Selecting bridesmaids can indeed be a challenging decision for many brides, particularly when they have a large circle of friends and relatives. The number of bridesmaids a bride chooses can vary widely and depends on personal preferences and circumstances. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many bridesmaids are “enough.”
Traditionally, brides may have a smaller bridal party consisting of a maid of honor and a few bridesmaids, typically ranging from one to six. Yet, for Tina Ackles from Killeen, Texas, the “enough” number was 168, securing her the title of having the most bridesmaids for a single bride.
Tina Ackles, a resident of Killeen, Texas, tied the knot with her husband on April 18, 2015, at the Safety Harbor Resort in Tampa Bay, Florida, after a 12-year courtship. Tina’s wedding became a sensation not only due to its sheer size but also because of the unique way she selected her bridesmaids.
Tina is an active member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), and it was through this community that she extended her wedding invitation to a remarkable 168 bridesmaids.
Every bridesmaid received an invitation via an ABWA chat and gladly accepted. In October 2014, Tina announced her wedding date, set for April 18, 2015, providing ample time for the bridesmaids to plan.
Tina noted that the women were enthusiastic and spent months discussing their attire, shoes, and accessories in the chat. She revealed, “We were at an ABWA conference in Safety Harbor, and after the conference, we decided to have our wedding at the venue.”
But beyond the extravagance and logistics, there’s a heartwarming aspect to this story. The bride’s desire to include so many people in her bridal party reflects a deep sense of inclusivity and the importance of the bonds she shares with her friends and family. It’s a testament to the love and connections she has cultivated over the years.
Tina concedes that her initial plan didn’t involve having such a large number of bridesmaids, but she believed it would be advantageous for the ABWA.
Following the wedding, Tina and her extensive bridesmaid team commemorated the union with a dinner and drinks, even sharing the event on social media for those unable to attend.
While Tina’s wedding set a Guinness World Record for the most bridesmaids, it wasn’t just about the title. It was about the love and support she found within her community.
Friends and family were equally surprised and thrilled to hear about Tina’s newfound record. She shared, “They were in awe and still are.”
