Photo by Chymo & More Photography

Bridesmaids are such a special part of the wedding, to us, but at the end of the day, as long as a bride has her favorite people present (and paying attention) on the day she says ‘I do,’ that’s all that matters. We needed to say that first, because these days, bridesmaids and bridal parties don’t have to stick to any rules. The couple gets to decide who of their closest friends, family members, colleagues, etc. will be intimately involved in their wedding, how and when they’re asked, what they’ll wear, and what they’ll be responsible for on the big day and all that comes before.

The Truths

Truth #1

During ancient Roman times, yes, 10 witnesses were required to make the marriage officially sanctioned. Of course, that number is pretty arbitrary nowadays; brides can have as many or as little maids as they’d like - witnesses (plural) are still customary for marriage in every state, but if a bride opts not to have bridesmaids or a even a single Maid/Matron of Honor, that’s totally okay! Witnesses can be parents, siblings, friends: whoever is entrusted with the privilege of watching the couple sign their marriage certificate (and potentially even when the couple applies for their marriage license) just needs to show up and be supportive of the seriously-special occasion.