Bridesmaids Without Groomsmen: Is It Okay?

It is becoming increasingly common for couples to forgo the traditional wedding party, with some choosing to have just one or two attendants and others opting for none at all. While some couples may feel pressured to have symmetry between the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, it is not necessary to have an equal number on each side. It is entirely up to the couple to decide whether or not to include a wedding party, and if so, how many people to include.

There are several reasons why a couple might choose to have a wedding without bridesmaids or groomsmen. For example, they may not want to feel obligated to invite friends or family they are not close with, or they may want to save money by not having to buy gifts for a large wedding party. Additionally, having a wedding without attendants can help to keep the wedding small and intimate, and reduce potential stress or drama.

If a couple decides to have a wedding without bridesmaids or groomsmen, they can still find ways to involve their loved ones in the celebration. For example, friends and family can participate in the ceremony by performing a reading or poem, helping with a unity candle, or acting as witnesses or officiants. They can also be included in the wedding preparations, such as getting ready together or going dress shopping with the bride.

It's your wedding, so do what feels right for you and your partner

Some couples choose to forgo wedding parties altogether, while others opt for a small group of attendants. The important thing is to choose people who you want by your side on your big day and not feel pressured to include anyone out of obligation. If you don't want the stress of managing a large group of people, or you want to keep your wedding simple and intimate, that is entirely up to you and your partner.

If you're worried about offending friends or family members who might have expected to be included, be sure to communicate your decision clearly and let them know how much you love and appreciate them. You can still involve them in other ways, such as giving them a role in the ceremony, asking them to get ready with you, or delegating pre-wedding tasks.

You can also include your partner's friends in other ways. For example, they could act as ushers, greet guests, hand out programs, or even be in charge of the rings. If your partner wants his friends to stand with him during the ceremony, you could have one or two of the groomsmen stand on your side, or have them stand with both of you to show their support for your union. Alternatively, you could have a mixed-gender wedding party, with your partner's friends and your friends standing on both sides.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can make it your own. Don't be afraid to break with tradition and do what feels right for you and your partner.

You can still have a bachelorette party without bridesmaids

It is absolutely possible to have a bachelorette party without bridesmaids! While traditionally, a bachelorette party is attended by the bride's closest friends and family members, there are no set rules.

Bachelorette parties are all about fun, and they are a chance for the bride to bond and celebrate with her nearest and dearest before the wedding. The guest list is entirely up to the bride, and she can invite whoever she wants, regardless of gender or whether they are part of the wedding party. The bachelorette party is an opportunity for the bride to be surrounded by her favourite people, and this can include close friends, family, and even members of her partner's inner circle.

If you are concerned about managing a large group of people, you can keep the bachelorette party intimate and low-key. A quiet pool party or a simple get-together can be just as memorable as a big night out. You can also ask a friend or family member to host the party, and clearly communicate any expectations you have for the event. This way, you can relax and enjoy quality time with your favourite people without the stress of planning.

If you are worried about offending people by not including them in your bridal party, you can let your friends and family know how much you appreciate them in other ways. You can give them a role in the ceremony, ask them to get ready with you, or include them in pre-wedding tasks. You can also consider having a mixed-gender wedding party, with a "Man of Honour" or "Bridesman" by your side on your big day.

Remember, your wedding is about you and your partner, and you can choose to include or exclude any traditions that feel right for you. So, whether you decide to have a small gathering or a big celebration, go with what feels right and enjoy your special day!

You can ask friends to help with tasks like decorating or running errands

It's your wedding, and you can plan it however you like! If you want to have bridesmaids but no groomsmen, that's perfectly fine. More and more couples are choosing to have bridesmaids without groomsmen.

If you're worried about managing a group of bridesmaids on your big day, you can always ask them to help with specific tasks instead of giving them official roles. This way, you can still include your closest friends and family members in your wedding without the stress of coordinating a large bridal party.

Decorating and Errands

Ask your friends to help with decorating tasks such as setting up chairs for the ceremony, moving flowers and décor from the ceremony to the reception, or creating DIY decorations like bunting or a cake topper. They can also run errands, such as collecting flowers, your wedding dress, or other important items.

