How to not feel awkward about no bridesmaids?

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.

Just tell people you want to keep your wedding informal and relaxed.

I didn't have any bridesmaids and I got my regular hairdresser to do my hair. There's no law that says you have to have half a dozen attendants or a super-fancy hairdo to get married, so you do you!

View quoted message Thanks, this is actually what we are going for with a more relaxed approach (a late afternoon ceremony and buffet instead of a sit down meal). I respect people’s choices but didn’t want a kind of forced hierarchy in the guest list.

View quoted message Thanks for sharing, it’s good to hear people’s own experiences! My partner is having a kind of informal groomsmen party which I don’t mind too much. He’s much more relaxed about than me haha. But as you said, do what you are most comfortable with!

Not having bridesmaids is completely fine! Focus on what feels right for you and your wedding. You can still involve close friends or family in other ways, like helping with planning or giving speeches. Remember, your day is about celebrating your love, not following traditions. Stay confident in your choice!

Not having bridesmaids is perfectly okay and doesn’t have to feel awkward. Focus on what feels right for you and your wedding. You can celebrate with close friends or family in other meaningful ways, like asking someone to do a reading or share a special moment. Remember, it’s your day, and the people who truly matter will support your decision. Keep the focus on what makes you happiest, and the rest will follow naturally.

I hope you can feel better about having no bridesmaids. I think it's completely normal. Ive just beens to a small outdoor wedding where there were no bridesmaids and I don't think it crossed anyones mind to ask why!

If anyone is strange enough to ask, just say you wanted to keep things low key and infomal.

View quoted message That’s good to know! Yeah it’s our day so guess I just need to remember that, don’t need to do everything a traditional way.