u/CounterproductiveWig

I'm getting married next year and haven't decided on my bridesmaids situation yet. I like some aspects of having a bridal party - getting ready the morning of together, going on a bach trip, spending time with my close friends. But dont like the idea of other stuff - me and my partner dont like the idea of a line up on each of our side standing next to us at the ceremony. I also dont like the idea of everyone wearing the exact same dress. I like having similar palette or completely mismatched dresses.

Do people do this kind of stuff? Would my bridesmaids be offended if I dont want them standing next to me at the ceremony? I personally have been a bridesmaid twice and paid for everything myself. My least favorite part was standing at the ceremony because it took soo long

Okay hear me out. We are getting married June 2027 so lots of time ahead. We locked down main stuff- venue, photo/video, DJ and currently looking at a budget of keeping it under 30K (ideally). We are also hoping to buy a house in the next year before getting married or shortly after.

Before getting engaged we used to go on big/medium trips twice a year for adventure/fun. We are very budget conscious so these trips are never too expensive. We initially thought we shouldn't go on any trips until the wedding/honeymoon considering having to save etc. However, a full year and a month feels so far away to give up everything to save. My friend lives in London UK and offered for me to visit her and stay there. I am considering going and meeting my fiance in azores after for a short vacation.

Is this irresponsible? I can't stop feeling guilty but at the same time we are only young and child-free for so long until traveling will become much more difficult. Currently I have lots of vacation time at work

We dont have any other trips planned - i.e not going to any bach/Bachelorette parties in the next year. My friends got married during covid so they couldn't really travel before wedding.