Not having a wedding party

Is it that he doesn’t want to pick groomsmen? Can you just have bridesmaids?

You don’t need a wedding party to have any of the events you mentioned. Any close family member or friend can still offer to plan and host those events on your behalf.

We didn't really choose bridesmaids or groomsmen, but we're having our immediate family stand up with us. They will wear coordinating colors for the photos. If I tried to pick bridesmaids, I would have had like 13 of them, and my fiancé probably wouldn't have any.

Couldn't he just not have groomsmen but you still have bridesmaids? If you think it would vlook weird they could walk down the aisle then sit in the front row on your side.

We skipped it, no regrets. We had a small wedding (15 guests). I got ready with my mom & sister so I didn’t feel like I missed out. Two of my friends took me out for a bridal brunch shower, so that was fun too. Does that interest you? But it’s ok if you have bridesmaids but he doesn’t want any groomsmen.

My FH and I don't have a wedding party. No regrets!

My MOH and bridesmaids were away for my entire 5 months engagement. But BM only do parties if they volunteer to. And close friend or family can do it. 3 friends in one city, and 2 friends in another 4 hrs drive away, had 2 smaller showers for people in their area. And my FMIL gave one for groom's family to get to know me, a
nother 4 hours southin NYC, and invited my 3 bm as guests, since their CT, NJ, PA homes were near the NYC MIL. And I had a women's weekend . What did I miss not having them around til wedding day? Nothing. And we did not get ready in a group, but in our own rooms. The 2 days after the wedding, we spent some time together, and got to know each other's SO .

We’re skipping and no regrets. Most of our friends are on board, it’s mainly family that seems to mind. We’re still have some pre-wedding activities and pictures with friends. It seems like a lot of money and drama for some pictures you won’t look at often.

We are having a wedding party, and I see what you're saying about pre-wedding festivities.

As far as a bachelor/bachelorette party goes...you both can still have one even if you don't have a wedding party! You both could plan to go with your closest friends!

For your wedding showers and any parties being thrown before the wedding, that comes down to your friends and family and who decides on throwing you one. Anyone could volunteer to host a shower for you, and you'll be able to invite whomever you choose!

If you are adamant about having a wedding party, but he doesn't, then just have bridesmaids and a MOH for you! If you're worried about how it will look with them after they walk down the aisle, then have them sit in the front row, that way it's just you and your FH standing with the officiant!

My fh felt the same as yours. We settled on one person each so that way I’m happy to have my closest friend help with the wedding and he doesn’t feel pressured into having people he doesn’t want as his groomsmen.

We went to a wedding last year that didn't have any wedding party. I think the bride's mom planned a bridal shower, but I'm not sure if she did anything for a bachelorette (I don't think she had many close girl friends anyway). For pictures on the wedding day, they chose to have pictures with lots of groups of friends (friends from high school, friends from college, friends from work, etc.) so the photographer would gather the list of people and bring them outside so they still have pictures with people who they feel are important.

I would agree though, that as a bride, having a bridal party seems like the fun part. Maybe you could ask your friends so you can still have a bachelorette party with them, but let them know it will just be you and your FH at the alter and they don't need to buy matching dresses? Although if you aren't very close to them, I wouldn't put the pressure on them to plan/pay for your bachelorette. Maybe plan it yourself and ask individually if they want to come to celebrate with you? Best of both worlds.