Bridesmaids Without Groomsmen: Is It Okay?

There are many traditions associated with weddings, and one of the most well-known is having bridesmaids and groomsmen. However, it is not mandatory to have a wedding party, and more couples are choosing to forgo this tradition. There are several reasons for this decision, such as budget constraints, stress reduction, or simply wanting a more intimate and casual celebration. Ultimately, the choice to have or not have attendants is a personal one, and it is essential to do what feels right for the couple.

It's your wedding, your choice

There are many reasons why you might choose to have bridesmaids but no groomsmen. It could be that your partner doesn't want to put his friends in the position of feeling obligated, or that his friends are unavailable, or that he simply doesn't want any groomsmen. It's becoming increasingly common for couples to personalise their wedding and pick and choose which traditions they want to follow.

If you're worried about what people will think, rest assured that it's not unusual to have an uneven bridal party, or even no bridal party at all. In fact, it's becoming more and more common for brides-to-be to skip the traditional bridal party altogether. You might decide to do this to save money, or to avoid the stress of planning and coordinating a large group of people. You might also want to avoid any potential drama or conflict that could arise when choosing who to include.

If you do decide to go ahead with bridesmaids but no groomsmen, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be sure to communicate your decision to any friends or family members who may have expected an invitation to be part of the bridal party. It's important to let them know how much you love and appreciate them, even if they won't be officially involved in the wedding. You can also still involve your loved ones in other ways, such as by asking them to perform a reading during the ceremony, help with a unity candle, or act as witnesses. You could even get ready together on the morning of the wedding, or invite them to a special dinner or day out before the big day.

So, if you're considering having bridesmaids but no groomsmen, remember that it's your wedding and your choice. There are no rules that say you have to have an even number of attendants, and ultimately, you should do what feels right for you and your partner.

You can still involve friends and family

It is completely fine to have a wedding with no bridesmaids or groomsmen. This decision could be due to budget constraints, wanting to avoid drama, or simply keeping things casual. However, if you still want to involve your friends and family, there are numerous ways to do so without having a bridal party:

Delegate traditional duties

You can delegate certain duties usually performed by the bridal party to your friends and family. For example, you could ask a close friend or family member to plan your bachelorette or bachelor party. Alternatively, you could ask someone sitting in the front row, like your mom or sister, to hold your bouquet during the vows, or give the rings to the officiant.

Include loved ones in the ceremony

You can honour those closest to you by including them in the wedding ceremony. Ask them to perform a reading or poem, help with a unity candle, act as witnesses, or even be your officiant. This adds a personal touch to your ceremony, and your loved ones won't have to wear matching outfits!

Get ready together

Invite your best friends to join you in the bridal suite while you get ready. Enjoy some mimosas and music, and offer to pay for their hair and makeup so you can all be pampered together. This is a great way to include your friends and create special memories.

Take a special photo

Arrange with your photographer to capture some special set photographs beyond family groupings. Include your friends in these shots to make them feel valued and involved. Send them a copy of the picture after the wedding with a personalised note to show your appreciation.

Invite them to a special event

Traditionally, the bridal party attends the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. Even without a bridal party, you can still invite your nearest and dearest friends and family to this dinner or to a wedding morning brunch or a day out before the big day.

Delegate duties to others

While it is becoming more common for couples to opt out of having a wedding party, it is still important to consider how to delegate traditional duties usually performed by the bridal party. Here are some ideas for how to delegate these duties to other people:

Bouquet and Rings

The bride usually hands off her bouquet to her maid of honour during the vows, and the best man typically holds the rings. Instead, you could ask someone sitting in the front row, like your mother or sister, to hold the bouquet, and give the rings to the officiant to hold.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Ask a close friend or family member to step in and plan these events for you.

Involve loved ones in the ceremony

You can include your nearest and dearest in the ceremony in other ways. For example, you could ask them to perform a reading or poem, help with a unity candle, or act as witnesses. You could even ask someone special to be your officiant.

Getting ready

Invite your closest friends to join you in the bridal suite while you get ready. You could even offer to pay for them to have their hair and makeup done, and don't forget the champagne!

Photos

Ask your photographer to take some special set photographs beyond family groupings. It's a great way to make friends feel special. Be sure to send them a copy of the picture after the wedding with a personal note.

Rehearsal dinner

Traditionally, the bridal party would be included in the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. However, you can still invite your nearest and dearest to join you for dinner and speeches. Or make it something less formal, like a wedding morning brunch or a day out ahead of the wedding.

You can still have a bachelor/bachelorette party

Opting for a wedding without a bridal party can be a great way to simplify your big day and avoid potential stress. However, you may be wondering if you can still have a bachelor or bachelorette party without a bridal party. The answer is yes! Here are some tips to help you plan a fun and memorable pre-wedding celebration:

Involve your friends and family:

Even without a bridal party, you can still involve your closest friends and family members in the bachelor or bachelorette party. Ask a friend or family member to host the event and help with the planning. They can send out invitations, organise games or activities, and ensure that everyone has a great time.

Communication is key:

Clearly communicate your expectations for the bachelor or bachelorette party to your host and guests. Let them know what type of celebration you're hoping for, whether it's a low-key gathering or a more extravagant affair. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your vision for the event is achieved.

Delegate traditional duties:

Traditionally, the bridal party helps with various duties, such as holding the bouquet or organising the rings. Without a bridal party, you can delegate these tasks to other loved ones. For example, ask your mother or sister to hold your bouquet during the vows or give the rings to the officiant for safekeeping.

Get creative with activities:

A bachelor or bachelorette party is a perfect opportunity to bond with your closest friends and family. Consider planning a spa day, a fun night out, or a co-ed celebration with your partner. You can also include some special traditions, such as a friends-only bachelorette party or a joint dinner with your nearest and dearest.

Capture the memories:

Be sure to arrange for some special photos to be taken during the bachelor or bachelorette party. These photos will help you cherish the memories of this special day and make your friends feel valued. Send them copies of the pictures after the event, along with a personalised note expressing your gratitude.

Remember, the most important thing is to plan a celebration that reflects your personality and preferences. Whether you choose to have a bridal party or not, your bachelor or bachelorette party can be tailored to your unique vision. So, go ahead and start planning a fun and memorable pre-wedding celebration!

You can save money

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, one way to do so is to skip the bridal party altogether. This means you won't have to worry about the costs associated with their attire, hair and makeup, bouquets, and other related expenses.

For example, brides are typically expected to provide Instagram-ready bridesmaid proposal boxes, handle certain bridal party costs (like their day-of flowers), and cover hair and makeup. These costs can quickly add up, especially if you have a large bridal party. By opting not to have a bridal party, you can allocate those funds to other aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, décor, or honeymoon.

Another way to save money is to have a smaller bridal party. If you're set on having a bridal party, but want to keep costs down, consider choosing just one person to be your maid of honour or best man. This can also help to simplify the planning process and reduce potential drama or conflict.

If you're concerned about hurting your friends' feelings by not including them in your bridal party, there are other ways to involve them in your wedding. For example, you can invite them to get ready with you on the morning of the wedding, include them in a special photo, or ask them to do a reading or perform a song during the ceremony.

Ultimately, the decision to have a bridal party or not is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Do what feels right for you and your partner, and don't be afraid to break with tradition if it means saving money and reducing stress.

Frequently asked questions