HOW TO HAVE A WEDDING WITHOUT A BRIDAL PARTY

We recently came across a question from one of our couples that really jumped out at us and thought it would be interesting to discuss. This couple asked if it would be okay to not have a bridal party at all.

This is a wedding tradition that many people have taken part in over the years. The wedding party tradition actually has historical roots dating back to ancient Rome and feudal China. “A bride would have attendants to protect her from evil spirits,” Dr. Thompson said. “By having several women who are dressed alike, the spirits, or kidnappers, wouldn’t know which person was the bride.”

I think it’s safe to say that this tradition has evolved over the years and we’re finding more and more couples choosing to opt-out.

There are plenty of reasons to have a wedding without a formal bridal party. If you’re having a more casual or laid back wedding, having trouble narrowing down who to have, or maybe you just don’t want to put the pressure on your friends to stick to the formalities, it’s totally fine to skip out on this tradition. Maybe you’re eloping or having a really small and intimate wedding with less than 50 guests and don’t find it necessary to have a full wedding party.

And maybe you don’t even have an excuse besides the fact that you want to keep it simple. There are definitely benefits to not having a wedding party that any couple can get behind.

For starters, they can get kind of expensive for both the wedding party and yourself, so this can really save on the costs of your wedding. Maybe you just want to avoid the added stress and drama.

This goes back to trying to narrow down your list of friends and family. You don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Fewer chances of delays in getting ready or getting from one location to another because you don’t have to worry about as many people.

WAYS TO INCLUDE FRIENDS & FAMILY IN YOUR WEDDING

So maybe you’re starting to like this idea, but you still want to honor your friends in a special way? Here are a few ways you can do just that.

• Walk up the aisle during the procession, give them a special corsage/flower or have friends sit in a special place at the reception.

• Have your friends dress in a similar color scheme, but buy the outfits of their choice.

• Give friends special duties like an officiate or usher.

• Include friends in a pre-wedding engagement party or celebration.

There's no right or wrong, it really just depends on who you are as a couple and how you envision your day.