We recently came across a question from one of our couples that really jumped out at us and thought it would be interesting to discuss. This couple asked if it would be okay to not have a bridal party at all.
This is a wedding tradition that many people have taken part in over the years. The wedding party tradition actually has historical roots dating back to ancient Rome and feudal China. “A bride would have attendants to protect her from evil spirits,” Dr. Thompson said. “By having several women who are dressed alike, the spirits, or kidnappers, wouldn’t know which person was the bride.”
I think it’s safe to say that this tradition has evolved over the years and we’re finding more and more couples choosing to opt-out.
There are plenty of reasons to have a wedding without a formal bridal party. If you’re having a more casual or laid back wedding, having trouble narrowing down who to have, or maybe you just don’t want to put the pressure on your friends to stick to the formalities, it’s totally fine to skip out on this tradition. Maybe you’re eloping or having a really small and intimate wedding with less than 50 guests and don’t find it necessary to have a full wedding party.
And maybe you don’t even have an excuse besides the fact that you want to keep it simple. There are definitely benefits to not having a wedding party that any couple can get behind.
