Why Wedding Parties Are Getting Smaller (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Wedding parties should not stress you out.
Once upon a time, wedding parties were huge with rows of matching dresses, tuxes, and at least one cousin you hadn’t talked to since middle school.
Weddings are about love not image.
But lately? Couples are keeping things small, simple, and way more personal.
And honestly… it’s kind of refreshing.
The Shift to Smaller Wedding Parties
1. It’s about connection, not headcount.
Couples today are picking just the few people who really matter most. No more pressure to have eight bridesmaids just because your sister did.
It’s about celebrating with your inner circle, not your entire social network.
2. Fewer people = less chaos.
Enjoying your wedding day is the most important thing.
Fewer hair appointments, fewer group texts, fewer “Who forgot their shoes?” moments.
Your morning will be calmer, photos will be faster, and you’ll spend more time soaking in the day instead of managing it.
(The Knot)
3. It’s friendlier on your wallet.
Smaller wedding parties mean fewer bouquets, fewer matching gifts, and fewer rehearsal dinners that feel like banquets.
Your budget will thank you.
4. Smaller weddings overall just make sense.
Micro-weddings and outdoor celebrations are on the rise, and a smaller wedding party fits that relaxed, intimate feel perfectly.
(Axios)
Uneven Wedding Parties? Totally Fine.
Repeat after us:
Your wedding parties do not have to match.
If one partner has four people and the other has six? Great!
If one has none and the other has two, also great!
What matters is that the people standing beside you feel right, not that they “match” for photos.
Even experts like Zola and Brides agree: balance is nice for décor, not friendship.
The Perks (and a Few Pitfalls) of a Smaller Wedding Party
The Perks
Easier mornings and fewer schedules to juggle.
Everyone actually fits in one photo.
You save money (and maybe sanity).
Your group feels closer and more connected.
You can actually enjoy your morning coffee.
The Pitfalls
Less built-in help on the big day.
A few friends might feel left out.
Less of that big wedding energy if that’s your thing.
Family members may have opinions.
You need to delegate carefully.
A Few Tips If You’re Deciding
Pick people who make you feel calm and happy, not guilty or stressed.
Don’t worry about matching sides. You’re not forming a sports team.
Offer other roles for loved ones who don’t make the cut (readers, ushers, hype squad, flower grandmas. Yes, that’s a thing and it’s adorable).
Remember: guests notice joy, not symmetry.
Final Thought
Whether you have six people standing beside you or none at all, what really matters is that the day feels like you.
If that means keeping your wedding party small, uneven, or skipping it altogether, then embrace it.
The people who love you most will still be cheering from the front row (and maybe holding your veil).
Elizabeth with her family picking apples.
Sources
Author Bio
Written by Elizabeth Schlup, owner of Lost Pond, a rustic outdoor wedding venue near Cañon City, Colorado. Elizabeth loves nature, her family, and helping couples plan relaxed wedding celebrations by the water.
