The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at one’s wedding is largely a dependent decision that partners opt for in readiness for the ‘big’ day.

The factors range from the bride's preference to the size of the family. Usually couples opt for anything from 1 to 10 bridal parties.

The Western bridal party tradition was established centuries ago from Roman law which required ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart evil spirits believed to attend marriage ceremonies by dressing in identical marriage clothes.

As it stands, members of the bridal parties are requested to support the couple by taking care of hairdo, shoe, dress, bouquet or jewellery of the bride.

Their main duties as bridal parties are to provide emotional and physical support and all assistance as required by the couple on one of the stressful but joyous days in the lives of the couple.

Some have questioned the large number of bridal parties couples now engage on their wedding day citing scarce resources and needless extravagance displayed.

Such folks contend the expended funds could be invested in profitable and sustainable avenues.

For those who hold that such marriage ceremonies should be grand, they assert that most people can get married once in their lifetime so there is need to spend money to have memories to remember involving larger bridal parties who rock the events.

So what will you opt for on your wedding day, a larger bridal party or a small one; and does cost inhibit the type of marriage ceremony you wish to have?