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Beginner October 2025 Central & Glasgow

How to not feel awkward about no bridesmaids?

Deborah, 24 November, 2024 at 12:26 Posted on Etiquette and Advice 0 1

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I don’t have sisters, no close female cousins and while I do have female friends none that I would say are the bridesmaid type. I will have my guy best friend as my witness/best person (if that’s a thing) and my partner is struggling to pick a witness/best man but will have his friends as informal groomsmen.

I’d feel ok with this except I’m dreading the questions of why I’m not having bridesmaids and there’s limited choices for hair and makeup if you’re not ordering it for 4-5 people minimum. I do feel slightly judged for my choice and the whole traditional “bride-female friends, groom-male friends” thing. I wouldn’t mind if I had a close circle of girlfriends but it does seem like a lot to organise. I’m quite a socially anxious person (also hard of hearing which doesn’t help) so I’d like to keep our wedding fairly informal and relaxed if we can. What should I say to anyone who asks why there’s no bridesmaids?

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Latest activity by Emily, today at 14:04

Beginner July 2026 Monmouthshire
Emily · Today at 14:04
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I don't intend to have Bridesmaids and my partner won't have groomsmen. We are planning a small wedding with only 35 guests who are close friends/family, so it seems to me if some of them were the bridal party there wouldn't be a lot actually watching the ceremony.

My partner is uncomfortable with the whole weddings with speeches and everyone looking at you and I work a social job so if we were to go bigger it would be a lot more my side then his, hence the compromise on the number of guests. I honestly don't think anyone will question no bridesmaids if it's a more relaxed wedding, I have considered just dropping by my usual hairdressers to get my hair done though because as you said, it seems a lot when it's just yourself.
I think it can be easy to get caught up in the norm and not have what you potentially actually want, but really on the day I'm sure no one will care and they will know they are part of your close circle which is lovely as it makes everyone a little more equal and avoids any awkward decisions on who should and shouldn't be bridal party etc. just do what you feel more comfortable with.
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