Your wedding portraits are one of the few parts of the day that live far beyond the wedding itself. The more time, presence, and intention you give them, the more meaningful your photography experience becomes.
When couples feel rushed, pulled in multiple directions, or emotionally drained, it shows—not because anything went wrong, but because time and energy were spread thin. When couples create space for themselves, the images carry more depth, calm, and authenticity.
That said, my role doesn’t change based on numbers.
If you arrive with a bridal party of 30 people, I’m fully prepared to lead, direct, and organize the group with clarity and confidence. If you choose to keep things smaller, I’ll guide you just as intentionally—creating space for connection, ease, and genuine moments.
There’s no right or wrong choice.
The only real question is this: how do you want your wedding day to feel?
There’s something undeniably electric about a larger bridal party. When it works, it really works.
Having a big group of your closest friends dressed up together creates a level of energy that’s hard to replicate. The day feels like a celebration from the moment it begins. Getting into a large vehicle, music blasting, everyone laughing and fully in it—it’s like the party starts early and never slows down.
From a photography perspective, the visuals can be incredible. Big group portraits have movement, personality, and presence. When couples plan group entrances, choreographed dances, or special moments together, a larger bridal party can elevate the experience and make those moments unforgettable.
That said, this version of a wedding day comes with real demands.
A larger bridal party requires more coordination, more transportation, more scheduling, more personalities, and more planning overall. It often means additional costs, extra time built into the timeline, and more mental energy spent managing logistics throughout the day.
For couples who love structure and don’t mind juggling details, this can be exciting. But for others, it can quietly pull attention away from the meaning of the day itself.
Bridal Party: Why Some Couples Are Keeping It Small
Some are still going big. Others are choosing to keep things simple. Neither approach is right or wrong—but each creates a very different experience.
After photographing weddings for years, I’ve seen how both sides of the coin play out in real time.
The Case for a Bigger Bridal Party (And Why It Can Be Incredible)
Why Some Couples Are Choosing to Go Smaller
More recently, I’ve seen couples intentionally move toward smaller bridal parties—not because they love their people any less, but because they want to experience their wedding day more fully.
With fewer moving parts, the day often feels lighter and calmer. There’s less pressure to accommodate everyone else’s needs and more space to be present with each other. Portraits tend to flow more naturally. Transitions feel smoother. Emotional moments aren’t rushed or interrupted.
Smaller bridal parties also reduce the chance of unintended drama, unexpected delays, or added stress. Travel becomes easier. Timelines breathe a little more. And couples often find themselves more grounded in what the day actually represents.
I’ll be honest—I don’t come from a large family, so it may be easier for me to say this. But after witnessing both approaches firsthand, what stands out most is how intentional choices shape the emotional rhythm of the day.
Many couples are choosing to strip away anything that feels heavy and lean into something more meaningful, focused, and present.
A Photographer’s Perspective (And My Honest Advice)
Start Your Wedding Experience With Us
If you’re looking for a photography experience that balances guidance, presence, and artistry—
Start your wedding experience with us.
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