Who's In The Bridal Party? Bridesmaids And Beyond!

The bridal party is a group of people chosen by the bride to support her on her wedding day. Traditionally, the bridal party has been made up of only women, but this is no longer the case. The bridal party is now more inclusive, with couples using terms like wedding party or commitment crew to refer to the group of people that stand with them during the ceremony. The bridal party can include anyone the couple wants to play a special role on their big day, regardless of gender. This could include a man of honor or a best woman. The bridal party is not a requirement and some couples choose to forego it altogether to avoid the associated costs and drama.

Who should be in the bridal party?

The bridal party is chosen by the bride to support her on her wedding day. Traditionally, the bridal party has been made up of women, but this is no longer the case, with many brides including male friends and family members.

The bridal party is part of the wedding party, which includes both the bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents. The wedding party is chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them from their engagement through to the marriage.

So, who should be in the bridal party? Well, that is entirely up to the bride. The bridal party should consist of people the bride feels closest to and who have made a significant impact on her life. This could include siblings, close family members, and best friends. The bridal party should be made up of people the bride feels she can be her authentic self with, and she should not feel pressured to include anyone out of obligation.

It is worth noting that the bridal party is not a requirement and many modern couples are choosing to forego this tradition. This can be for a variety of reasons, including budget constraints, the desire for a more intimate ceremony, or to avoid the stress of choosing who to include. Ultimately, the decision of who to include in the bridal party, or indeed whether to have one at all, is a personal one that should reflect the couple's preferences and vision for their special day.

What are the roles and responsibilities?

The bridal party, or wedding party, is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them throughout their journey from engagement to marriage. The bridal party is typically made up of women chosen by the bride, while the groom chooses the groomsmen. However, these roles are becoming more flexible and gender-inclusive, with brides sometimes having "groomsmen" and grooms having "bridesmen".

The size of the bridal party depends on the couple's preferences, with some choosing to forego this tradition altogether. The bridal party is usually made up of close friends and family members, such as siblings, cousins, or other relatives.

The roles and responsibilities of the bridal party include:

• Planning pre-wedding activities such as bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners.
• Helping the bride/groom get dressed and ready on the wedding day.
• Participating in the wedding ceremony by standing with the bride/groom and assisting with any necessary items such as the bouquet, veil, or prayer book.
• Acting as witnesses to the marriage and signing any legal documentation.
• Offering emotional and practical support to the bride/groom throughout the process.
• Giving speeches and toasts at the reception.
• Helping with wedding preparations, such as addressing invitations or planning the wedding shower.
• Assisting with last-minute tasks and wedding emergencies.

The bridal party is also expected to cover certain expenses, such as their attire, travel, and accommodations. However, the couple may choose to cover some of these costs, especially for pre-wedding events.

The maid of honor or matron of honor (if the attendant is married) is the bride's chief attendant and has additional responsibilities, including leading the rest of the bridal party in planning pre-wedding events and providing extra support to the bride on the wedding day. The best man has similar duties for the groom.

The bridal party plays a crucial role in supporting the couple and ensuring that their wedding day runs smoothly. They are a source of excitement and camaraderie for the couple and provide a deeper connection to their closest loved ones.

What are the costs?

Being a bridesmaid can be an expensive affair, with costs adding up quickly. The average cost of being a bridesmaid is $1,200 per wedding, but this can increase to over $1,800. The cost can vary depending on the location of the wedding, with bridesmaids on the west coast paying an average of $1,360 per wedding, and those in the Midwest paying the least at $1,100.

