress you have your eye on. If you want to ask a friend you know is having financial difficulties, you can always tell her that you’d love for her to be a bridesmaid, but understand the financial difficulties. If she has to decline, promise to find something else for her to do in the wedding.

No, you don’t have to return the invitation. Just because someone asked you to be in her wedding doesn’t mean that you must have her in yours. There—we said it. This isn’t a dinner party invitation that you need to reciprocate. Don’t ask the college roommate you haven’t spoken to in years just to return the favor.

You can have two maids of honor. There’s no reason or rule that says you can’t. If these are the two women you feel closest to, of course you want them both by your side on your wedding day. Just be aware that they may squabble over honor attendant duties: who gets to hold the ring, the bouquet, stand right next to you, sign the license, and so on. Just tell them both what you specifically want each to do.
Go with your heart! If you’re afraid of hurting someone’s feelings, remember that, as cliché as it sounds, any true friend will understand whatever decision you ultimately make. Remember, you are the bride and it is your special day!