Sometimes people’s feelings get hurt, and sometimes you end up with massive (or tiny!) bridal parties, but the question remains: is it better to deal with the drama of selecting your bridal party, or should you just not have one at all?

Would you forgo all of the help your bridesmaids and groomsmen offer in order to eliminate the stress of selecting them?

Does the idea of not having a bridal party make you want to rant or rave?

Photo from Manus Chau Photography

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Although the photos on this Tacky Weddings post are truly horrifying, we are wondering if you think that denim is ever acceptable attire for a wedding. Would you ever let your groomsmen wear jeans? What about your guests? Would you ever stick your dog in a get up like this one? Does denim wedding attire make you want to rant or rave?

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I have a small dilemma.  My fiance has 8 guys he wants to be in our wedding.  He is pretty set on this number and it would be bad to cut anyone out.  I, on the other hand, either have to have 5 people or go up to 9 – there is no in between as I would end up hurting some feelings if I left anyone out or only added one or two more girls.  As it stands right now, it’s looking like we’re going to have a really uneven bridal party, with 8 on his side and 5 or 9 on mine!  I know it’s silly, but this really bothers me.  Is it ok to have an uneven bridal party?  How will they walk down the aisle?

Concerned Bride

Dear Concerned Bride,

These days, it’s very common to step outside the lines of tradition (and symmetry!) and have a different number of people standing up on each side at the wedding.  There is no harm in it and no etiquette rules that argue against lopsided bridal parties.  It’s entirely up to the bride and groom to do what they want, as long as it doesn’t come at the cost of making someone feel uncomfortable in the processional, recessional, dances, etc.

There are a lot of ways to avoid making anyone feel out of place.  They are as follows:

Ceremony Processional/Recessional

• Either have everyone walk separately down the aisle, or have the men walk in pairs (2 men to every bridesmaid and then the best man and maid of honor together). You can also have the groom’s party already at the alter when the ceremony starts–this is very common.

Reception

• For introductions, introduce each person one by one instead of having them walk in pairs
• For the dances, you have a few options.  Have each member of the bridal party dance with their date or have them do some sort of group dance.  You can also fore go the dance all together and do a toast in honor of your bridal party instead!

Just remember:  Your bridal party is there to support you and be at your side through the planning process.   Adding or removing people for the sake of numbers is unnecessary.   These people are closest to you and you should make sure to have all of those special people at your side, no matter the numbers!

If you’re still feeling uncomfortable, check out this amazing tool from David’s Bridal.  You can virtually visualize your bridal party!  It’s like seeing the future!

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Show off pictures from your honeymoon and wedding in these designer frames by Umbra.

Bobbi flats from Kate Spade are stylish and comfortable and will take you from your wedding day to the honeymoon and beyond.

This salad server set from Designer Things is modern and chic. It’ll make even the most mundane activity, serving salad, an act of style.

Invite guests with Letterpress for a look of luxury! Vintage Swirls Wedding Invitation.

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Target has one that sells for $49.99 and includes things I didn’t think of, such as hairspray, static remover and clear nail polish.

With You in Mind, Inc. also makes kits from $54.95 for the groom (including things he might not think about packing ,such as cuff links and socks) and the bridal party.

Abernook also sells kits ($50) for the bride, groom and bridesmaids that can be used for the wedding day and afterward for the honeymoon. And Ready Set Bride also has a truly chic kit by Roxy for $68.

If these seem too expensive, you can always make your own kit. Check out The Knot’s article, “Planning: The Bride’s Emergency Kit” for ideas on what you’ll need.

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Then, match your bridal party gifts with this appropriately fun and wildly colorful invitation for a memorable night with the ladies!

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