bridesmaids avaThere are so many myths surrounding a wedding. They dictate what we do and how we do it, but basically, a lot of them are nonsense. Today, we’re talking about the wedding party myths. For example, the gender and age of your bridesmaids and male groomsmen, their outfits, costly wedding party gifts, and so on. Remember that tradition is tradition but every wedding is unique, so you’re free to do whatever you like at your wedding because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t ruin your big day by following non-existing or ridiculous rules.


Myth #1

Female bridesmaids and male groomsmen only

Most people believe that a bride must have only girl-friends – her bridesmaids – supporting her on her happy day. And vice versa, a groom invites his male friends to be his groomsmen. But what if you have close friends of different genders? Can the couple have a mixed crowd as their wedding party? Absolutely! Both on the bride’s side and on the groom’s side, there can be male and female friends who help you get ready for the ceremony and celebrate with you.

Just as well, you can have a best woman and a man of honor. It’s totally fine. Only you decide who is that closest person you want to stand by you on this special day. So, tradition is tradition but the world isn’t static, we often change some old traditions to suit our needs today.


Myth #2

Your bridal party has to be of your age

That’s ridiculous! If you want to invite your granny or your teenage sister to be your bridesmaid, do it. That’s so cute. Wouldn’t it be adorable to have your granny acting as a flower girl if she wants to? Anyway, there is no strict rule that you must have only people around your age to stand alongside you at the wedding ceremony. Every family is unique, so don’t exclude your beloved relatives from the party only because they’re not the same age as you are.


Myth #3

Wedding party outfits absolutely have to match

Traditionally, most couples want their bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear matching clothing. But it’s not always so great. Just remember all those movies where bridesmaids hated their dresses because they didn’t suit their body (not always you can choose a style and silhouette that is good for everybody). Or the members of your bridal party can have a problem with paying for their expensive outfits. So, there is a compromise – you can establish the color or general style but let your bridesmaids and groomsmen buy whatever they can afford and want to wear. Also, a lot of weddings these days show mismatched costumes of the wedding party, and it can look fine. If you’re still not sure, search Pinterest for such wedding photos.


Myth #4

Equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen

This is often a concern for couples. When they invite friends to be their bridesmaids and groomsmen – or bridesmen and groomswomen, or whatever you call them – they try to even the numbers so that there were as many people from the bride’s side as from the groom’s side. But what if one of you has more friends? Or if more friends from one side can attend the wedding (with pandemic and canceled flights it may easily happen)? Don’t worry about it! The number of people standing by you at the altar doesn’t have to be equal. No one will think bad of you if you invite fewer friends than your loved one. And wedding photos won’t be ruined if the numbers differ. Again, every wedding is unique and you may choose as many friends as you want for your wedding party.

By the way, bear in mind that too many people in the wedding party isn’t good as well. They might not physically fit at the altar with you or the whole scene will be too crowded and the wedding guests won’t be able to see the bride and groom. So, before inviting all of your close friends to become your bridesmaids and groomsmen, count the numbers.


Myth #5

People who aren’t in the wedding party aren’t important

That’s totally not true. You can’t make all your wedding guests bridesmaids and groomsmen. And it’s great because someone just wants to comfortably sit and observe the ceremony. If you don’t ask your friends to be in your wedding party, it doesn’t mean they will feel left out or offended. You can let them feel important in other ways. But at the same time, don’t think out a task they can do to feel special. Maybe your guests want just to relax and be happy for you, without thinking the whole day about doing the job you assigned to them. In any case, you know your friends and relatives well, so you can usually predict who might feel forgotten and who won’t care. For some people, it’s enough if you talk to them and explain why you didn’t ask them to be a part of your wedding party.


Myth #6

You have to prepare a costly gift for your wedding party members

No, you don’t. Now, it’s a trend to give small presents to all wedding party members and you can do it if you want to, but it’s only up to you. These gifts don’t have to be super fancy and expensive. If you’re tight on your budget but still want your close friends to have some memorabilia from the wedding, think about a DIY gift or a bottle of wine or some little and not very expensive thing. Most people won’t talk behind your back that your gift wasn’t good enough, and those who will – do you really treasure such people’s opinion?! It’s fine even if you don’t prepare any wedding party gifts at all.

Though, if you consider that you absolutely have to have wedding party gifts, you’re free to choose them in our Craft Wedding Gifts Shop.

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