We remember the times before 2020 when having a bridal party was seen as one of the biggest trends to honor the friendship during the bride’s big day. Enter 2021, and we saw a dramatic shift from massive guest-list weddings to more personalized ones. With that, if you are pondering over the idea that whether you should have one or ditch, evaluate the pros and cons below that will help you make your decision.
What’s A Bridal Party?
Picture Courtesy: @chazcruz
A Wedding Party is your squad of people who will stand by you on your big day. This means handling the responsibilities to make sure everything is in place. These things include helping you make complicated decisions during the ceremony, handling difficult family members and of course the fun part such as getting ready pictures and a fun-filled bachelorette party.
Pros of Having No Bridal Party
Increased Budget
If you’re trying to manage your wedding budget, then choosing to have no bridal party might make sense. Although the bridal party is responsible for paying for their own wedding day attire, there are other costs to consider. Gifts, bouquets, and hair and makeup are usually paid for by the couple.
Everyone’s Equal
Some people find it very difficult to pick their closest friends or family members to stand by their side. So, if you and your partner are struggling to find the same number of people, or are going back and forth on who to pick, no wedding party is a good solution. The great thing about not having a wedding party is you can still involve your friends in the planning process without making others feel less special or left out. Choosing to have no bridal party saves your friends and family members from getting their feelings hurt.
Less Tension
People will have a lot of opinions when it comes to the planning of your wedding. Bridal parties are no exception. You might also get along with your friends separately but when they are put together, they may not all see eye to eye. Choosing to have no bridal party might save you from potential drama. Plus, you won’t have to navigate differences of opinion happening as often while you plan your wedding.
Picture Courtesy: @adrienneandamberphotography
Cons of Having No Bridal Party
No Moral Support
It can be a great reassurance to have some of your closest friends and family with you from start to finish when planning your wedding. Having your best friend help plan a bachelorette party, or having someone to lean on when you talk to your parents about decisions can be helpful. Often a bridal party has clearly defined roles that can help keep things organized. So, if you are opting to have no bridal party, you might be missing out on having that extra emotional and hands-on support.
You Will Miss Out On Bridesmaid And Her Duties
There is a tradition for the wedding party to hold the rings and any bouquets during the ceremony. If you break with the bridal party tradition, you won’t have someone there to hold your bouquet or your rings. You can always ask that the officiant hold the rings, and you can hand your bouquet to a guest in the front row. These are things to keep in mind if you decide not to have a wedding party.
No Getting-Ready Pictures
Most brides enjoy getting ready with their bridal party. Some of our favorite shots from weddings are often the bridal party dancing the morning of the wedding in their robes—champagne in hand. There’s something electric about spending your final hours unmarried with your best friends that really adds to the joy and excitement of the day. If you do choose to not have a bridal party, you’ll lose out on that experience.
Picture Courtesy: @reelsandframes
Conclusion
To have or not to have, it’s really a personal choice. Whatever you choose, make sure you are 100% on board with it that will not make you regret it later.
Feature Image Credit: @aliceallenevents
