Having Non-Bridesmaids?

Rach, if you're worried about room for the bridal party, I have officiated weddings in tight spots where there was no room for the bridal party. The BMs and GM sat in the front or second row.

Another wedding with a LARGE bridal party had them stand behind me (like back-up singers), because there wasn't room beside the B&G.

@Nancy: Thanks for the ideas. We are going to try our best to fit them beside us, if not then they may have to sit. But, they will still have the title they deserve.

As a follow-up, I am going to ask them to wear a certain color (probably green) dress, and tell them hair and makeup is optional. That way they can hopefully wear something they already have and the hair/makeup saves them money by leaving it up to them. I feel much better now, and can't wait to talk to my girls to explain. I am the biggest "worry wart" ever, but I feel very good about this now. Thanks again! And any additional feedback is still welcome!

Rach - I get it. I am not so much indecisive, but I just don't want to inconvenience anyone. I gave my bridesmaids a ton of options about dresses, shoes, etc. and they got to a point where all three were like "OMG PICK SHOES AND WE WILL WEAR THEM" So for them, me trying to make it easy actually made it more difficult at times because I wasn't given direction.

I love your attitude about this whole thing though! You seem to genuinely want to treat your friends well and that's a great start :-)

You clearly care about your friends and want to treat them well. So no matter which way you end up going, bridesmaids or non, I think you'll be just fine!

@Kate & @Laura Nicole: I really do care for them and want them to be comfortable with whatever we all decide. I am going to be honest and go to them with my dilemma and let them decide what they'd rather do. Whichever they decide, I will feel better that I offered them the title of Bridesmaids!

I did this exact thing. It worked out awesome!!! I sent an evite to everyone and they ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! We stuck to a basic color and everyone picked whatever they wanted to wear. They each walked down the aisle and hugged my groom and sat down. They gave a shower IF THEY WANTED TO (and I ended up with three). They did a bachelorette IF THEY WANTED TO (and I ended up with two). They offered over and over again to help BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO. A few called me every week offering to lend a hand. The only thing I would have done differently would have been a set time for them to be at my room for pictures etc...I feel like I didn't have as many pictures with them together or separate with me because I let them get dressed wherever and show up an hour before the wedding, but that was MY FAULT and not theirs. If I had it to do all over again, I would have just planned the wedding day with them a little better. It was great not having the stress of the official BM!

Future Mrs. J, but that's how bridesmaids are supposed to be. My girls are wearing inexpensive dresses (because I'm cognizant of people's budgets). I have no expectations for my bridesmaids other than they stand up next to me and wear the inexpensive dress. Most of the people helping aren't my bridesmaids - with the exception of my sister, who is doing so much because she wants to.

I'm like the others - the only thing different is that they're not getting the title.

@Erica...I totally understand how you feel...but it worked AMAZING for me and everyone thought it was way cute and fun. BUT...our ENTIRE WEDDING was VERY VERY UNTRADITIONAL so again it worked perfectly for US. :-)