5 Reasons You Don't Need a Bridal Party

I have to admit, those cute "will you be my bridesmaid" invitations on Pinterest and Etsy are just the kind of thing I'd like to receive. But don't expect me to send one anytime soon: I'm not having a bridal party at my wedding.

You must be thinking, "does this bride-to-be have no friends?" Quite the opposite! I have several close girlfriends whose weddings I have attended stood-up in; I actually liked being a bridesmaid! Much to my mom's dismay, my fiancée and I are deliberately leaving "bridal party" off our wedding checklist. We're keeping the guest list intentionally small (60 people). If we each chose 5 people each to stand up with us, there would be 13 people (including us & our officiant) standing up there. That's 20% of the guests!

Here are 5 reasons to skip the bridal party:

1. It's all about you
Sounds selfish, but at the end of the day, the people in attendance are there to see the bride & groom - not your friends! If your wedding program includes a detailed biography of who's who, it might be time to reconsider!

2. Everyone saves money
According to CNN, the average bridesmaid spends $1,700. They'll get to wear whatever dress or suit they want, without forking over cash for something they won't wear again. You'll save money, too! Instead of spending $100 per bridesmaid bouquet and $25 per groomsmen boutonniere for each would-be attendant, stick that extra cash into an open bar, photo booth or other enjoyable activity. I think your friends will thank you!

3. No hurt feelings
It's inevitable; when choosing your bridal party, you're gonna have some hurt feelings. Sister-in-law, cousin, sister, groom's sister, best friend, childhood friend -- they can't ALL be in your wedding. By leaving everyone out, nobody gets offended. Or maybe everyone gets offended...depends on how you look at it!

4. Your friends and fam will still be there on your big day
Just because they don't have a specific duty, doesn't mean they can't (or won't) help out! Your girls will still be excited without the "bridesmaid" title. From crafting marathons to dress shopping, planning the bachelorette party to signing the marriage certificate, they will be there for all the planning and partying.

5. Skip the drama
You won't have to worry about issues between the best man and maid-of honor, dress fitting meltdowns, or even a drunk or missing member of the group! There's also no need to have their dates stare longingly at the head table while they make awkward conversation with each other. "So, you're the best man's wife, right…?"

Whether your best friends are standing next to you or sitting in front of you, you'll be surrounded by the people you love most (and love you back)! What could be better than that?

Married ladies: If you could do it all again, would you still choose your same bridal party?

Single gals: What's your bridesmaid horror story?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!