How big should your wedding party be?

Wedding party size tends to grow out of obligation rather than a clear decision: a sibling here, a childhood friend there, a college roommate you'd feel bad leaving out. Before it grows too far, it's worth thinking about what the role actually requires.

What the role involves

Being in a wedding party usually means a dress or suit purchase, a bachelor or bachelorette event, possibly a shower, and standing up at the ceremony itself. A larger group multiplies coordination for you and cost for them, so a bigger party isn't free for anyone involved.

The two parties don't need to match

Four bridesmaids and two groomsmen is completely fine. Matching numbers looks tidy in photos, but forcing symmetry usually means padding one side with people who weren't the obvious choice.

A reasonable question to ask yourself

Would this person be in your life the same way five years from now regardless of the wedding? If the honest answer is no, they may still deserve an invitation to the wedding itself without needing a formal role in it.