How to choose bridesmaids

Don't pick people to be bridesmaids because your side will look empty or you feel you need to have them. Would it be possible to have a maid of honor and best man only? That way you each have someone but he doesn't have to make uncomfortable cuts and you don't have to feel the need to add "fillers". By the way your friends from home may still want to come and even be bridal party. If you feel the desire to have them stand with you then by all means ask them. Please do not ask ygour not so close friends to stand for you just because they're local.

I have traveled far for weddings and have know bridal party to travel far for weddings. One of my bridesmaids will be flying all the way across the county with her new born baby to be at my wedding. You'll be suprised at how much people are willing to do to make it to a wedding.

That being said... invite everyone you can afford/ want there. It is not expected or required to pay for travel/lodging. A nice thing you can do is to make arrangements with a local hotel that will block off rooms for your guests and then they call and make their reservation.

Also if you have super close guy friends yoou could always ask them to be men of honor.