• Travel and accommodation: This can vary significantly depending on the location of the wedding. For example, if the wedding is in a different city, country, or even overseas, flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses can quickly add up.
• Attire: The bridesmaid is usually responsible for the cost of her dress, which typically costs around $130-$208. Alterations to the dress may also be needed, adding a further $30-$100. The bride may also request that the bridesmaids purchase specific accessories, shoes, or jewellery to match their outfit, which can cost around $120.
• Pre-wedding events: Bridesmaids are often expected to contribute to or host pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. These costs can vary depending on the location and activities planned. On average, a bridesmaid can expect to spend around $800-$1,300 on these events, with destination bachelorette parties being the most expensive.
• Hair and makeup: Depending on the bride's preferences, bridesmaids may be expected to have their hair and makeup done professionally, which can cost around $72 for hair and $60 for makeup.
• Gifts: Bridesmaids are typically expected to bring a gift to the bridal shower and the wedding itself. The average cost of a bridal shower gift is $50-$75, while a wedding gift can cost around $125.
• Other expenses: There may be additional costs for activities or expenses that pop up along the way, such as an expensive dinner or extra decorations for the bachelorette party.

It is important to note that the couple may cover some of these costs, such as the bouquets for the bridesmaids. It is also common for bridesmaids to chip in and buy a larger group gift for the couple.

Being a bridesmaid can be a costly endeavour, but it is also a great honour to be able to support a close friend or family member on their special day. It is always a good idea for bridesmaids to discuss expenses and budget with the bride early on to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

What are the pros and cons of not having bridesmaids?

The bridal party is a group chosen by the bride to support her on her wedding day. However, modern couples are increasingly choosing to forgo the traditional bridal party in favour of a more inclusive "wedding party". So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of not having bridesmaids?

Pros

Save money: One of the main benefits of not having bridesmaids is the potential cost saving. Brides are usually expected to cover certain bridal party costs, such as day-of flowers, hair and makeup, and bridesmaid gifts. These expenses can quickly add up, especially for larger bridal parties.

More time for family: A smaller or non-existent bridal party can result in a more intimate ceremony, allowing the couple to maximise time spent with their closest family members.

Frees up your schedule: Organising a wedding is stressful enough without the added challenge of coordinating multiple schedules, preferences, and personalities of the bridal party.

Avoid hurt feelings: Choosing a bridal party can be tricky, and it's easy to accidentally hurt someone's feelings if they're not chosen. By not having bridesmaids, you avoid this potential issue.

No bridesmaid drama: Having multiple personalities and opinions in the bridal party can sometimes lead to conflict and drama, taking attention away from the happy couple.

No attire issues: Deciding what your bridesmaids will wear can be a challenge, especially when trying to please multiple people.

No bridesmaid proposal: Asking someone to be a bridesmaid often comes with the expectation of an elaborate proposal, which can be another expense and hassle for the bride.

Cons

Miss out on honouring friends: Being a bridesmaid is considered an honour, and by not having bridesmaids, you miss out on the opportunity to symbolically honour your closest friends.

Reduced excitement: Bridesmaids bring a joyful and social dynamic to the wedding, and their absence may result in a less celebratory atmosphere.

Limited emotional support: One of the biggest benefits of having bridesmaids is the added emotional support they provide. On your wedding day, having a crew of your closest friends and family nearby can help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

Less planning help: Bridesmaids typically assist with planning and logistics, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Without them, the burden of planning falls more heavily on the couple.

Skipping a tradition: In many religions and cultures, bridesmaids are a traditional symbol of support for the couple as they transition into married life.

In conclusion, there are valid arguments for both sides, and ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's preferences, values, and the type of celebration they envision.

What should the bridal party wear?

The bridal party is chosen by the bride to support her on her wedding day. Traditionally, the bridal party has been made up of only women, but this is no longer the case. The bridal party can include anyone the bride wants to support her, regardless of gender. This includes the best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer.

When it comes to what the bridal party should wear, there are no rules. The bridal party should wear what makes them feel most comfortable. This could be a dress, a tuxedo, or a well-fitted suit. It is not necessary to create a perfectly balanced look with the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or for them to wear matching outfits.

The bridal party will usually have to pay for their own attire, but the bride may choose to cover some of these costs. It is also becoming more common for the bride to give gifts to the bridal party as a thank you for their support and financial commitment.

Frequently asked questions