Before, being chosen to take part in a bridal party didn’t always inspire pure joy. Most potential party members realized that they’d have to put out a lot of time, effort and money (on top of wearing a questionably fashionable bridesmaid dress, for the women).
But as more millennials marry, it’s no surprise that they’re choosing smaller bridal parties. (They’re a pragmatic bunch, those 20-somethings. They realize that a smaller bridal party means less hassle and less money.)
According to Martha Stewart Weddings:
In recent years, we’ve seen brides with huge bridal parties. The largest one in 2017 tallied up to thirteen ‘maids! But Kara Delay of Love This Day Events has predicted that brides will choose smaller groups—made up of a single maid of honor or just one or two bridesmaids—in 2018.
There’s also been a trend toward more transparency in the process. Bridal party members are told up front what is expected of them, but not demanded. Members can now participate how they sit, financially and personally. This makes for a more relaxed process…and a more relaxed wedding in the long run.