Transportation

If any of your friends own a car that you love, you can ask them to drive you to the ceremony. Alternatively, they can help arrange transportation for you and your guests or pick up guests from the airport and bring them to their accommodation or the wedding venue.

Entertainment

If you have musically talented friends, ask them to perform at your ceremony or create a bespoke playlist for your wedding morning, drinks reception, or dinner.

Readings

Ceremony readings are another simple task you can delegate to friends or family members. This is a great way to involve younger guests in your wedding.

Hair and Makeup

Friends or family members who are beauty experts can help with pre-wedding manicures, flower girl hair styling, touch-ups, or hair and makeup for any pre- or post-wedding celebrations.

Remember, it's important to set clear expectations and provide your friends with all the tools they need to complete their tasks. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but also respect if someone says no or has other commitments. Your friends will likely be happy to help, but be sure to show your appreciation with a small gift or gesture of thanks.

You can have bridesmen and groomsmaids

It is becoming more and more common for couples to forgo traditional wedding party roles altogether, and many are choosing to have gender-inclusive wedding parties instead. This means that you can absolutely have bridesmen and groomsmaids!

The terms "bridesman" and "groomsmaid" are becoming more popular, and it makes sense—why should your best friend be excluded from your bridal party just because of their gender? If your best friend is a guy, why not invite him to stand up with you on your big day?

When it comes to choosing your wedding party, it's important to select people who are most special to you, regardless of gender roles. You can call someone a "wedding party member" if you want to eliminate gender from titles. If you want to have one person in a special role that takes on more planning responsibilities, you can choose to have a "man of honour" or a "best woman". The best rule of thumb is to talk with the person in your wedding party and decide on a term that you are both comfortable with.

It's also important to consider the comfort level of your wedding party members when it comes to pre-wedding events and getting ready on the day. For example, your male best friend may not be as excited about a lingerie-themed bridal shower. For big pre-wedding moments like a bachelor or bachelorette party, try to plan activities that everyone would want to join in on. You can also host a joint event with your entire wedding party.

When it comes to attire, you've got a few choices, but the important thing is to make sure every wedding party member is comfortable and looks like they're part of the overall group. A popular choice is to have any bridesmen dress in the same attire as the groomsmen, but to match their accessories to the bridesmaids' dresses. Groomsmaids often wear the same dress as the bridesmaids in a darker hue, a dress that matches the groomsmen's suits, or a suit themselves.

Remember, it's your wedding, so make sure you do what feels right for you and your partner!

You can still get ready with your friends

It's your wedding, and you can do whatever you want! If you want to have bridesmaids but no groomsmen, that's perfectly fine. More and more couples are choosing to have bridesmaids without groomsmen, and there are several ways to make this work. Here are some ideas for how you can still get ready with your friends on your big day:

Delegate tasks to your friends

Just because you don't have groomsmen doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. If you're feeling overwhelmed, decide on some tasks that you want your friends to help with. Ask your friends to help with whatever they are comfortable with, such as setting up chairs for the ceremony, cooking for the reception, or simply being there for you on the day of the wedding.

Include your friends in the ceremony

Even if they're not officially groomsmen, you can still include your friends in the ceremony. Ask them to perform a reading or poem, help with a unity candle, or act as witnesses. You could even ask one of them to be your officiant! This will make your ceremony more personal, and your friends will feel honoured to be a part of it.

Get ready together

One of the best parts of the wedding day is getting ready with your friends. You can still do this, even if they're not officially groomsmen. Invite them to get ready with you, pop open a bottle of champagne, and enjoy the morning together. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even offer to pay for their hair and makeup, so they can also feel pampered.

Take photos with your friends

Not having groomsmen means skipping that part of the photo session, but you can still arrange some special photos with your friends. Ask your photographer to take some group shots, or individual photos with each of your friends. Send them a copy of the pictures after the wedding, along with a personal note, as a memento of the day.

Invite them to pre-wedding events

Traditionally, the groomsmen and bridesmaids attend the rehearsal dinner together. Even if you don't have groomsmen, you can still invite your friends to join you for dinner and speeches the night before the wedding. You can also plan a special brunch or day out with your friends before the wedding, or even a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party!

Remember, it's your wedding day, and you can choose to include your friends in whatever way feels right for you. Don't be afraid to break with tradition and do what makes you happy!

Frequently asked questions