Bridesmaids: A Nice-To-Have Or An Outdated Tradition?

Bridesmaids have long been considered a staple of wedding traditions, but in recent years, an increasing number of brides are choosing to forgo this custom. The decision to forego bridesmaids is a personal one and can be influenced by various factors, such as the desire to avoid the cost and complexity associated with having a bridal party or the challenge of selecting only a handful of friends to participate. Ultimately, the choice to include bridesmaids or not reflects the couple's preferences, values, and vision for their special day.

It's your wedding, do what you want

It's your wedding, and you can do what you want!

There are many reasons why people choose not to have bridesmaids at their wedding. For some, it's a matter of practicality. If you're planning a small wedding, you may feel that you don't need wedding attendants. Others may not want to deal with the stress of choosing which friends to include and which to leave out.

There are also financial considerations. While it's not necessary for bridesmaids to be expensive, you might prefer to allocate that money to something else.

Some people simply don't feel comfortable with the idea of bridesmaids, which is a traditional role dating back to the Victorian era. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you can shake things up with a modern twist on your wedding party or forgo a bridal party altogether.

If you decide not to have bridesmaids, you can still find ways to involve your closest friends and family members in your celebration. Here are some ideas:

• Get ready together on the morning of the wedding.
• Invite them to come dress shopping with you.
• Take a special photo with your group of friends.
• Ask a friend to do a reading during the ceremony or to be the officiant.
• Throw a girls' night or a combined bachelor-bachelorette party.

Remember, your wedding day should be a celebration of you as a couple, so do what makes you happiest!

It's becoming more common to not have bridesmaids

It's becoming more common for brides to opt out of having bridesmaids. There are several reasons for this shift. Firstly, many brides want to avoid the cost associated with having bridesmaids, such as providing Instagram-ready proposal boxes, covering certain bridal party costs, and paying for hair and makeup. By forgoing bridesmaids, couples can allocate more funds to other aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, décor, or honeymoon.

Another reason for this trend is the challenge of choosing a handful of people to be bridesmaids, especially when one has many close friends and family members. This decision can be difficult and may result in upsetting those who are not chosen. Additionally, the process of orchestrating schedules and accommodating personal preferences and personalities within a bridal party can add stress to the wedding planning process.

Some brides also want to avoid the pressure of adhering to traditions and prefer to create a more personalised and intimate wedding experience. They may want to maximise the time spent with their closest loved ones, such as parents, siblings, or cousins, rather than focusing on a bridal party.

Furthermore, the absence of designated roles for friends and family allows everyone attending the wedding to feel equally important, fostering a more inclusive and intimate atmosphere. This shift also frees up the schedule of the bride and groom, giving them more time to spend with each other and their guests on the wedding day.

While having bridesmaids offers advantages like honouring close friends, sharing the workload of wedding planning, and providing emotional support, the trend of not having bridesmaids is becoming increasingly popular as couples opt for a more flexible and personalised approach to their special day.

You can still involve friends without them being bridesmaids

It is becoming increasingly common for brides to opt out of having bridesmaids at their weddings. While some people may worry that this is strange or abnormal, it is ultimately a personal choice that should reflect the type of day you want to have.

If you are worried about how to involve your friends without making them bridesmaids, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are some ideas:

• Take a special photo– Make sure to get a shot with your group of friends to ensure they feel included in your special day.
• Have them do a reading– Include your friends in the nuptials by asking them to perform a reading during the ceremony.
• Get ready together– You can still enjoy getting ready for your wedding with your closest friends, even if they aren't bridesmaids. You could even offer to spring for their hair and makeup.
• Invite them dress shopping– Your friends can still give you advice on choosing the perfect gown, even if they aren't bridesmaids.
• Throw a girls' night– Without a bridal party, it's less likely that someone will plan a bachelorette party for you. However, you can still invite your favourite ladies to a spa day or your favourite club to celebrate your impending nuptials.
• Ask them to help on the day– Even if you don't have official bridesmaids, you can still ask your friends for help on the day when you need it.

It can save you money

There are many reasons why a couple might decide not to have bridesmaids at their wedding. One of the main reasons is that it can save you money.

The bride is usually expected to provide Instagram-ready bridesmaid proposal boxes and handle certain bridal party costs, such as their day-of flowers, hair and makeup, and bouquets. These costs can quickly add up, especially if you have a large group of bridesmaids. By not having bridesmaids, you can avoid these fees and allocate that money to other aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, décor, or honeymoon.

Another way that skipping bridesmaids can save you money is by simplifying your schedule. Without a bridal party, you won't have to worry about coordinating schedules, fittings, and bachelorette trips. This can free up your time and reduce stress during the planning process.

In addition, not having bridesmaids can save you from the potential cost of managing conflicts and hurt feelings. Choosing a bridal party can be tricky, and leaving people out may risk hurting their feelings. By not having bridesmaids, you can avoid this potential issue and keep your friends and family happy.

Finally, not having bridesmaids can save you from the cost of bridesmaid attire. Deciding on what your bridesmaids will wear can be challenging, and the cost of matching dresses or a specific colour scheme can add up quickly. By skipping bridesmaids, you can keep things simple and focus on your own attire.

While there are some downsides to not having bridesmaids, such as missing out on a time-honoured tradition and built-in support system, the financial savings can be significant. Ultimately, the decision to have or not have bridesmaids is a personal one, and couples should choose what reflects their preferences and vision for their special day.

It can save you time

Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and having bridesmaids means having to coordinate with them. From the very beginning, you will need to be aware of their schedules, personal preferences, and personalities. This can add stress to the planning process, and you will need to spend time on a group chat trying to figure out when everyone is free.

On the day of the wedding, you will need to wake up early to start getting ready with all your bridesmaids. Not having bridesmaids means you can spend more time taking photos with your partner before the wedding and actually enjoy cocktail hour and spend time with your guests. You will also be able to eat the food and not have to go off to take couple photos after the ceremony.

You can also save time by not having to plan a bridesmaid proposal, which is becoming increasingly popular. One bride recalled having to ask 27 people to be in her wedding party!

Frequently asked questions