Bride Tribe

I think that would be pretty confusing for your friends. If I received a package asking me to be in someone's bride tribe, I would assume that was a bridal party invitation. These are your friends, they should be your "tribe" without an official invitation.

I agree completely with Caytlyn. It's fine not to have bridesmaids. And it's fine to involve your friends in anything they want to be involved in that comes up naturally in the course of your friendship.

But there is simply no need to "propose" or "invite" since you aren't proposing anything or inviting them to anything (except the wedding, but I am assuming they will receive an invitation to that closer to the date).

I think the whole proposing to bridesmaids or anyone else in the wedding is stupid to begin with. I know it’s what people like to do, but I think it’s blown way out of control for what it is. So just for that I wouldn’t do anything like that to ask your friends to help.
I also am not having a bridal party, but do have a couple friends who are helping along the way. I didn’t make a thing out of it and never asked specifically for them to be involved. They want to help and want to be there for me even though they understand and respect that I don’t want a bridal party. My point is, if you want your friends involved, just ask if they want to help. Ask if they want to go dress shopping or to assemble invitations. You don’t have to put a name to it.

Wow, thanks for your thoughts. I got completely different feedback from others. Very interesting and helpful to hear others point of view. Also, I wouldn’t call anything stupid. I’m not a fan as well of many things but that doesn’t mean their stupid. Thanks tho! I appreciate it.

It would confuse me to be invited to a "bride tribe" then not be a bridesmaid.

I would ask your friends verbally to join you in getting ready for the big day. I would avoid using terms like "tribe" to avoid any miscommunication or confusion.

I would be confused to be asked to be a part of a bride tribe. At that rate just make them bm's. Pick a color and let them pick the dresses. My MOH picked a dress she will wear again. If they are good enough to do bridal things with you why aren't they good enough to be in a bridal party? I don't get it. Also don't expect a bride tribe to be that involved in your wedding planning esp if they aren't even in your wedding. Just ask all the brides here who can barely get actual bridal party members to care about helping plan their wedding.

I didn't ask my friend to be my bride tribe but I did ask her to join me the morning of our ceremony to get ready with me and keep me calm. We are skipping bridesmaids for the same reasons you listed. If you did want them to have bride tribe gear, I would make the ask first then give them whatever cute items you want them to have as a thank you for supporting you.

I don’t think the proposal is necessary. If I received that I would think you were asking me to be a bridesmaid. If they’re your friends, then they’re going to help you anyway, regardless of being a bridesmaid or not.

We’re not having a bridal party and my friends don’t feel any less connected.

I did this and it’s fine to do! I really wanted to do the proposal boxes so I still did them and wrote a note/poem to my friends explaining that all they need to do is love & support me like they already do and that they won’t be formally part of the ceremony. It’s a little confusing but people were all happy to be involved and grateful to pick their own clothes. It’s your wedding - do what you want!

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THANK YOU! Finally someone that understands...

I am not having bridesmaids either. It's my 2nd wedding and I didn't want to stress anyone out with dresses, shoes or a bridal shower, either. Personally, I think it's a cute idea and, to avoid any confusion, you could just explain to them that you're not having a wedding party but would like them to be involved.

I think it'd be kind of nice to ask them to join you for getting ready or for breakfast before your big day starts but i do see how it could confuse someone for thinking you're asking them to be a bridesmaid.

View Quoted Comment This is the best response. It’s your wedding do what you want.