When it comes to planning your wedding party, one of the first questions many couples in Ireland ask is: How many bridesmaids and groomsmen should we have? The honest answer? There’s no such thing as “normal”, and that’s a good thing.
Every couple is different, and your wedding party should reflect what feels right for you, not what tradition or social media says is standard.
So… What Is Typical?
According to the latest weddingsonline survey, the average wedding party size in Ireland is eight people – that’s including the couple. So typically, you might see three bridesmaids and three groomsmen, plus the couple. But that number is just an average – plenty of couples have more, fewer, or none at all.
The size of your wedding party often depends on:
How many close friends or siblings you want to include
The size and formality of your wedding
Your budget (outfits, gifts, and extras can add up!)
How involved you want your wedding party to be in the lead-up to the big day
What If Your Wedding Party Is ‘Unusual’?
More and more Irish couples are doing things their own way, and that includes having a wedding party that might raise a few eyebrows… and that’s perfectly okay. Here’s how to handle a few common “non-traditional” situations:
1. A Large Wedding Party
Some couples just have a lot of close friends or siblings and want to include them all. You could end up with five or six on each side (or more!). While this might mean a longer walk down the aisle and a few extra bouquets or suits, there’s no rule saying you can’t go big.
Tip: Get organised early! Delegate roles, keep communication clear, and consider hiring a wedding coordinator to help manage the logistics on the day.
2. Uneven Numbers
It’s very common to have more bridesmaids than groomsmen or vice versa. Maybe one partner has three close mates and the other has five, there’s no need to force symmetry.
Tip: Get creative with the ceremony. One groomsman can walk two bridesmaids, or everyone can walk in solo. Group photos can also be arranged creatively, so no one even notices the numbers don’t match.
Related: Uneven Wedding Party? Here’s What To Do!
3. Mixed-Gender Wedding Parties
Gone are the days when brides had only women beside them and grooms only had men. If your best mate happens to be a different gender, don’t leave them out! It’s becoming more common (and celebrated) in Ireland to see bridesmen, groomswomen, or even non-binary attendants.
Tip: Choose outfits that suit each person’s style, and give them titles that feel comfortable; “wedding party”, “honour attendants”, or just use names. Keep the focus on inclusion and friendship over labels.
Related: How To Have A Mixed Gender Wedding Party
Do What Works for You
Ultimately, your wedding party should be made up of the people who support you, love you, and want to celebrate with you, regardless of numbers, gender, or titles. Whether you have one person each, ten on each side, or none at all, what matters most is that you feel happy and supported on your big day.
So if you’re wondering what’s “normal”, the answer is whatever feels right for you.
Featured image credit: Rellini Art Studio
