This may be an unpopular opinion, but here it is anyway.
Even though it may be a longstanding tradition, predating many more modern wedding trends, the ‘Bridal Party’ as we know and love it, is seemingly headed for extinction.
Hear me out. I do have some skin in the game here. As an authorised marriage celebrant, I attend around 20-30 weddings a year. I have the privilege of being a part of a couple’s most treasured memories – and I get to learn a thing or two about wedding trends along the way.
One of those things, being the unexpected demise of the traditional ‘Bridal Party.’ Or the ‘No Bridal Party’ trend.
Seriously, I would go as far as to say that 2 out of every 5 weddings don’t have a bridal party – and to be honest, I think there’s something to it.
This, from a previously big ‘Bridal Party’ supporter:
Now I myself had 7 bridesmaids, and was admittedly a huge supporter of this long-practiced tradition. I invited my two sisters, one amazing cousin and four best friends to join me at the end of the altar. We got ready together, I gave them a colour palette to choose a dress they liked, and we had the traditional group photos that come post-ceremony, pre-reception.
I had no complaints with my choice, beside a bit of an unspoken pressure to ask certain people to be a part of my Bridal Party. I was one of the first in my friends and family to get married – and it was all a bit of a novelty! The more the merrier! YOU get a bridesmaid dress!
However, looking back, it was all just a little… unnecessary.
The traditional role of a bridesmaid was to assist the bride with tasks across the day. From holding the bouquet, to fluffing the dress, and even more assertive jobs, such as keeping any potential problems away from the bride and groom.
For me, with a whopping seven bridesmaids, I had too many ‘Chefs in the kitchen’ and no-one really knew what their role was! No-one did anything wrong – but if I had my choice again, I think I’d leave out the whole ‘Bridal Party’ trend – controversial as it may seem.
How to pull off the ‘No Bridal Party’ trend:
I think the thing to realise is that there are many pros to the ‘No Bridal Party’ trend, and if you do it well – you don’t actually lose anything. Check it out.
– Still invite key family and friends to join you to ‘get ready’ together.
– This may include you paying for their hair and make-up, but doesn’t have to.
– Still invite key people to travel to the ceremony with you.
– This makes them feel special, and gives you some company for the journey.
– The ‘No Bridal Party’ trend means that they don’t need to wear matching dresses, or walk down the aisle, or stand at the front. These things are all potential bugbears to those who are a little shy!
– If you still would like your key people to accompany you to get ready and travel to the ceremony, you can do this without paying for matching bridesmaid dresses and hair and make-up! Win win!
– The centre of the aisle is focused on the bride and groom only. It’s great for photos.
– No-one feels left out! Part of the issue with a Bridal Party is you always feel as though someone is going to feel left out if you don’t ask them. This trend negates that!
