I'm getting married next year and for various reasons, my fiance and I don't want a bridal party (we're in our 40s, hate being the center of attention, and are planning an extremely minimalist wedding - basically an elopement with guests). I'm nervous to tell my friends when we formally announce our engagement (Christmas!). I was a bridesmaid 8 times and had wonderful experiences, but we were all in our 20s and early 30s back then; no kids running around, for starters.
Have any of you had the same experience? How did you break the news to your friends and family, who might have been expecting to be in your party?