To bridesmaid or not to bridesmaid?

One of the first dilemmas the Laid-Back Bride faced was the question of bridesmaids. At first, she thought she just wouldn't have attendants at all. After all, Laid-Back Bride is not big on tradition. Also, she had a problem with the idea of having to pick a few of her "favorite friends" and then force them to drop a bunch of cash on clone outfits they will never wear again, matching shoes and getting their hair did.


Then, she spoke with her wise friend Eliza, who pointed out that bridesmaids aren't necessarily your "favorite friends" at the expense of all others. "Think about it - when it's your wedding day and you're getting ready, who do you want by your side?" Eliza said. "Even if you don't have bridesmaids, you're going to want a handful of friends there to help you."


That was a compelling argument, but what really sold me was when she said that back in the olden days, bridesmaids were like armed guards who protected the bride from thieves and ne'er-do-wells as she traveled through the woods or wherever to the village of her intended. Apochryphal? Maybe, but it still sounds pretty badass. That settled it for me.

Bridesmaids? Or armed ninja assassins?

So, I'll have a few bridesmaids, but no maid of honor. Do I really need one? Naw. Do they all need to match? Pshaw. All I've done is select a color ("apple" at David's Bridal) and told them to pick whatever style looks good on them. Even better, David's Bridal has a bunch of dresses on sale for $99. As for shoes, it's an outdoor wedding, so no uncomfortable stilettos that'll sink into the ground anyway. They can wear flip-flops for all I care. Two years from now, will anyone remember what was on our feet?