Weddings are often marked by traditions, but some couples prefer to make their big day unique and unforgettable. Jack McGowan and Kathryn from Northern Ireland did just that by opting for a truly unconventional wedding feature: 95 bridesmaids.
The couple, who tied the knot last week at Larchfield Estate near Annahilt, County Down, decided that the typical three to five bridesmaids were not enough to reflect the joy and love they wanted to celebrate. Their decision was not made lightly, but it certainly created a day no one would forget.
The Decision: A Growing Number of Bridesmaids
Kathryn McGowan recalls how the couple initially debated the number of bridesmaids. “I was thinking and thinking about how it was going to work,” she said. “What’s the biggest number of bridesmaids I could have?” After tossing around the idea of seven or eight, the number kept increasing until they finally landed on 95.
With a guest list of about 250, this meant that a remarkable 38% of their guests wore bridesmaid dresses. This eye-catching number didn’t only consist of close friends and family but also included many of Kathryn’s dance students, who were central to the celebration. Kathryn, who runs a dance school, shared, “All my dancers and my friends that have been in my life for a long time, they’re still very much a massive part of my life.” The ages of the bridesmaids ranged from six to 40, bringing together a diverse and vibrant group.
Not a Shocking Choice
For Jack, the decision to have such a large bridal party didn’t come as a surprise. He said, “I help out with the organisation of dance events, and I’m used to working with a large number of people. I weirdly expected nothing less.”
While the bride’s side was filled with 95 bridesmaids, the groom had a relatively small party with just eight groomsmen. The day was dominated by women, and Jack humorously noted that the best man “is still dancing today.”
Smooth Sailing Despite the Large Numbers
Despite the vast number of bridesmaids, the couple reported that the day ran smoothly. Kathryn mentioned that her bridesmaids were so well-organized that the logistics of the event were effortless. “The girls all know how to get in formation and organise themselves very quickly,” she said. On the day of the wedding, the bridesmaids had already arranged themselves into two perfect lines along the aisle before Kathryn even arrived. This level of organization allowed Kathryn to enjoy the day without stressing over the details.
The bridesmaids’ coordination also made the photography process easy. “The older girls organised the younger ones, and they were all standing perfectly arranged ready for me to bounce into the middle,” Kathryn explained.
Bridal Party Dresses: A Showcase of Style
While Kathryn planned the overall colour scheme for the bridesmaids’ dresses, the women had the freedom to choose their own styles. This allowed each bridesmaid to express their unique personality, resulting in a beautiful variety of dresses that contributed to the charm of the day. Kathryn said, “It was really interesting to see all their different styles and personalities showing through.”
A Wedding Day Beyond Expectations
Looking back on the wedding, both Jack and Kathryn are overjoyed with how everything turned out. “It was absolutely brilliant,” Jack said. “It was better than we ever imagined. There was dancing and piping all day long.”
This wedding will surely be remembered as one of the most extraordinary celebrations, not just for its sheer size but for the joy and togetherness it represented. With 95 bridesmaids, a beautiful venue, and a carefully coordinated celebration, Jack and Kathryn’s wedding proved that sometimes, going beyond tradition can lead to an unforgettable day filled with love and memories.
