Wedding party

There are all kinds of weddings, and not all of them have a traditional bridal party. No, it doesn't have to be just family. If you read any of the forums on this topic, you'll see a whole mix of different kinds of bridal parties. I generally tell people you should have those closest to you, blood or not, standing with you on the day.

But lots of couples go without a bridal party at all, and that's perfectly fine too. Do what makes you and FH happy and comfortable. However, you are way early in thinking of this. One of the common mistakes couples make is asking people too early. People's plans change, lives change, relationships change, and if you ask too early, you may regret it down the road. Go back and read the forums about this too. Lots of brides end up regretting their choices. If they had only waited a while before asking people, they would have made a better decision.

You can wait until 6 or 7 months before your date to start thinking about if you want a bridal party and, if so, who you want that to be. You don't have to make that decision now.

How do you narrow who to pick? I would only ask the people closest to you that support you & your relationship (also those who have the time & can afford it)

How do you decide on how many to ask? 100% up to you! Every added wedding party member costs you money (flowers, gifts, rehearsal dinner, etc.) so take that into account for sure. Uneven parties are super common and totally fine. I wouldn't decide on a number, I'd just pick who is closest to you.

How did you ask your wedding party to participate? I texted privately with cost & date for them to make the decision if it's something they can do. After that, I sent cute formal proposal boxes.

What would be a respectful way to approach your party about the financial obligations they would have to be responsible for such as dress and tux, hair and makeup, etc? I just worded it in the text. Something like "Hey! I'd love for you to be a bridesmaid in our wedding in July. I'm thinking the dress cost will be right around $100 (not including alterations if needed), then obviously the flight & hotel cost (blocked hotel is $120 per night but you can stay anywhere). I'll be paying for hair and makeup for whoever wants it, and you can pick your own shoes & jewelry. I know being a bridesmaid is a huge financial obligation & time commitment so I just want to make sure you are comfortable with it now!" It went over well. I would make HAMU optional for all the girls unless you pay for it.


Thoughts on skipping groomsmen / bridesmaids to simply have a flower girl and ring bearer..? Again, up to you!

You absolutely do not need to have a bridal party. I think with weddings nowadays everything is so unique and each wedding so personalized. What someone suggested above and possibly just have a flower girl and ring bearer. I am not have a flower girl or ring bearer and will definitely be having uneven parties as my FH will have maybe 4 groomsmen and my maid of honor will be my twin sister and my best friend will be a bridesman. That's it for me. My sister already knew she was the Maid of Honor so it was pretty much unspoken and I just asked Jake if he would be my bridesman and he accepted. I think as long as you make it known to your future bridal party how much or little they should be expected as part of their role

I didn't even think about that actually! Since we won't have too many and its uneven they could definitely walk separately. Good luck on your party! Either way remember it's your wedding, it can be however you want it to be.

I don't believe it has to be family, I have 5 (including MOH) and none of them are related by blood. I see absolutely no issue with skipping the "parties", honestly it is probably a lot less hassle anyways lol. As far as the financial part of it, really I think it is assumed when your are asked that you (parties) have to open the piggy bank.

Good luck!