Often there is more than one bridesmaid: in modern times the bride chooses how many to ask. Historically, no person of status went out unattended, and the size of the retinue was closely calculated to be appropriate to the family's social status. A large group of bridesmaids was an opportunity for showing off the family's social status and wealth. Today, the number of bridesmaids is dependent mostly on the bride's preferences and the number of attendants her partner would like to have as well.