Should You Have a Wedding Party?

Many things about weddings have long been taken for granted: the bride in a white dress, a ceremony and a reception, a Champagne toast and plenty of dancing. It’s also generally assumed the couple will have a wedding party of close friends and family who stand next to them as they exchange their vows.

But is it really necessary to have a wedding party at all? While there are upsides to this tradition — it’s a great way to include your friends in the celebration, you’ll have some designated helpers to whom you can assign tasks — there are several reasons to consider dropping this tradition altogether.

By not having a wedding party, you’re simplifying things significantly. You won’t have to break any hearts by leaving someone out of the party. You won’t have to decide colors and dresses for your bridesmaids. You won’t need to decide who walks down the aisle with whom, and you will simplify the rehearsal process by eliminating the number of people involved.

Ultimately, your wedding is about you. If you need help on the big day, assign some tasks to close friends, who are probably happy to help even if there’s not a designated wedding party. Chances are your day will be much more streamlined — and still tons of fun.