It's one of the oldest (and most well-loved) wedding traditions.
The idea of bridesmaids and groomsmen stems from Ancient Roman weddings, where the
bridesmaids and bride would all dress the same in an effort to ward off any evil spirits.
But when my fiancé and I began starting to plan out our wedding day, one of the first things to get "axed" was the idea of a bridal party.
Since both of us are only children, there was never the sense of 'obligation' to pick siblings to be up there with us - and we want our friends to relax at the wedding, not be worrying about the smaller details.
My fiancé Sam and I know that when it comes time for things like planning out the hen and stag; decorating the venues; or simply venting out wedding-planning stress, our friends and family will still be there for us - even if they haven't got a bridesmaid sash or groomsman boutonniere.
Combined with the fact that we've got an increasing number of friends moving to various areas across the globe (or who are already living there), the list of who was actually going to be here for the run-up to the wedding was getting smaller and smaller.
While I do love the idea of bridal-related shopping trips, dress fittings and gin-filled afternoon teas to plan out the details - it's just not really a possibility.
The most important reason why I'm happy we're not going for a bridal party, though, is because we want a laid back and as stress-free-as-possible wedding.
And although we're going to be keeping some 'big' traditions, the idea of making our friends stand in a row, in near-identical outfits just seemed like the total opposite of that.
Keeley and Sam are saying 'I do,' in May 2019. And with a year to go, this bride-to-be admits she's still learning the ropes. In the run-up to her Big Day, Keeley will be writing a weekly blog about all things wedding-related... from the start of planning, to walking down the aisle.
