My strong belief is that very few people are dying to be in a wedding party.

I love how gently this is said, when in fact, wedding parties are frequently the causes of massive friendship schisms. The members of the bride's party often have ridiculous obligations for labor, cosmetic appearance, hairstyle, gifts, planning, etc. thrown on them, and even in the groom's party there are often expensive parties one is expected to throw. Most people I know in bridal parties have wished they could get out of them.