My friend stole my idea...

Thats pretty awesome!!

My joke to the girls (they all know my sense of humor) was, "Instead of spending $200 on a dress, $200 on hair and makeup and $100 on shoes, just spend that extra $500 on my present. They all appreciated that and laughed. Then I reminded them that cash is always appreciated

I am glad the trend is catching...a little. More power to you both getting what you want!

I have no bridesmaids either, and no MOH.

@FutureMrs - MOH has been my best friend since we were 4. If I didn't have her in my life I wouldn't have picked a MOH just for the sake of having one. You go girl!

That's an interesting idea. It could save a lot of drama and costs. The reason I asked my bridesmaids to be in my wedding is I want them standing up with me though. They have all been there for me, and I want them there on one of the most important days of my life, right by my side. I am trying to make it as affordable as possible for them though.

I'm only having a flower girl (my niece) and seriously my decision was based purely on the amount of DRAMA and BS that is would cut out!!

@Alysa - If that's what works for you that's terrific! Every bride has to do what works for her. FH felt the same way and is a little sad we're not doing BP (he has like 8 ushers all in matching tuxes so he gets that picture he wants).

Definitely an awesome idea!!

I tried to convince my partner not to have a wedding party at all, but he's SO close with his two brothers that it would break his heart if we didn't have at least 2 people per side. I figured out two people I could ask, but I'm just waiting for the fallout when everyone else finds out I didn't pick them. I think I'm definitely going to try to do something similar to your plan, which is to ask people to have special roles in terms of helping with the wedding, to make sure they feel included!

Some ways I'm planning to include more people: asking people to be friendors (friend-vendors! They get paid, but still), asking my sister-in-law to be our day-of coordinator, asking for advice about centerpieces.

I'm hoping that people will be up for helping, instead of seeing this as a chore they're not really honored for. But we can't make everyone happy--that's life!

That is an awesome decision and had I not already asked my sister and best friends to be in my wedding, I would steal it. There has been a TON of drama already and there is still a year to go.

We're having FH's cousins do readings and my other girls I'm calling my "ladies in waiting" and they each have special jobs at the wedding. Most are just happy to be included without the large bill. We're all in the midst of having kids, buying homes and paying off student loans - another BM dress is not in the budget.

I am even thinking of not having an MOH, because if i dont pick a certain person to be it , I see a lot of drama happening that i don't need. My wedding is not about her.